717-264-1667
175 E King Street Chambersburg, PA 17201
PRESERVING LOCAL HISTORY FOR OVER 126 YEARS
The Old Jail
The Old Jail was built in 1818 and survived the burning of Chambersburg by the Confederate Forces in 1864. This building of Georgian design is one of the oldest in Chambersburg and was placed on the State and National Register of Historical Sites in 1970.During more than 150 years of use as a prison, The Old Jail housed numerous local criminals, including “Lewis the Robber” and Captain John Cook, one of John Brown’s men who was captured after the unsuccessful raid on the Federal Arsenal at Harpers Ferry. The cellar contains five domed dungeons with rings in the walls and floors that were used to shackle recalcitrant prisoners.
Tradition suggests these cells were also used as a way-station on the “Underground” railway to shelter runaway slaves enroute to freedom in the north.The Old Jail complex consists of the original building erected in 1818, an annex built in 1880 and a yard enclosed by a 20’ high limestone wall. Several rooms of the original jail and part of the newer cell block comprise a museum of historical artifacts from Franklin County. The visitor experiences the story of the jail through through a guided tour. A gift shop is also available.
OLD JAIL ADMISSION (Last tour starts at 2PM)
Tour Length: 45-60 Min
The Old Jail is available to view through guided tours only. Costs of the tours are as follows:
Adult $8
Children - 7 to 17 $7
Family - 2 adults and 3 children or less $13
Family - 2 adults and 4 children $17
Family - 2 adults and 5 children $21
Family - 2 adults and 6 children $25
FREE Member and 2 guests
Group Rates
(Groups of 10 or more please call at least two weeks in advance to schedule your visit)
10 or more adults $7 each (by appointment)
10 or more children $5.50 each (by appointment)
John Brown House (Mary Ritner Boarding House)
Tour both the Old Jail and John Brown House
Tour Length: Approx 1.5 Hours
Adult $10
Children - 7 to 17 $8
Family - 2 adults and 3 children or less $18
Family - 2 adults and 4 children $23
Family - 2 adults and 5 children $28
Family - 2 adults and 6 children $33
FREE Member and 2 guests
10 or more adults $9.50 each (by appt.)
10 or more children $7.50 each (by appt.)
*Please call ahead for combo tours as tour guide availability is limited for this location*
717-264-1667
Located less than a block from the Old Jail, the John Brown House (sometimes called the Mary Ritner Boarding house) is designated as an authentic Site in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
The John Brown House was where the famous abolitionist boarded during the summer of 1859 under the alias of Isaac Smith. During this time, weapons were secretly secured and plans furthered to seize the arsenal in Harper's Ferry in October 1859.
The Society purchased the John Brown House from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in 2002 through the generosity of Dr. W. R. McElroy and family. The John Brown House was rededicated and opened on May 2, 2009 as part of the 150th Anniversary of John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. The John Brown House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
JOHN BROWN HOUSE ADMISSION
(Important: All visitors should report to the Old Jail first)
Tour Length: 45 min
*Please call ahead for John Brown House tours as tour guide availability is limited for this location*
717-264-1667
Adult $7
Children - 7 to 17 $6
Family - 2 adults and 3 children or less $13
Family - 2 adults and 4 children $16
Family - 2 adults and 5 children $19
Family - 2 adults and 6 children $21
FREE Member and 2 guests
10 or more adults $6 each (by appt.)
10 or more children $5.50 each (by appt.)
Combo Tours
Accessibility:
The first floor of the Old Jail is accessible by ramp. During the tour there are uneven floors, stairs, poorly lit areas and areas without climate control.
The Genealogy Library is accessible by stairs only.
The John Brown house is accessible by stairs only. During the tour there are uneven floors & steps.