Manuscript Group Finding Aid

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MG-240     African American Records Collection, 1780-1984

 1 box     26 folders     .5 cubic ft.

Repository:  Lancaster County Historical Society, Lancaster (Pa.)

Description:  Collection contains an index to the Slave Registers, Mayor’s Register of Coloured Persons or Negro Entry Book, and returns filed within the county. There are official records for slaves and their children in Lancaster County, as well as freemen within Lancaster City. Also includes bills of sale, a manumission paper, and a certificate for free persons of color.

Creators:  Lancaster County Historical Society (Pa.)

Lancaster County (Pa.) Court of Quarter Sessions.

System of Arrangement:

Series 1 consists of the Slave Registers, official county records registering slaves and their children.

Series 2 contains the Mayor’s Register of Coloured Persons, bills of sale, manumission paper, and other records.

Conditions for Access:  No restrictions.

Conditions Governing Reproductions:  Collection may not be photocopied. Please contact Research Staff or Archives Staff with questions.

Language:  English

Source of Acquisition:  The historical society has custodial responsibility for Series 1, The Slave Register. This set of historic records is owned by the County of Lancaster. Sources of acquisition for items in Series 2 are unknown unless otherwise noted in the finding aid.

Administrative History:  Formerly called “The Slave Records of Lancaster County Collection.” Name changed and arrangement changed on 13 June 2007.

This page last updated 14 June 2007