WHO WE ARE
Mission Statement:
The object of the Franklin County Historical Society - Kittochtinny shall be to foster increased knowledge of the history of Franklin County and the Cumberland Valley through a museum and genealogy library, to publish papers of the corporation at irregular intervals, to oversee property and assets received, and to promote preservation of historic sites.
Please visit the FCHS Online Gift Shop. We have over 500 items for sale: new and used books, old newspapers, etc.
MEMBERS ONLY
Crossed Keys Newsletter and free subscription to Franklin County's version of Newspapers.com
CURRENT NEWS
What's New At FCHS

VOLUNTEERS WANTED 717-264-1667
We have something for everyone! Docents (Tour Guides), Librarians, Data Entry, Transcribers and more.
Please visit Upcoming Bus Tours
<< Click Here
HOURS OF OPERATION
Museum tours and Genealogy Library are open November through April. (Thursday to Saturday 10am to 4pm) and May through October (Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 4pm). Please note that the last tour must start by 3pm.
Group tours by appointment. Groups larger than 8 should call into the Society to see if a docent will be available.
.png)
The vision of the project is "To engage all Americans in what will be the largest and most inclusive celebration and commemoration in our nation’s history…”.
Click "250" to view video about America 250 Celebration!!!!




To move to next picture before timer, just click right arrow by picture
CONTACT US
** Donations **
To Donate: Click on FCHS Gift Shop above. Scroll down on the store page and then click on Donations. Find the amount you wish to donate to FCHS-K. Again Thank You!
-
Do I have to wear a mask when visiting the Old Jail or Franklin County Historical Society?If you have not been vaccinated, yes you must wear a mask. If you are a school student then you must also wear a mask.
-
Do you allow paranormal investigations at the Old Jail?Yes but we do charge a fee to cover our expenes. Please contact Neil Rensch at nbhrensch@comcast.net for more information.
-
Can I volunteer at the Franklin County Historical Society and not be a member?No, you must be a member in good standing. The one exception is when an event is held for fundraising and volunteers are needed for the event and a request goes out to the public for volunteers. Example: "Haunted Jail" and "Escape the Jail" events.
-
How do I become a member of Franklin County Historical Society?You may come into the physical building and complete a form and make payment OR you can click on the top right side of our main page ands then click on Join Us/Renewal. Just follow instructions and pay online for your membership. www.franklinhistorical.org/join-us
-
What do I get if I join the Franklin County Historical Society?At a minimum, you get unlimited free admission to Old Jail, John Brown house and Brown's Mill School when it is open; Unlimited use of the research library; Discount on FCHS bus tours; Subscription to Cross-Keys bi-monthly newsletter; Copy of the FCHS-Kittochtinny Annual Journal; 10% discount in physical gift shop and online store; 10% discount on tickets for FCHS events when specified; Access to Members-Only website (free access to newspapers.com for Franklin County area)
-
Where can I park when I visit Franklin County Historical Society?Park in the lot to the left of the Old Jail or large parking lot at Coyle Free library (located to left of the Old Jail) both walking distance to FCHS.
-
Can I use Contact Us for research questions?No, We prefer that you use the Library/Research dropdown on the main page and then click Genealogy Services button. Click here.
175 East King Street
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone 717-264-1667
Please DO NOT use "CONTACT US" for any research requests. Click this link - Genealogy Requests