Visiting PAHRC
We welcome you to visit the Philadelphia Archdiocesan Historical Research Center. Please read the information below to help make your time with us as productive as it can be.
Hours of operation:
The PAHRC is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors should set up an appointment ahead of time.
Location and Directions:
The Philadelphia Archdiocesan Historical Research Center is located on the campus of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary adjacent to City Ave. (US Rt. 1) in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.
Exterior of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, the home of PAHRC.
(Photo by Colin P. Varga)
Getting to PAHRC
By Car
East: Take the Benjamin Franklin Bridge to I-676, or the Walt Whitman Bridge to I-76 West to Exit 33 (US Rt. 1, City Avenue). Follow this route about three miles to Wynnewood Road which is on the right-hand side just before the approaching turn for US Rt. 30 (Lancaster Pike). Entrance to the Seminary grounds is approximately a quarter-mile on the left-hand side of this road.
North: Take the New Jersey Turnpike to the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Exit 6). Follow the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Exit 25A I-476 South to I-76 East (Philadelphia) to Exit 33 US Rt. 1, City Avenue. Follow this route about three miles to Wynnewood Road which is on the right-hand side just before the approaching turn for Route 30 (Lancaster Pike). Entrance to the Seminary grounds is approximately a quarter-mile on the left-hand side of this road.
South: Take I-95 North to I-476 North. Follow Rt. 476 to US Rt. 1 North (Exit 3). Follow Rt. 1 North to Wynnewood Road, which is about nine miles on the left-hand side just after the Rt. 30 (Lancaster Pike). Turn left on to Wynnewood Rd.Entrance to the Seminary grounds is approximately a quarter-mile on the left-hand side of this road.
West: Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Exit 24 – Valley Forge and follow I-76 East toward Philadelphia to Exit 33 (US Rt. 1, City Avenue). Follow this route about three miles to Wynnewood Road, which is on the right-hand side just before Rt. 30 (Lancaster Pike). Entrance for the Seminary is approximately a quarter-mile on the left-hand side of this road.
Public Transportation
For Regional Rail service the SEPTA R5 stops at the Overbrook and the Merion Stations which are a 15 minute walk from PAHRC/St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Get SEPTA train information at www.septa.com.
Once you enter the facility you will need to check in with security to let them know that you are visiting. From the guard house, turn left on to St. Martin Road. From St. Martin Road you will wind along to Campus Circle, and then on to Drexel Road. Parking is available alongside the curb on Drexel Road. The Archives is located in the courtyard alongside and behind the chapel. Walk through the black gates, and the PAHRC is on the right side of the St. Thérèse, the Little Flower, Courtyard.
