Blair County Historical Society preserves, promotes, and interprets the history of Blair County, Pennsylvania, and maintains the museum in Baker Mansion.
The Blair County Historical Society maintains a research library and archives on the third floor of Baker Mansion. Materials include local newspapers dating from 1836 through the 1970's, Altoona City Directories from 1870, Blair County marriage records rom 1885 to 1979, various Civil War regimental histories and GAR records, documents concerning the Allegheny Portage Railroad, extensive records of the Alleghany Furnace and Elias Baker family businesses, some other business and family papers, over 3,000 books and 30 file boxes of photographs, dating mostly from the 1890's through the 1930's.
The library and archives are open during Baker Mansion's regular hours, Tuesday through Sunday, 1 - 4:30 p.m., between Memorial Day and Labor Day. They are also open Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon during the winter. Access is free to members of the Blair County Historical Society. Non-members are charged $3.00 for using the library.
Materials do not circulate and must be used on-site. The Society will undertake limited research for a $15 donation per hour of research, plus thirty cents per photocopy. Research requests should be made in writing or by e-mail and include as much detail as possible.
The Society issues a quarterly newsletter called The Mansion to its members. It contains articles of historical interest and news of society activities.
Altoona, PA 16602
Museums or Landmarks
