Historical Society of Pennsylvania
| Type | Research library, archive, museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 1300 Locust Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Center City |
| Phone | (215) 732-6200 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1824 |
| Founder | William Rawle and others |
| Director | Charles Cullen |
| Hours | Tue-Fri 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM |
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP) is one of the nation's oldest and most important historical research institutions, founded in 1824 to collect and preserve the documentary heritage of Pennsylvania and the greater Mid-Atlantic region. Located in Center City, HSP maintains a collection of over 600,000 items including manuscripts, rare books, newspapers, photographs, maps, and artworks that document five centuries of American history.[1]
While not a traditional walk-through museum, HSP serves researchers, genealogists, historians, and the public through its research library, educational programs, and rotating exhibitions. The society's collections include founding documents of American history, family papers, business records, and materials documenting the lives of ordinary people as well as famous figures.[2]
History
Founding
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania was founded on December 2, 1824, making it one of the oldest historical societies in the United States. Founding members included William Rawle, Peter S. Du Ponceau, and other prominent Philadelphians who sought to preserve Pennsylvania's documentary heritage.
Early Collecting
In its first decades, HSP acquired:
- Papers of Penn family and colonial officials
- Revolutionary War documents
- Early Pennsylvania records
- Rare books and pamphlets
The Building
HSP has occupied its current building at 1300 Locust Street since 1910. The Classical Revival building was designed specifically to house the society's growing collections.
Mission
HSP's mission is to:
- Collect and preserve historical materials
- Make collections accessible for research
- Educate the public about history
- Foster historical scholarship
Collections
Manuscripts
Over 20 million pages of manuscript material:
- Penn Family Papers: William Penn and descendants
- Revolutionary War: Military and political records
- Founding Fathers: Papers of notable figures
- Business Records: Companies and industries
- Family Papers: Genealogical collections
Notable Holdings
| Collection | Description |
|---|---|
| Penn Family Papers | Documents of Pennsylvania's founders |
| Dreer Collection | Autographs of notable Americans |
| Gratz Collection | American Jewish history |
| Leon Gardiner Collection | African American history |
| Balch Institute | Immigration and ethnic history |
Rare Books
- First editions of important American works
- Colonial imprints
- Newspapers and periodicals
- Maps and atlases
Graphics
- Photographs
- Prints and drawings
- Paintings and portraits
- Broadsides and posters
Balch Institute Collections
In 2002, HSP merged with the Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies, adding extensive collections on:
- Immigration history
- Ethnic communities
- Labor history
- Philadelphia's diverse populations
Using the Library
Research Services
HSP is primarily a research library serving:
- Academic researchers
- Genealogists
- Writers and journalists
- Documentary filmmakers
- Students and educators
Hours
- Tuesday-Friday: 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
- Closed: Saturday, Sunday, Monday
- Check website for extended hours and closures
Access
- Research room open to the public (no appointment needed for most materials)
- Reader registration required (free)
- Some collections require advance arrangements
- Photocopying and scanning services available
Finding Aids
- Online catalog
- Collection guides
- Staff assistance available
Exhibitions and Programs
Exhibitions
HSP presents rotating exhibitions drawn from its collections in the first-floor gallery. Exhibitions explore themes in Pennsylvania and American history.
Educational Programs
- Public lectures
- Symposia and conferences
- K-12 educational resources
- Teacher workshops
Genealogy Resources
HSP is an important resource for family history research:
- Family papers and genealogies
- Birth, death, and marriage records
- Immigration records
- Military records
- Church and cemetery records
Visiting HSP
Location
1300 Locust Street in Center City Philadelphia
Getting There
- SEPTA Broad Street Line: Walnut-Locust Station
- SEPTA Regional Rail: Suburban Station (10-minute walk)
- SEPTA Bus: Multiple routes on Broad Street
- Parking: Street parking, nearby garages
Tips
- HSP is a research library, not a walk-through museum
- Exhibitions are open to casual visitors
- Research room requires registration
- Staff can help with genealogy questions
- Online resources available remotely
Nearby Attractions
- Academy of Music (2 blocks)
- Kimmel Center (2 blocks)
- Avenue of the Arts (1 block)
- Rittenhouse Square (5-minute walk)
See Also
- Library Company of Philadelphia
- American Philosophical Society
- Philadelphia Archives
- Genealogy in Philadelphia
- Pennsylvania History
References
- ↑ "About HSP". Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Historical Society of Pennsylvania". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025