John L. Ruth
Historical Library and Archives
The John L. Ruth Historical Library and Archives at the Mennonite Heritage Center is the repository of more than 12,000 books, manuscripts and documents vital to church history and genealogical study. You are encouraged to make use of these collections.
Search the Online Catalog
For genealogical queries, email library@mhep.org.
The library was founded in 1967 as the Eastern Pennsylvania Mennonite Historical Library. Members of the founding committee were John E. Fretz, Ray K. Hacker and Marvin C. Rosenberger of the Eastern District Mennonite Conference, and Ernest R. Clemens, Nevin L. Moyer and Wilmer L. Reinford of Franconia Mennonite Conference.
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Library Resources
The Historical Library is one of the finest Anabaptist libraries in eastern Pennslyvania, including current and rare publications relating to church history, faith and practice, as well as a rich collection of materials relating to local history, Pennsylvania German culture and Mennonite genealogy in Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Berks, Lehigh, Northampton and Philadelphia counties. Click here for details and links to resources.
Click here to search the online catalog.
This is a work in progress. Rare books, photographs, museum objects and archival material will be added continually. If you are unable to find something you are looking for, please contact the Collections Manager at 215-256-3020 ext.111 or alderferjoel@mhep.org
Hours
The library is open Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. We suggest that you schedule your library visit with collections manager Joel Alderfer (215-256-3020, ext.111) to ensure that he or project archivist Forrest Moyer will be able to assist you.
Admission
1. Members of the Mennonite Historians of Eastern Pennsylvania will be admitted to the Library free.2. A non-member who wishes to access the Library will be charged an admission of $5.00 per day. Full time students will be admitted free.
Research services
1. An introductory search up to a half hour will be $15.00.2. Beyond the introductory search, the fees will be:
-$30.00 per hour (for MHEP members)
-$35.00 per hour (for non-members)
Upon request, the Mennonite Heritage Center will furnish the names and addresses of individual private researchers who will have their own fees and contract with clients directly. The MHC is not responsible for any transaction of services or fees with the private researchers.
Photocopying and scanning
1. Library material may be photocopied by researchers for personal use.
2. Manuscript and archival material must be photocopied or scanned by a staff person. At the discretion of the Collections Manager, individuals will be permitted to scan archival material with their own equipment.
3. Fee for photocopies/scans:
- .25 per page (.15 per page for members)
-Service charge for offsite requests: $5.00
-Charge for postal mailing: $5.00
Photograph reproductions
1. The Mennonite Heritage Center will reproduce photographs from its collection, upon request. We can only make reproductions if we own the original image.2. All photographs will be copied by a staff member or volunteer. At the discretion of the Collections Manager, individuals will be permitted to scan photos with their own equipment.
3. Fee for digital images (by email or other means of transfer): $5.00 per image
-Service charge for offsite requests: $5.00
4. Fee for hard copy prints:
-$10.00 for first print; $5.00 each additional print
-Service charge for offsite requests: $5.00
-Charge for postal mailing: $5.00
These fees are for personal use only. Permission must be obtained from the Mennonite Heritage Center for public use or publication of images. Additional fees will apply.