For those who may visit Philadelphia or the surrounding area, there is also the Free Library of Philadelphia with a fabulous newspaper room. Films of newspapers going back into the 1700s are available, and the only cost is for copies. If heading to HSP or GSP, the FLP is on the opposite side of City Hall; I've walked to all 3 after taking a train into the city. For more on FLP, which does have research-by-mail services as well, see http://libwww.library.phila.gov/faq/guides/genealogy/guidelist.cfm. I tend to favor the FLP as it has Pennsylvania Archives and Bates on its shelves, something I had paying to have access to elsewhere, so this is a great place to visit if you're in the area. To maximaze use of nearby societies, first use the online catalog at FLP to examine their holdings, and use those that are duplicated here...then it frees up time to utilize different resources as HSP & GSP. A fairly short drive or train trip away is the Historical Society of Delaware County. See http://www.delcohistory.org/. The historical society does contain Chester County records, but I've not yet used those records so am not familiar with the holdings. Newly opened in Delaware County is the Delaware County Archives. See http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/depts/archives.html. Swarthmore Friends Library (I think I have the name right) is in Delaware County as well. ----- Original Message ----- : It's (David Library) a research facility so it requires visiting. I have not been there yet. : All that is online at www.dlar.org seems to be some lists of some of the : collection materials. : I added it to my list of places in PA I'd like to visit when I get a chance. : The Historical Society of PA in Philadelphia is another. See their website : at www.hsp.org. : : Then there is the Genealogical Society of PA, also in Philadelphia : (www.genpa.org) which has some useful free databases on their web site : With most locations like this, and the Chester County Historical Society, or : the Lancaster County Historical Society which also has great records and : good finding aids online (www.lchs.org), it pays off to use the online : resources as much as possible to organize what you hope to find there so : that you can move quickly once you arrive and orient yourself. >shorted message<