Since its creation in 1905, The State Museum of Pennsylvania has collected, preserved, researched, and interpreted the cultural and natural history of the state. Over the years, the museum has greatly expanded its collections and modernized its public offerings to serve the needs of succeeding generations of Pennsylvanians. Originally located next to the Capitol, the museum moved to its current location in 1964. It became a bureau of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in 1945.
Read about The State Museum of Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Created in 1945, we are responsible for the collection, conservation, and interpretation of Pennsylvania’s historic heritage, which we accomplish through the Pennsylvania State Archives, The State Museum of Pennsylvania, the Bureau of Historic Sites and Museums, the Pennsylvania Trails of History, the Bureau for Historic Preservation, and the Bureau of Management Services.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
Founded in 1983 as the Friends of the PHMC, the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation is the non-profit partner of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). With the support of over 4,000 members from every corner of the state and beyond, the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation works with PHMC on a variety of projects to preserve and interpret Pennsylvania’s history, art and culture, including co-publishing the award-winning quarterly magazine, Pennsylvania Heritage. The Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation administers The State Museum’s membership program and operates the State Museum Store.
Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation