The Blair County Historical Society maintains a research library and archives on the third floor of Baker Mansion.  

Materials Include:

•  Local newspapers dating from 1836 through the 1970's
•  Altoona City Directories from 1870
•  Various Civil War regimental histories and GAR records
•  Documents concerning the Allegheny Portage Railroad
•  Extensive records of the Alleghany Furnace and Elias Baker family businesses, some other business and family papers
•  Over 3,000 books and 30 file boxes of photographs, dating mostly from the 1890's through the 1930's 

The library and archives are open during the regular hours of Baker Mansion, Tuesday through Sunday, 1 - 4:30 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and are also open Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon during the winter. 

Access is free to members of the Blair County Historical Society.  There is a $3.00 charge for using the library for non-members. 

Materials do not circulate and must be used on site.  The Society will undertake limited research for a $15 donation per hour of research, plus thirty cents per photocopy.  Requests for research should be made in writing or by e-mail and should include as much detail as possible.