Franklin County Historical Society-Kittochtinny

05/30/2026

The Graeffenburg Inn was in Michaux Forest before it burnt in 1980. Until then, it was a prosperous destination for weekenders. It was rebuilt and restored several times since its initial creation in 1848. The 1st picture was taken around 1909. The 2nd picture (ca. 1890-1899) features students, faculty, and family of Wilson College on their way to visit Caledonia for their annual All-College Picnic. It was reported in the "Wilson Billboard" that they would stop at the Graeffenburg for lunch if a plan wasn’t already in place.

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Schedule a tour at the Old Jail or the John Brown House by calling 717-246-1667. We also offer genealogy resources both on our website and in person. We are open Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm

05/26/2026

1906 saw the first graduating class from Pennsylvania State Forest Academy in Mont Alto. In addition to Ralph Brock (standing) being the first black man to graduate from the academy, environmentalist Mira Lloyd Dock (seated) was the first woman on the faculty. Brock continued to work in forestry and later gardening after his graduation.

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Schedule a tour at the Old Jail or the John Brown House by calling 717-246-1667. We also offer genealogy resources both on our website and in person. We are open Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm

05/23/2026

In observance of Memorial Day upcoming this Monday we would like to honor our fallen soldiers. And to our veterans and active duty members, thank you for your time and dedication you have given.

It’s not uncommon for siblings to serve in our Armed Forces, here are 2 sets of “Bands of Brothers” we found in our collection. Showcasing in the 1st photo, the Cramer Brothers, and in the 2nd photo, the Kennedy Brothers. The brothers are listed in the captions.

We would love to hear more about families that served together either in the past or today! Share your own photos and stories below!

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Schedule a tour at the Old Jail or the John Brown House by calling 717-246-1667. We also offer genealogy resources both on our website and in person.

Starting Tuesday 5/26/26 we will be open Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm for the summer!

05/20/2026

Check out this historic view! Eastward across Chambersburg - July 1970 - from the Public Opinion.

Did you know FCHS members have free access to over one MILLION Franklin County newspaper pages!?

05/13/2026

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the Franklin County Historical Society – Kittochtinny is inviting businesses and individuals to help bring local history to life through the sponsorship of two upcoming books celebrating the people, places, and events that shaped our community.

Homes of the Patriots by Ann Hull highlights the homes of Franklin County’s Revolutionary War veterans, many still standing today. Along the Way: The Chambersburg Chronicles by Carlton Bigler traces Chambersburg’s story from its earliest settlement through the Burning of Chambersburg and beyond, capturing generations of resilience and growth.

Take this opportunity to help preserve that shared legacy and ensure these stories remain accessible for future generations. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more.

https://www.franklinhistorical.org/sponsorship

05/01/2026

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https://franklinctyhistoricalsociety.company.site/America-250-Scavenger-Hunt-Franklin-County-p831506071

04/22/2026

03/31/2026

FCHS will be closed this Friday, April 3rd. Thank you.

Send a message to learn more

03/31/2026

We are grateful to Gilmore-Hoerner Endowment for awarding Franklin County Historical Society a grant to restore two portraits, one on Judge George Chambers, and the other on Thomas McCulloh, first president of Cumberland Valley Railroad.

Send a message to learn more

02/21/2026

In August 1859 Frederick Douglass visited the town of Chambersburg with the intention of meeting with John Brown. They discussed Brown’s plans for the raid on Harper’s Ferry where Douglass attempted to dissuade Brown from carrying it out. This would be the last time they met, as around two months later Brown’s raid ended with his capture, trial, and ultimately his hanging. Douglass fled the states and North America in an attempt to remove himself from being considered a co-conspirator. He returned and for years afterwards would speak on his rocky friendship with John Brown.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History wrote an excellent essay further detailing Douglass and Brown’s interactions. Read it at the link below.

https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/essays/admiration-and-ambivalence-frederick-douglass-and-john-brown

To learn more about John Brown’s time in Chambersburg contact the Historical Society to set up a time to visit the John Brown/Mary Ritner Boarding House.

Photo 1: Frederick Douglass, c. 1958, NYHS
Photo 2: John Brown, 111-BA-1101, National Archives