Pennsylvania Bible Society
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
America's first Bible society, founded in 1808 by Robt. Ralston, Bishop Wm. White, and Dr. Benj. Rush. In 1812 PBS was first in the US to print Bibles using stereotyped plates which made them affordable and advanced literacy. Bible House has been its center of distribution since 1854.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Founded in Philadelphia in 1808, the Pennsylvania Bible Society was the first organization of its kind in America. In 1812 it became the first in the country to print Bibles from stereotyped plates, a technique that made books cheaper to produce and helped spread reading among ordinary people. Bible House has served as its distribution center since 1854.
Why it matters
The society's embrace of new printing technology put affordable books into countless hands, advancing literacy in the young republic.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayernearby · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.1 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall0.2 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall0.2 mi away · PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Old City Hall0.2 mi away · Philadelphia
Attractions
- Liberty Bell0.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.2 mi away
- Second Bank of the United States0.2 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.3 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- First Bank of the United States0.3 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.4 mi away
Food & drink
- Cafe Walnutnearby · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmonnearby · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thank You Thank You Coffee Roastersnearby · 700 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grillnearby · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Dailynearby · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Gardennearby · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Morris House Hotelnearby · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- AKA Washington Square0.1 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.3 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.4 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District0.4 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.4 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Robert Ralston
- · William White
- · Benjamin Rush
Themes & tags
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