E.M. "Jack" and Jean Parker Archives
The Jefferson County Historical Society has completed the renovation of the former Blews Hall into the new Parker Archives, as well as the momentous moving of our collections from our former archives buildings on Jefferson Street.
This endeavor allowed us to consolidate all of our collections and archives, plus the Jefferson County Courthouse Record Books from the multiple locations where they were housed, into one all-inclusive facility. This is a phenomenal achievement for the Society and benefits ALL Jefferson County residents, as the rehousing allows greater access to those wishing to do research.
The new Parker Archives provides 6,100 square feet of secure and climate controlled space, more than doubling the capacity of our two former archive buildings. A collections care area allows adequate preparation for cleaning and storing items upon intake. This area, which doubles as office space, is now equipped with computers, scanners, and photo stations, along with equipment for cleaning and proper archival storage containers.
Additionally, we now have a larger space to assemble exhibits, and there is workspace available for researchers. The public can access the County Records Books that we currently store for the Jefferson County Courthouse, and much more. Other County Records will be made available as we transfer record books from the Prothonotary’s Office to the new archives.
Jefferson County Archives and Courthouse Records
JCHS, as the official designated County Historical Society, is the guardian of Jefferson County’s Archives. What does this mean? We hold and protect the County Record Books, including Courthouse Records, Tax Record Books, Land Sale Books and Naturalization Books (dating back to the 1800s). Other materials include diaries, letters, photographs, yearbooks, and maps. Transcripts from a court trial, what business occupied a specific building in the 19th century, and panoramic group photos of schoolhouse classmates or businesses and their employees are just a few examples.
Visiting researchers are welcome by appointment. Our Collections Staff can pull the desired archive materials for your research.
Please contact JCHC at 814-849-0077 to set an appointment.
Business Archives
Many businesses utilize our archive facilities to store their records, artifacts, and history and to conduct research on their business’s past. Brookville Equipment utilized our facilities to research old newspaper articles, photographs, and documents to create a book focusing on the history of their business for marketing purposes. An original early 1900s armoire from A.D. Deemer Furniture of Brookville is in our storage. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps are on file for anyone interested in researching towns, roads, and businesses in the 19th century. We also have a cadre of photos recording the ever-changing Main Street of our communities and evolution of businesses around the county.
County Records, Business Archives, and Family Heirlooms make up a large part of our collections. These items of historical value are exciting as they tell a story. Your story.
Contributors
Please join us and show appreciation to the following generous contributors. None of our efforts would be possible without support from the community!
PATRON SAINT: $10,000+
- Jean Parker in Memory of E.M. “Jack” Parker
- Corbin Family: Eileen Corbin Drust Family in Memory of H. Corbin
- Wilma Gilstrap Charitable Foundation
- Eric Templeton in Memory of the Templeton Family
GOLD: $5000+
- Carole Briggs
SILVER: $1000+
Businesses:
- Brockway Veterinary Clinic
- Gary & Sons
- Laurel Eye
- Laurel Laser & Surgery Center
Individuals:
- Mark Lussky
BRONZE: $500-$1000
Businesses:
Individuals:
- Larry Anthony in Memory of Connie Burns
- Eric & Brenda Armstrong
- Ken & Cheryl Burkett
- Betty Elza
- Kat Lyons in Memory of Earl & Ila (Perrin) Lyons
- Arlene Rampson
- James Sterrett
HONORABLE OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS: Up to $500
Business & Non-Profits
- Corsica Borough
- Matson Insurance
- McMullen-Snyder American Legion Post #392
- Miller and Sons Landscaping
- Wayne Road Storage
Individuals:
- Memory of the Roll Family, Brookville
- Dale Adam
- Brian M Ames
- Dwayne & Kathleen Brooks
- Kay Buffington
- Tim & Colleen Cooney
- Donald & Kimberly Demor
- Jim Farley
- Carol Hollobaugh
- Thomas & Virginia Lesher
- Jack Neale
- Douglas Powell
- Kathy Reimer
- Wendy Reynolds
- Samuel & Adrianna Rubino
- Doug Scott
- Bruce Taylor
- David & Becky Yates