Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Among the oldest of its kind in the nation, the special collections library holds many of the nation's important founding documents. Founded by prominent citizens in 1824 and located here since 1884, it traces America's history from the 17th century to the present.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Founded in 1824 by prominent Philadelphians, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania is among the oldest institutions of its kind in the nation and has occupied this site since 1884. Its special collections hold many of the country's foundational documents, chronicling American life from the seventeenth century onward. The Society emerged in the Early Republic's surge of civic and antiquarian energy, as a young nation set out to preserve its own record.
Why it matters
As one of America's earliest historical societies, it helped pioneer the very idea of systematically preserving the nation's documentary heritage.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.5 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.6 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall0.7 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.7 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall0.7 mi away · PA
Attractions
- Reading Terminal0.4 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.4 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.5 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- The Universal Sphere0.6 mi away
- Liberty Bell0.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Italian market0.7 mi away · Christian Street
Food & drink
- Munchie’s Cafe0.5 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.5 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Garden0.5 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.5 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.5 mi away
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.5 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center Citynearby · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suitesnearby · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center Citynearby · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Expressnearby · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn0.1 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City0.3 mi away · 1180 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Themes & tags
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