Pittsburgh History: Archives, Libraries, and Museums

Includes the Pennsylvania Department and the The William R. Oliver Special Collections Room-collection of rare and unique materials including books, manuscripts, personal papers and historic photographs. In addition, the archives of the Carnegie Museums and Library of Pittsburgh are maintained and preserved because of their continuing legal, fiscal and historical value to the institution.

Also includes:
Architectural Archives
University Archives as well as Digitized Collections

The museum and its multiple collections are the legacy of Helen Clay Frick, daughter of Henry Clay Frick, one of America's greatest industrialists and art collectors. Here, one can view fine and decorative arts and artifacts, magnificent exhibitions and vintage cars and carriages, take part in educational programs and concerts, enjoy fine dining and more.

James D. Van Trump Library houses books, manuscripts, periodicals, historic site survey data, photographs and other visual documentation (slide collections and shows), maps and plat books, renderings and blueprints, and other materials pertaining to the activities of Landmarks, regional history, Allegheny County Historic Buildings Survey, African American History Survey, architecture, historic preservation, urban planning, engineering and technological development, interior design, and landscape design.

Barbour Library and PTS Archives

Office for Archives and Record Center
Historical Records Collection

Devoted to the history and heritage of Western Pennsylvania, the History Center (legal name – the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania) is Pennsylvania’s largest history museum and a proud affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
Includes various collections. Search the Detre Library and Archives, a non-circulating collection of materials documenting life in Western Pennsylvania. Search our online catalog for books, archival collections, periodicals, and more.

Archives Service Center
A Guide to Primary Sources at the Archives Service Center