Lankerd–Thomas Genealogical Library
Librarian, John Clowes
Founded in 1973, the Lankerd–Thomas Genealogical Library houses an outstanding collection of family, county, community, and church records used for genealogical and local history research.
The library is located in the Jim and Ann Oakes Carriage House, positioned directly across from the Armstrong County Historical Society Museum, and serves as a dedicated research space for individuals, families, students, and historians.
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What You’ll Find in Our Library
The Genealogical Library offers access to a growing collection of historical materials, including:
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Family histories and genealogies
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County and community records
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Church and cemetery records
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Local histories and reference books
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Archival documents unique to Armstrong County
Whether you are researching a single ancestor or exploring broader local history, our collections help connect personal stories to the larger history of our region.
The Armstrong County Historical Society is proud to be an official affiliate of FamilySearch, one of the world’s leading genealogy research platforms.
FamilySearch access is available free of charge within the library and allows patrons to:
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Build and expand family trees
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Search historical records and census data
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Access digital collections not available from home
Appointments are encouraged to help visitors make the most of their research time with personalized assistance.
How to Get Started
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Make an Appointment
Schedule time with our Librarian
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2. Explore FamilySearch
Access records not available from home
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3. Build Your Family Tree
Discover and document your history
Preserving the Past
for the Future
As part of our ongoing preservation efforts, the Society’s Librarian is actively digitizing the library’s collections to protect fragile materials and improve access for future generations.
This work ensures that Armstrong County’s history is not only preserved—but made more accessible to today’s researchers and tomorrow’s storytellers.
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Donations & Community Contributions
The Genealogical Library gratefully accepts donations of:
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Historical books and records
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Family documents and photographs
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Church, business, and community materials
Donations help strengthen our collections and ensure that local history remains available to the public. If you are considering a donation, we encourage you to contact the Society to discuss next steps.
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EMail the Librarian
“We are not makers of history. We are made by history.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.
A Resource for Every Generation
From longtime residents tracing deep family roots to younger visitors discovering genealogy for the first time, the Lankerd–Thomas Genealogical Library offers a welcoming space to explore, learn, and connect.
📌 Watch our social media pages for special research days, evening and weekend access, and FamilySearch events.