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The Cumberland County Historical Society, founded in 1874, is dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting the rich history of Cumberland County. The Society maintains a library, archives, museum and lecture hall on North Pitt Street in downtown Carlisle and the Two Mile House in South Middleton Township. The CCHS has over 37,000 visitors annually, over 1,500 members and 220 volunteers.
As a multi-faceted organization, we are engaged in a variety of activities such as:

Educational Programs
For the past 25 years, the Cumberland County Historical Society has offered a popular, innovative hands-on educational experience to the county school districts. Using authentic material culture, the programs bring history alive and offer a significant local resource for teachers and students. The program is a catalyst for interdisciplinary study and meeting curriculum goals. Much effort has been done to align our teaching with state and national learning standards. Over 22,000 students are served each year. Offerings include field trips, walking tours, classroom visits, history camps, History Day mentoring and family oriented events. For teachers we offer workshops, in-services and programs approved for teachers' credits.

Museum
The award-winning museum galleries provide visitors with a glimpse of early life and crafts. Visitors see furniture, silver, tools, redware, pottery, ironware, painted plank-bottom chairs, tall-case clocks. samplers, coverlets, and paintings produced by local artisans. Particularly noteworthy are the Schimmel and Mountz woodcarvings and the materials from the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. The museum is free to the public.

Library
The library contains books, pamphlets, city directories, maps, tax lists, county records, newspapers, census records, genealogical materials, and manuscripts embracing all aspects of county history. Approximately 500,000 photographs add an important visual element to the collection. The Society's manuscript collection is the 6th largest manuscript collection in Pennsylvania.

Programs
Gallery talks, educational forums, out-reach lectures, teacher in-services, volunteer workshops, walking tours and family-oriented programs plus monthly evening programs are offered throughout the year.

Publications
Publishing has been a hallmark of the Society since its founding. In addition, we offer the membership an award-winning history journal and newsletters annually.

History on High The Shop
In 2008, the CCHS opened History on High The Shop, at 33 West High Street. The award-winning shop offers history related items, books, photographs, notecards, local souvenir items, jewelry, crafts and art by local artists and much more. For more information, click on the History on High navigation button.

Two Mile House
The CCHS also owns and operates the Two Mile House, a property on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the site of the annual McLain Celtic Festival.