Visit the E&R Library & Archives
You are welcome to visit the E&R Library & Archives to conduct genealogical and historical research.
The E&R Library & Archives is open to researchers and visitors Monday – Thursday from 9:00am – 4:00pm. Please contact the ERLA staff by calling 717-290-8734 or by emailing us HERE to confirm your visit.
When you arrive, you should check in with the staff member working at the reference desk and sign a Patron Registration Form. The reading room policies outlined on the Patron Registration Form are in place to protect the collection and to provide the best environment for all of our visitors.
Research Services
If you are unable to visit us in person in Lancaster, PA, or St. Louis, MO, ERLA staff can perform genealogical or general historical research. The fee is $35 an hour with a one hour minimum. Pre-payment of the research fee is required. Fees are non-refundable. Additional fees can be found by clicking HERE. Please fill out either the Genealogical Research Request Form or the General Research Request Form with details of your search request, and a staff member will contact you as soon as possible.
Please note: Our research sources are original and transcribed church records; our research is most fruitful when you know the church, or at least have a specific location and year.
We do not have a complete list of all baptisms, marriages, and deaths. We will refer you to other sources when appropriate.
Statement on Archival Content and Description
Statement on Content
The E&R Library & Archives contains records, archival collections and published materials that are historical in nature and cover a large range of dates, subject matter, and viewpoints. These items may include text and/or images that are products of the time and society in which they were created. Some materials within our collections, including the language used to describe them, may contain language or images that users find inappropriate, deeply offensive, or harmful.
The E&R Library & Archives does not endorse the views expressed in these materials, which are inconsistent with our commitment to creating an inclusive, open and accessible community.
Historical items are retained, as they originally existed to preserve the integrity of the historical record, transparency, and research. They provide evidence and context for understanding and examining history and to foster accountability for the actions and decisions of the records creator. By providing access to these materials, library archives enable historians and researchers to examine the sources used in historical publications, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the past.
Statement on Archival Description
While archivists seek to retain creator descriptions to preserve the context of records and allow critical historical assessment, we acknowledge that some language may be offensive.
We always try to note our descriptive practices in our finding aids, such as putting notes by archivists in square brackets, using quotation marks to indicate text from the creator and letting researchers know when original folder titles were retained. Nevertheless, some finding aids created years ago and some creator descriptions present in collections may contain offensive language.
We are reviewing our finding aids, adding explanatory notes and editing language where applicable.
Statement on Equity
The E&R Library & Archives is committed to equity in library services, collections, programs, and staff. By being a catalyst for change, maintaining an environment of diversity, inclusion, and respect, and eliminating barriers, we will set the standard for an equitable research library and archive.
Updates
These Statements will be updated as best practices are further developed and as we further examine the content of the collection.
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