Walking Tour Stop 19

The Hamilton Library Association was charterd in 1874, and this two-story brick building was erected in 1881 to house its collection. The library was made possible by a bequest of $2,000 from James Hamilton (1793-1873), a prominent Carlisle lawyer and scholar, who was active in local educational and religious matters. His home stood on the north side of West High Street near the entrance gate of the Society's parking lot. In Hamilton's will he left money and a 60' x 60' lot on the corner of Pitt Street and Dickinson Alley for the building of a library. After the Bosler Library opened in 1900 just a block away, the Hamilton Library modified its focus to materials related to local history and the development of a research library. In 1901 a permanent museum of historical artifacts was added, which has grown to become the Society's extensive museum. In 1926 the library was renamed the Cumberland County Historical Society and Hamilton Library Association.

After numerous additions and continuous growth, the current Pitt Street building now houses a research libary, state-of-the-art museum, photo archives, educational center, and a large meeting room. The Society also maintains the Two Mile House, a historic site on the Walnut Bottom Road. One of the oldest historical societies in Pennsylvania, the purpose of the Cumberland County Historical Society is to collect, preserve and interpret the rich history of Cumberland County.

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Carlisle's 250th Anniversary Mural
Centenary Building
The High Street Train Stations
Prelude to Gettysburg
James Wilson
The Carlisle Theatre
Carlisle Fort
Thomas Butler
Jim Thorpe
Carlisle First World War Memorial

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