In order to ensure the proper preservation of security microfilm copies of permanently valuable county, municipal, and State Judicial System records, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) operates the Local Government Security Microfilm Storage Program.
The primary goal of the program is to provide safe, cost-efficient storage that meets all government and industry standards for the storage of permanently valuable records. The PHMC stores copies of such vital microfilm at its private records center leased from Iron Mountain at its underground facility in Boyers, (Butler County). The cost to participate in the program is a one-time fee of $2.00 per roll of film.
The PHMC’s Security Microfilm Storage Program began in 1987. Within twenty-five years, the program has gone from storing 1,351 rolls of microfilm in the first year to over 166,000 rolls. This film captures images of some of the most vital records created by any level of government. Participating local government officials have collectively avoided thousands of dollars in potential storage costs based on rental fees at commercial storage facilities that can meet stringent archival standards for security film.
The PHMC works through its Records Services Division in providing this essential service to local governments and school districts. As part of this program and in accordance with industry standards, the Division biennially inspects representative samples of all the film deposited at its private records center at Boyers to detect any serious deterioration of the microfilm.
For additional information or to receive an informational packet on the Security Microfilm Storage Program, please contact Jan Kinzer of our Local Government Section at (717) 783-9874 or RA-LocalGovernment@pa.gov
Important Forms and Policy
