Because the Historical Center's holdings include personal papers, organizational records and government records, the first definition will be used and the center is referred to as an archive . The Historical Center Archives include papers such as correspondence, ledgers, diaries, journals, receipts, court records, rare books and other publications, blueprints, maps, photographs, films, videotapes, audio records and items in electronic format, all of which document the lives and communities in the Carolina Piedmont. The staff at the Historical Center Archives arrange, describe, and make the material accessible to the public and preserve it from theft and the effects of the environment including temperature, humidity, light, insects, handling damage and chemical reactions that occur in the item itself. The information contained in our archival holdings is authentic evidence of the Carolina Piedmont's past, including administrative, corporate, cultural and intellectual activity of individuals and organizations. The information is vital to the understanding of our heritage.
Archives serve as society's memory.
Because of the wide variety of material and topics that can be found in the archives, many people find them useful. The Curator of History, Archivist, and support staff acquire and preserve manuscripts, books, government records, photographs, audio-visual material, and electronic media. Access to this material is provided to the CHC staff and to the public through description in the Archives and electronic information networks, direct assistance to researchers, and outreach services such as exhibits. York County Court Records, ca. 1786 - 1935, including General Sessions, Court of Common Pleas, Equity Court, Ordinary Court and Probate Court records.