Periodical Index Files
One of the primary tools for locating content in the large periodical collection at the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society is our periodical index file–an alphabetical listing of topics with references to relevant articles in a variety of periodicals (as well as some reference books). While the index is neither comprehensive nor up-to-date (entries ended ca. 1980), it is still a very useful tool for anyone doing topical research. It is especially helpful for researchers interested in Mennonite history and theology as well as those studying the history of southeastern Pennsylvania.
Previously researchers could only access the periodical index by using the physical card file in the library. Now all 25,500 cards have been scanned and are available online through the Historical Society’s website. To browse or search the topical terms that were used in the index, click on the button above.
Researchers are always welcome to visit our library to view the periodical collection. If a visit is not practical, we may be able to send photocopies or scans via email. For copy charges, please contact the library (email: research@lmhs.org; tel.: 717.393.9745).
Common Periodical (and Book) Abbreviations
Berks Co. H. S.—Historical Review of Berks County
Biog.—Biographical Annals of Lancaster County Pennsylvania, originally published in 1903 (F157.L2 B6)
Chr. Living—Christian Living
Chr. Monitor—Christian Monitor
Col. Rec.—Minutes of the Provincial Council of Pennsylvania … (F146 .P41)
Egle’s Notes—Notes and Queries, Historical and Genealogical … (F146 .N92)
Ellis & Evans—History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania …, 1883 (F157.L2 E4)
EMT—Eastern Mennonite Testimony
GH—Gospel Herald (successor to Gospel Witness)
GSP–Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania (see also PGM)
GW—Gospel Witness (successor to Herald of Truth)
HT—Herald of Truth
LCHS—Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society
Lanc. C.H.–Lancaster Court House (chiefly wills and Orphan’s Court records); microfilm available at LMHS
Menn. Life—Mennonite Life
MHB—Mennonite Historical Bulletin
MM—Missionary Messenger (periodical of Eastern Mennonite Missions)
Montg. CHS—Bulletin of the Historical Society of Montgomery County (Pennsylvania)
MQR—Mennonite Quarterly Review
MRJ—Mennonite Research Journal (LMHS quarterly; predecessor to Pennsylvania Mennonite Heritage)
Past. M.—Pastoral Messenger
PGM—Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine
PGS–Publications of the Pennsylvania German Society (F146 .P23)
PMH—Pennsylvania Mennonite Heritage (LMHS quarterly journal; successor to Mennonite Research Journal); also available to LMHS members online at https://www.lmhs.org/research/lmhs-publications/pa-mennonite-heritage/
Pa. Archives–Published Pennsylvania Archives series; shelved at F146 .P41
Pa. Germ. (or Penn. Germ.)—Pennsylvania German
Pa. Mag. H & B—Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography
Past. M.—Pastoral Messenger
Rupp—History of Lancaster County …, 1844 (F157.L2 R9)
Weaverland Menn.—The Weaverland Mennonites, 1766-1968 … (BX8131.P4 W43)
YCC—Youth’s Christian Companion
YM—Youth Messenger