Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Historical Society of Pennsylvania Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Nonprofit Organization, 1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA.

Philadelphia's Library of American History.

As one of the nation’s largest archives of historical documents, HSP strives to make history relevant and exhilarating to all.

Today is Constitution Day 📜 in 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the U.S. Constitution in Philade...
09/17/2026

Today is Constitution Day 📜

in 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia.

HSP has a remarkable assemblage of Constitutions, including the first handwritten draft. This early version, penned by Pennsylvania lawyer James Wilson, left room in the margins for corrections and notes.

Among the marginalia is the phrase "freedom of speech," accompanied by a checkmark. This notation suggests that the delegates were considering this right early in the drafting process, though freedom of speech was ultimately not included in the original Constitution. It was later protected by the First Amendment when the Bill of Rights was adopted in 1791.

Celebrate Constitution Day with the Civics Renewal Network's toolkit: https://www.civicsrenewalnetwork.org/constitutionday/preamble-challenge-toolkit/

On September 11, 2001, our nation changed forever. Across Pennsylvania, the effects were immediate. In Philadelphia, fea...
09/11/2026

On September 11, 2001, our nation changed forever. Across Pennsylvania, the effects were immediate. In Philadelphia, fears of further attacks led to emergency measures as schools, businesses, and historic sites like the Liberty Bell closed.

In Somerset County, Pennsylvania, the passengers and crew of Flight 93 transformed a moment of terror into one of extraordinary courage.

These stories, along with countless others, are documented in our collection, which includes published works and newspapers reporting on the events and immediate aftermath. On this 25th anniversary, we reflect on the importance of preserving the memory of pivotal moments in American history.

08/21/2026

Paths to Independence is only open for one more month! Discover how Philadelphians forged the complex path to American independence before the exhibition closes on September 18.

🎟️Free Admission
🕒 Visitor Hours
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 am – 4 pm
Wednesday: 1 pm – 7 pm

08/19/2026

On August 26, Women’s Equality Day, HSP is hosting a screening of For the Common Good, a docuseries that tells the vivid stories of pioneering women who made important contributions to the founding of America.

Hear from Laura Keim, curator at Stenton, and Mickey Herr, researcher for the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (NSCDA/PA), who will discuss their archival work that supported the documentary.

📅Wednesday, August 26
🕒6:30 pm
📍1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
🎟️Free Entry
🔗 https://hsp.org/calendar/found-archives-womens-work-paths-independence

We are counting down the days to our second-ever HISTORY ON THE STREET festival 🎉Join HSP and NHD Philly alongside some ...
08/18/2026

We are counting down the days to our second-ever HISTORY ON THE STREET festival 🎉

Join HSP and NHD Philly alongside some of your favorite local orgs!

📅 Saturday, August 29 (rain or shine)
🕒 12 pm - 4 pm
📍 13th and Locust Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107
🎟️ Free Entry
🔗 https://hsp.org/calendar/history-street-back-school-edition

08/15/2026

HSP is pleased to announce the addition of a painting to our collection!

This work by Edward Moran depicting the Union Volunteers Saloon and Hospital is now on view in our Info Commons 🖌️

As the nation marked the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania connected mi...
08/10/2026

As the nation marked the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania connected millions of people to the documents, stories, and ideas that shaped the nation's founding.

Some of the highlights include several appearances by HSP Librarian & CEO David Brigham on national TV, Revolutionary-themed programming, and students and educator lessons.

Read all about our busy July here: https://hsp.org/news-stories/hsp-commemorates-america-250-millions

🚨 HISTORY ON THE STREET IS BACK 🚨Save the date: August 29! National History Day Philly and the Historical Society of Pen...
07/29/2026

🚨 HISTORY ON THE STREET IS BACK 🚨

Save the date: August 29!

National History Day Philly and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania are teaming up to host History on the Street: Back to School Edition!

Join us at 13th and Locust for an end-of-summer celebration for the whole family. Kick off your school year with hand-on activities and some of our favorite local cultural orgs. Plus: food, music, and fun.

📅 Saturday, August 29 (rain or shine)
🕒 12 pm - 4 pm
📍 13th and Locust Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107
🎟️ FREE
🔗 https://hsp.org/calendar/history-street-back-school-edition

Benjamin Franklin was one of America’s first celebrities: an author, scientist, printer, inventor, diplomat, statesman, ...
07/25/2026

Benjamin Franklin was one of America’s first celebrities: an author, scientist, printer, inventor, diplomat, statesman, and so much more. He was already a star in his own time... but what if he had also been a rockstar?!

Check out The Sound of America, a fun, fictional musical imagining Ben Franklin trying to start a rock band, now playing at FringeArts through August 1. Use code HSP26 for 30% off your ticket purchase.

Then explore the real Franklin at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, where we care for one-third of his personal library. Discover the books that fueled his curiosity, challenged his thinking, and became the pages where he recorded his own ideas, questions, and disagreements.

07/24/2026

As the next installment of our Faces of HSP series, please meet our Maintenance Technician Tim Urshel 🤩

P.S. Tim is showing you around the less-seen parts of our facility but he has some crazy building lore. Comment below if you want more Tim content ⬇️

Address

1300 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA
19107

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 1pm - 7pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+12157326200

Website

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