The Franklin County Historical Society - Kittochtinny has been the county's Historical Society from since 1898.  The society's name was changed from the Kittochtinny Historical Society in 2005.  The "Old Jail" at 175 East King Street in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania is home to the Society.  The Old Jail also houses a museum and genealogical library.  The Old Jail was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970

The society is responsible for the Old Jail museum, the John Brown House, the Brown's Mill School (a primary school in use from 1836-1921), and the Carrick Furnace (an Iron Forge in use from 1828 - 1884 and located in Metal Township)

HOURS

The genealogical library is open at the following times:

Tuesday 5-8 pm all year

Dec - May  Wed-Thurs Noon-4:00 pm

May - Aug  Wed-Sat 9:30-4:00 pm

Sept - Nov  Thurs-Sat 9:30-4:00 pm

CLOSED MAJOR HOLIDAYS

As of January 1, 2006 there will be a $5.00 a day charge for non-members to use the research facilities at the Old Jail.  Members of FCHS-K may still do research without charge.

The Museum is closed for winter Nov - Apr although special group tours may be arranged by appointment. Contact Joyce Horst at (717) 375-2345 or jlhorst@innernet.net . For any other questions - genealogy, history, etc. contact the society at history@pa.net or call (717) 264-1667

The Museum is open Thurs - Sat. 9:30-4:00 pm May through October. The Museum will open May 1st.

Museum Fee Schedule:  

Regular Admission - Adults $3; Students $2; Family $8; Children 6 & Under - Free

Group Tours - Adults $2.50; Students $1.50; Family $6.50; One Free Adult per 15 Students

FCHS-K Members - Free

The FCHS-K is supported jointly by a grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Franklin County Commissioners.

Directions

The Old Jail is seated between the two main one way streets - Main and Second - in Chambersburg.  From the north, U.S. 11 becomes Philadelphia Avenue which then becomes Main Street.  At the Coyle Free Library turn left on to King Street.  At the end of that block the Old Jail will be on your left.  From the south, U. S. 11 turns before Main (a one-way street) on to Garfield.  At the end of Garfield, turn left on to Second Street.  Continue on Second until you come to King.  The Old Jail is on the corner of Second and King.   From the east, U. S. 30 becomes Lincoln Way East.  Turn right on Second Street and at the second block on the left corner will be the Old Jail.  From the west, U. S, 30 becomes Lincoln Way West.  Follow across Main Street to Second (the next street). Turn left on Second Street and the second block will bring you to the Old Jail which sits on the corner of Second and King.  Metered parking is available on Second Street.

Please contact us to offer comments and questions.  Email is best because of our limited hours and our volunteer staff may be busy if you call.  Click here for email to history@pa.net . You may write to the society at: The Franklin County Historical Society, 175 East King Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201