Pittsburgh History: Archives, Libraries, and Museums

Includes the General Archival Collection, a collection of rare and unique materials including 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

Managed by the Records Management Division of the Pittsburgh City Clerk's Office. We preserve and make accessible the permanent and historical records of Pittsburgh city government. Our holdings include City Council records, public works records, city planning records, correspondence, meeting minutes, reports, photographs, maps and much more. Our catalog contains descriptive information about the collections included in the City Archives, which is updated whenever record collections are processed and ready for public access. For questions about our holdings, please contact us at archives@pittsburghpa.gov.

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.

Special Collections and University Archives

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

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 and Special Collections
A Guide to Primary Sources at the Archives Service Center