If you are looking for something to do in Carlisle or Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, consider visiting the Cumberland County Historical Society (CCHS) in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 

Count on spending at least half a day to explore the entirety of the permanent galleries in the free museum or, if you only have a few minutes, spend some time in our focused galleries including the Carlisle Indian School, folk art (including Wilhelm Schimmel), military history from before the Revolutionary War to modern times, industry, and more. Tours are self-guided and photographs are allowed!

The Archives and Library at CCHS is the perfect place to spend the day for any genealogist, local historian, scholar, or student. The library is a closed stack, archival library and contains an extensive collection of original documents and manuscripts as well as over 40,000 published volumes. The library is located in CCHS’ main building on 21 N. Pitt Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

CCHS also holds a number of free or low-cost events, so check out our list of upcoming events.

Cumberland County Historical Society Public Hours

*The Archives, and Library are open by appointment. Walks-in welcome on the first Saturday of the month. Sign up here.

Museum
21 N. Pitt Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday – November 1st – April 14th – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday – April 15th – October 31st – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

History on High – The Shop & Cumberland Valley Visitors Center
33 W. High Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Two Mile House
1189 Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle PA, 17015
Open year-round by appointment for tours and special events

Please mail all requests to CCHS, 21 N. Pitt Street Carlisle, PA 17013

CCHS can be reached at 717-249-7610

To connect with staff directly click here or for general inquiries email us at info@historicalsociety.com

Upcoming Closings:

The Historical Society and History on High – The Shop will be closing early or for the entire day on the following days:
Friday, January 19, 2023 – CCHS Golf Classic
Monday, May 29, 2023 – Memorial Day
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 – Independence Day
Monday, September 4, 2023 – Labor Day
November 23 – 24, 2023 – Thanksgiving
December 23 – 26, 2023 – Christmas

Cost

Our museum and galleries are all free and open to the public. No membership is required to visit. 

Non-CCHS members will need to pay a $5.00 per person fee to use the Archives and Library, but patrons can also sign up for a membership here. We ask that all patrons pay our photocopy fees and camera fee regardless of membership status. Additional questions may be answered in our FAQ.

Directions to the Cumberland County Historical Society (21 N. Pitt Carlisle, PA 17013):

From I-76 (Turnpike):

  • Take Exit 226 South to Carlisle.
  • Make a right at bottom of exit ramp.
  • At 9th traffic light turn right on High Street.
  • Go one block and turn right on North Pitt Street – red brick building on right hand side.
  • To park: Go beyond building to alley, make a right, and then a right into lot behind building. Parking spots are labeled for CCHS Parking

From I-81 Northbound reflecting new Interstate exit numbers:

  • Take Exit 47 W (Hanover Street) north to Carlisle.
  • At 5th traffic light turn left on High Street.
  • Go one block and turn right on North Pitt Street – red brick building on right hand side.
  • To park: Go beyond building to alley, make a right, and then a right into lot behind building. Parking spots are labeled for CCHS Parking

From I-81 Southbound:

  • Take Exit 49 – High Street.
  • Stay to right at bottom of exit ramp.
  • At 7th traffic light turn right on North Pitt Street – red brick building on right hand side.
  • To park: Go beyond building to alley, make a right, and then a right into lot behind building. Parking spots are labeled for CCHS Parking

From Rt. 34 Southbound (from Perry County):

  • After passing Masland Carpets on the right and crossing the railroad tracks and staying towards the right onto North Hanover Street,
  • At third traffic light, turn right on West High Street,
  • Take next right on North Pitt Street – red brick building on right hand side.
  • To park: Go beyond building to alley, make a right, and then a right into lot behind building. Parking spots are labeled for CCHS Parking

From Rt. 34 Northbound (from Mt. Holly,
Gettysburg, York Springs):

  • After going under the I-81 overpass, at the 5th traffic light turn left on West High Street.
  • Take the next right to North Pitt Street – red brick building on right hand side.
  • To park: Go beyond building to alley, make a right, and then a right into lot behind building. Parking spots are labeled for CCHS Parking

From Rt. 641 (Newville Road):

  • Make a right under the railroad overpass.
  • Make a left at light to West High Street.
  • At 5th traffic light make a left on North Pitt Street – red brick building on right hand side.
  • To park: Go beyond building to alley, make a right, and then a right into lot behind building. Parking spots are labeled for CCHS Parking

From Rt. 11 Eastbound – Shippensburg, Chambersburg
(Carlisle or Ritner Pike or Molly Pitcher Highway):

  • After passing where Rt. 641 comes into Rt. 11,
  • Proceed on West High Street and at 5th traffic light.
  • Make a left on North Pitt Street – red brick building on right hand side.
  • To park: Go beyond building to alley, make a right, and then a right into lot behind building. Parking spots are labeled for CCHS Parking

From Rt. 641 Westbound (from Mechanicsburg):

  • After going under the I-81 overpass,
  • At 7th traffic light turn right on North Pitt Street – red brick building on right hand side.
  • To park: Go beyond building to alley, make a right, and then a right into lot behind building. Parking spots are labeled for CCHS Parking

From Rt. 74 (Boiling Springs and Allenberry):

  • Take Forge Road or Rt. 74 North towards Carlisle.
  • After going under the I-81 overpass you are on Old York Rd.
  • Continue to light at “T” and make a left to East High Street.
  • At 6th traffic light make a right on North Pitt Street – red brick building on right hand side.
  • To park: Go beyond building to alley, make a right, and then a right into lot behind building. Parking spots are labeled for CCHS Parking

From Rt. 74 Southbound (Waggoners’ Gap):

  • At “T” in road make a right.
  • Continue to West High Street, make a left.
  • At 2nd traffic light turn left on North Pitt Street – red brick building on right hand side.
  • To park: Go beyond building to alley, make a right, and then a right into lot behind building. Parking spots are labeled for CCHS Parking

Directions to the Two Mile House (1189 Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle PA, 17015)
Easy access from Route 81

  • If heading South on Route 81 take exit 45, turn left; if heading North take exit 45 and turn right.
    Proceed on Walnut Bottom Road