Where history comes alive in Harford County
In-Person Research
The Historical Society of Harford County, Inc.
143 North Main Street | Bel Air , Maryland 21014
OPEN HOURS: Wednesday | 10am – 2pm | by appointment only
$15.00 for non-members
Discover Harford County’s past through in-person research at the History Center. With access to photographs, archives, artifacts, and genealogy resources, visitors can explore the stories and records that define our community. Our collections span centuries, offering insight into the people, places, and events that shaped the region. Whether you’re tracing family roots, researching a property, or diving into local history, there’s something here for every level of interest. Knowledgeable staff are available to help guide your search and connect you with the right materials. From casual curiosity to in-depth research, the History Center provides a welcoming space to learn, explore, and uncover Harford County’s story.
The archives
contain more than 250,000 original source items dating back to the 1600s. These include plats, deeds, letters, diaries, scrapbooks, ledgers, documents, maps, postcards, newspapers, and legal and business correspondence. Attendants are available to assist researchers.
Court Records
are available at Harford County’s courts. Records begin about 1774 when Harford County came into existence. Cataloging has proceeded up to about the mid 19th century. The materials are being cataloged and indexed by volunteers for use by researchers. Volunteers hope to eventually have all of the records computerized to assist researchers in finding material for future projects. The records provide background on everything from criminal charges to land transactions, bastardy cases, indentures and emancipation of slaves and servants and more.
Family History (Geneology)
The History Center is an excellent source of Harford County, state and regional family history. If you are interested in research, but unable to visit, view our Historical, Genealogical, & Cemetery Research Services below.
Research Library
The Henry C. Peden, Jr. Research Library houses an extensive collection of print material on Harford County and Maryland history. All materials are cataloged, many are indexed, and attendants are happy to help researchers. Maps, microfilm, newspapers, vertical file materials, and African-American history files are also part of the collection. PastPerfect, our digital database is continually expanding. If you are interested in research, but unable to visit our library, view our Historical, Genealogical, & Cemetery Research Services below.
Photographs
There are over 11,000 photographic images in our collection. The collection includes photos of many diverse subjects and is comprised of prints, negatives, glass plates/negatives, tintypes, cartes de visite and postcards.