Research at HSCC

LIBRARY HOURS FOR 2008
Tuesday - Friday	9:30 - 12:30; 1:00 - 4:00
Saturday	9:00 - 12:00
Sunday and Monday	Closed
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS FOR 2008
New Year's	January 1
Easter	March 21 -22
Memorial Day	May 24
Independence Day	July 4 - 5
Labor Day	August 30
Thanksgiving	November 27 - 29
Christmas	December 23 - January 3, 1009
RESEARCH LIBRARY USER FEES
HSCC member	Free
Non-member	Tuesday - Friday - $5.00 per day
	Saturday - $4.00

INTRODUCTION

Since the organization of the Historical Society in 1939, generous donors have helped HSCC gather and preserve many records, documents, pamphlets, clippings, pictures and books relating to the history of Carroll County. The purpose of this collection is to promote the research and study of Carroll County history. Articles written by HSCC for The Baltimore Sun and The Carroll County Times highlight moments in Carroll County History. Unique collections such as the Dr. Arthur Tracey Papers (which includes drawings, surveyors' books, maps and file cards for eighteenth century Western Maryland land tracts and families) and the Basil Crapster papers (which chronicle Taneytown history) can aid researchers interested in the history of their Carroll ancestors.

Following are collection descriptions and availability. Go to the On-line Resources page for guides to several of the library collections.

GENERAL RESEARCH
The public uses the library for a wide range of research topics. Visitors come expressing an interest in subjects such as grist mills, abandoned towns, Civil War history, one-room schools and oldest trees in the county -- the list is endless.

GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH
A wealth of useful information is available for the visitor interested in family history and local genealogical research.

MANUSCRIPT COLLECTION
Primary documents such as journals, ledgers, maps, scrapbooks, family papers are stored in the Manuscript Room. Manuscripts are available on Tuesday – Friday (9:30 - 4:00). An appointment with the Director of Museum and Library is required for access to any materials in the Manuscript Collection.

NEWSPAPERS
The Historical Society owns an extensive collection of local newspapers, including the most complete set of The Democratic Advocate (1842-1972). Other major collections include: The Carrolltonian (18331844), Union Bridge Pilot (1899-1972), American Sentinel (1855-1928) and Carroll County Times (1911-1973).

PHOTOGRAPHS
An extensive collection of photographs is organized by subject (i.e. Architecture, Westminster Businesses) and by family name. Photographs are available on Tuesday – Friday (9:30 - 4:00). An appointment with the Director of Museum and Library is required for access to any materials in the Photograph Collection.

SCHOLARLY RESEARCH
The Historical Society encourages the use of its collections for research in the preparation of academic and scholarly publications.

SPECIAL TOPICS
The library maintains reading materials on special topics relevant to local history. There are general texts and local reports on archaeology; files on the history of local churches; duplicate materials compiled by the Maryland Historical Trust on the architecture of Carroll County; and sources to aid the home-owner engaged in restoration projects.

THE ARTHUR G. TRACEY COLLECTION
The Historical Society has the privilege of owning a unique collection of research materials including file cards, drawings, surveyors' books and maps of early land patents and settlement patterns in Western Maryland (Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties). This collection represents the lifetime work of Dr. Arthur G. Tracey and Dr. Grace Tracey. Pioneers of Old Monocacy is one publication that was produced from these research materials.

The online resources can aid you in planning your research before visiting the HSCC Library. While HSCC encourages researchers to visit the to conduct their research, HSCC offers research services for a fee for patrons who are unable to visit the Library.