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
[edit | edit source]Founding
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]HSP's mission is to:
- Collect and preserve historical materials
- Make collections accessible for research
- Educate the public about history
- Foster historical scholarship
Collections
[edit | edit source]Manuscripts
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]| 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
[edit | edit source]- First editions of important American works
- Colonial imprints
- Newspapers and periodicals
- Maps and atlases
Graphics
[edit | edit source]- Photographs
- Prints and drawings
- Paintings and portraits
- Broadsides and posters
Balch Institute Collections
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Research Services
[edit | edit source]HSP is primarily a research library serving:
- Academic researchers
- Genealogists
- Writers and journalists
- Documentary filmmakers
- Students and educators
Hours
[edit | edit source]- Tuesday-Friday: 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
- Closed: Saturday, Sunday, Monday
- Check website for extended hours and closures
Access
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- Online catalog
- Collection guides
- Staff assistance available
Exhibitions and Programs
[edit | edit source]Exhibitions
[edit | edit source]HSP presents rotating exhibitions drawn from its collections in the first-floor gallery. Exhibitions explore themes in Pennsylvania and American history.
Educational Programs
[edit | edit source]- Public lectures
- Symposia and conferences
- K-12 educational resources
- Teacher workshops
Genealogy Resources
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Location
[edit | edit source]1300 Locust Street in Center City Philadelphia
Getting There
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- Academy of Music (2 blocks)
- Kimmel Center (2 blocks)
- Avenue of the Arts (1 block)
- Rittenhouse Square (5-minute walk)
See Also
[edit | edit source]- Library Company of Philadelphia
- American Philosophical Society
- Philadelphia Archives
- Genealogy in Philadelphia
- Pennsylvania History
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "About HSP". Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Historical Society of Pennsylvania". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025