Historical Society of Pennsylvania
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, founded in 1824, is one of the largest history libraries in the nation, housing over 21 million items including national treasures like the first drafts of the U.S. Constitution. Located in Philadelphia, it offers a range of services and resources for researchers and the public.
History of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP) was founded in 1824. Since its inception, it has grown to become one of the largest history libraries in the nation. HSP's extensive collection includes over 21 million items, encompassing manuscripts, books, and graphic images that cover regional and national history. The society houses significant national treasures such as the first two drafts of the United States Constitution and an original printer’s proof of the Declaration of Independence. The society's mission has always been to preserve these important documents and make them accessible to researchers and the public.
Services Offered by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania offers several services aimed at enhancing research and educational experiences. Services include Research by Mail, Quick Search Service, and Rights and Reproductions. For in-person visitors, HSP provides free access to subscription-based sites like Ancestry.com Institution Edition and JSTOR in its Reading Room. The library staff is available to assist researchers in using catalogs and research tools, accessing materials, and requesting reproductions. Additionally, HSP offers virtual and onsite lessons for students in grades 4-12, and memberships with benefits such as unlimited library visits and access to exclusive databases.
Collections at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania
HSP's collections are vast and cover a wide range of materials, including books, pamphlets, serials, newspapers, manuscripts, graphics, printed ephemera, and microforms. The collections span from the 16th to the 21st centuries, providing a comprehensive resource for historical research. Notable items include the first two drafts of the United States Constitution and an original printer’s proof of the Declaration of Independence. HSP's collections also document ethnic and immigrant experiences in the United States, making it a significant repository for genealogical research. The society's collections are featured in numerous regional and national indexes, inventories, guides, and databases.
Genealogical Research at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania
HSP is regarded as one of the most complete genealogy centers in the nation. The Society's significant collection of genealogical materials is invaluable for researchers tracing family histories. In the Reading Room, researchers have free access to key genealogical databases like Ancestry.com Institution Edition. With millions of records, HSP offers extensive resources for individuals conducting genealogical research, and its library staff is available to assist users in navigating these materials and tools.
Educational Programs and Fellowships at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania offers a variety of educational programs and fellowships. The institution provides virtual and onsite lessons for students in grades 4-12, designed to enhance their understanding of history using HSP's rich collections. Additionally, HSP collaborates with the Library Company of Philadelphia to offer fellowships for research in residence. These fellowships allow researchers to immerse themselves in HSP's vast collections, fostering academic and historical scholarship.
Location and Accessibility of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is located at 1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. The library is open to researchers by appointment from Tuesday to Friday, with specific hours for each day. HSP provides a structured and supportive environment for both casual visitors and serious researchers. The institution offers Behind-the-Scenes Vault Tours, showcasing some of its most treasured items. Visitors can benefit from the expertise of library staff and various membership levels, providing different advantages, including unlimited library visits and access to exclusive databases.