About the Columbiana County Archives & Research Center
Discover Our Story
Take a look inside the Columbiana County Archives & Research Center. This short video highlights our mission, collections, and the important role we play in preserving Columbiana County’s history.
Preserving Our Past for Future Generations
The Columbiana County Archives & Research Center (CCARC) was established in 2005 with a clear and urgent mission: to rescue and preserve irreplaceable court records and historical documents from destruction. At that time, many of Columbiana County’s original public records (some dating back to the early 1800s) were at risk of being discarded due to space limitations and lack of archival support. Recognizing the historical value of these materials, a group of concerned volunteers and historians came together to form the CCARC and create a safe, dedicated space for the county's rich heritage.
Since then, the CCARC has grown into a trusted community institution, serving researchers, genealogists, historians, educators, and families seeking to reconnect with their roots. The center is located at 129 S Market Street in Lisbon, Ohio, just steps from the county courthouse. In 2009, the CCARC moved into its current building, which is now home to thousands of carefully preserved documents, photographs, and records.
Our Mission
The CCARC operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a threefold mission:
- Preservation - To protect, restore, and catalog original Columbiana County records, both public and private, before they are lost to time.
- Education – To foster historical awareness and understanding by providing access to materials and teaching others how to conduct genealogical and historical research.
- Accessibility – To ensure that these records are available to the public through in-person visits, remote research assistance, and digital archiving when possible.
Services & Support
The CCARC is open to the public several days a week and offers a welcoming environment for both beginner and advanced researchers. Visitors have access to microfilm readers, photocopying services, and workstations. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers are on hand to assist with locating records, explaining processes, and guiding users through research.
For those unable to visit in person, the CCARC provides staff-assisted research services. Simply submit a request with names or topics of interest, and our team will search the archive’s holdings and provide copies or summaries for a nominal fee. This service is especially valuable for out-of-county or out-of-state researchers.