Pennsylvania State Archives: A Treasure Trove of History
The Pennsylvania State Archives preserves the memory of the Commonwealth, housing over 250 million pages of documents, maps, photographs, and films that reveal the rich history of Pennsylvania. With its vast collection, the Pennsylvania State Archives is an invaluable resource for researchers, students, and history enthusiasts alike.
The Origins of the Pennsylvania State Archives
The story of the Pennsylvania State Archives dates back to 1903 when the Commonwealth established the Pennsylvania Historical Commission. This body was responsible for preserving and maintaining historical records and artifacts. In 1945, the Pennsylvania Historical Commission became the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), which now oversees the Pennsylvania State Archives.
The Pennsylvania State Archives initially shared its location with the State Museum and State Library in the State Capitol Building. However, as the collection grew, the need for a separate facility became apparent. The archives found their current home in 1964, with the completion of a dedicated building at 350 North Street, Harrisburg.
What's Inside the Pennsylvania State Archives
The Pennsylvania State Archives boasts an incredible variety of records that document the history of the state from its founding in 1681 to the present day. These records cover a wide range of topics, including politics, military, education, and transportation, among others.
Government Records
As the official repository of state government records, the Pennsylvania State Archives houses documents from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. These records include governors' papers, legislative journals, and court proceedings. Additionally, the archives contain records from various state agencies, such as the Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Military Records
The military history of Pennsylvania is well represented in the Pennsylvania State Archives. Researchers can access records dating back to the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, Civil War, and both World Wars. The archives also include records related to the Pennsylvania National Guard and various militia organizations.
Land and Property Records
Land and property records form a significant part of the collection at the Pennsylvania State Archives. These records contain invaluable information on land ownership, deeds, and property transfers, offering a fascinating insight into the history of land settlement in Pennsylvania.
Census Records
The Pennsylvania State Archives is an excellent resource for genealogists and family historians, as it contains census records from 1790 to 1930. Census records can provide valuable information on families, including names, ages, occupations, and places of birth.
Maps, Photographs, and Films
In addition to documents, the Pennsylvania State Archives holds an extensive collection of maps, photographs, and films. Maps in the collection date back to the 17th century and cover various topics, from land surveys to transportation networks. The archives' photograph collection features images of historical events, people, and places, while the film collection includes footage of significant moments in Pennsylvania history.
Using the Pennsylvania State Archives
The Pennsylvania State Archives is open to the public, and anyone with an interest in history is welcome to visit. The archives' knowledgeable staff are always on hand to assist researchers and answer questions. For those who cannot visit the archives in person, many records are available online through the PHMC's website.
Research Room
The research room at the Pennsylvania State Archives provides a quiet space for visitors to explore the archives' vast collections. Before accessing records, researchers must complete a registration form and present a valid form of photo identification. Pencils, laptops, and cameras are allowed in the research room, but pens, food, and drinks are not permitted.
Online Resources