Editing Historical Society of Pennsylvania

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Historical Society of Pennsylvania
| image =
| image_caption = Historical Society of Pennsylvania
| type = Research library, archive, museum
| address = 1300 Locust Street
| neighborhood = Center City
| coordinates = 39.9471,-75.1635
| phone = (215) 732-6200
| website = https://www.hsp.org
| established = 1824
| founder = William Rawle and others
| director = Charles Cullen
| collections = 600,000+ items
| visitors = Research library, not a traditional museum
| 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, Philadelphia|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.<ref name="hsp">{{cite web |url=https://www.hsp.org/about |title=About HSP |publisher=Historical Society of Pennsylvania |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

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.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/historical-society-of-pennsylvania/ |title=Historical Society of Pennsylvania |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== 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 ===

{| class="wikitable"
! 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 ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.hsp.org Historical Society of Pennsylvania Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/historical-society-of-pennsylvania/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Historical Society of Pennsylvania - Research Library and Archives
|description=Visit the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, one of the nation's oldest historical institutions. 600,000+ items documenting Pennsylvania and American history, genealogy research, and rotating exhibitions.
|keywords=Historical Society of Pennsylvania, HSP, genealogy research Philadelphia, Pennsylvania history, archives, manuscripts, research library, Center City
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Libraries]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Research Institutions]]