The Pennsylvania State Archives Attraction Details

The Pennsylvania State Archives
http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bah/dam/overview.htm?secid=31
The Pennsylvania State Archives is an important resource for scholars, historians, genealogists, and the general public. Created in 1903 as the Division of Public Records in the State Library, it was combined in 1945 with the State Museum and the Pennsylvania Historical Commission to form the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). Though primarily known as the official custodian of the permanently valuable records of state government and its political subdivisions, the Archives is also a repository for papers and records of individuals and families, businesses, and organizations that have statewide historical significance. Included among the more than 200 million pages of documents and manuscripts are the 1681 Royal Charter to William Penn for the land that became Pennsylvania; the original constitutions of 1776, 1790, 1838 and 1874; Native American deeds and treaties; and the records of our modern governors. Over seventy record groups contain holdings from government departments, boards and commissions, including the Proprietary Government, 1682-1776; the Revolutionary Government, 1776-1790; and nearly five hundred manuscript collections contain the papers of prominent Pennsylvanians and businesses from Thaddeus Stevens to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Special media include over 1,000 maps and panoramic views; and over 450,000 photographs from 1852–present. Records of genealogical interest include passenger lists of German and Swiss arrivals at the port of Philadelphia, 1727–1808; naturalization lists, 1740–1773; oaths of allegiance, 1777–1790; and military service records, 1775–1972. Online resources include detailed inventories and descriptions of holdings Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, click on Pennsylvania State Archives); ARIAS, the Archives Record Information Access System, containing select military records of soldiers of the Revolution, Civil, Spanish-American, and first World Wars,and Doc Heritage, a timeline of Pennsylvania history told through a sampling of important documents from the Archives. Used in conjunction with ExplorePAhistory, it is a useful tool for students and teachers alike. The Archives is open to the public for onsite research. For more information concerning the hours of operation and reference services, go to Pennsylvania State Archives.

Address:
350 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120

Phone: 717-783-3281

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