Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission was established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly on June 6, 1945, with the goal of preserving and protecting the History of Pennsylvania, including the American Revolution, French and Indian War, and Industrial Revolution in the state. The commission is headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and its executive director is Andrea Lowery, who oversees the daily operations of the organization, including its relationships with the National Park Service, Library of Congress, and Smithsonian Institution. The commission works closely with other state agencies, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, to promote the state's history and cultural heritage, including the Gettysburg National Military Park, Independence Hall, and Valley Forge National Historical Park.

● History

The history of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission dates back to the early 20th century, when the Pennsylvania General Assembly recognized the need to preserve the state's rich history, including the Battle of Gettysburg, Battle of Brandywine, and Whiskey Rebellion. In 1913, the State Museum of Pennsylvania was established, and it later became part of the commission, which was formally established in 1945, with the help of notable historians such as Arthur Mekeel, Solomon Freehof, and Roy F. Nichols. The commission's early years were marked by significant achievements, including the establishment of the Pennsylvania State Archives, which houses important documents such as the Pennsylvania Charter, Pennsylvania Constitution, and United States Declaration of Independence. The commission also worked closely with other organizations, such as the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Historical Association, and Society of the Cincinnati, to promote the state's history and cultural heritage, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Art, and Andy Warhol Museum.

● Mission and Responsibilities

The mission of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is to preserve and protect the state's history, including the History of the United States, American Civil War, and World War II, and to promote the state's cultural heritage, including the Pennsylvania Dutch, Amish, and Lancaster County. The commission is responsible for the operation of the State Museum of Pennsylvania, which features exhibits on the state's history, including the Native American presence, European colonization, and Industrial Revolution, as well as the Pennsylvania State Archives, which houses important documents and records, including the Pennsylvania Charter, Pennsylvania Constitution, and United States Declaration of Independence. The commission also provides support for historical societies and museums across the state, including the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Historical Association, and Society of the Cincinnati, and works closely with other state agencies, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, to promote the state's history and cultural heritage, including the Gettysburg National Military Park, Independence Hall, and Valley Forge National Historical Park.

● Museums and Historic Sites

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission operates several museums and historic sites across the state, including the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State Archives, Eckley Miners' Village, and Bushy Run Battlefield, which showcase the state's history and cultural heritage, including the Native American presence, European colonization, and Industrial Revolution. The commission also provides support for other museums and historic sites, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Art, and Andy Warhol Museum, and works closely with other organizations, such as the National Park Service, Library of Congress, and Smithsonian Institution, to promote the state's history and cultural heritage, including the Gettysburg National Military Park, Independence Hall, and Valley Forge National Historical Park. Some of the notable historic sites operated by the commission include the Daniel Boone Homestead, Conrad Weiser Homestead, and Joseph Priestley House, which are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with other notable sites such as the Independence National Historical Park, Gettysburg National Military Park, and Valley Forge National Historical Park.

● Programs and Services

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission offers a range of programs and services to promote the state's history and cultural heritage, including the Pennsylvania History Day, National History Day, and Teacher Institute, which provide educational resources and opportunities for students and teachers, including those from the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, and Pennsylvania State University. The commission also provides grants and funding for historical societies and museums across the state, including the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Historical Association, and Society of the Cincinnati, and works closely with other state agencies, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, to promote the state's history and cultural heritage, including the Gettysburg National Military Park, Independence Hall, and Valley Forge National Historical Park. Additionally, the commission offers a range of publications and resources, including the Pennsylvania History journal, which features articles on the state's history, including the American Revolution, French and Indian War, and Industrial Revolution, and the Pennsylvania State Archives catalog, which provides access to important documents and records, including the Pennsylvania Charter, Pennsylvania Constitution, and United States Declaration of Independence.

● Governance and Funding

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is governed by a board of commissioners, which is appointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate, and includes representatives from the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, and Pennsylvania State University. The commission is funded through a combination of state appropriations and private donations, including support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Park Service, and Library of Congress. The commission also receives funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which support its educational programs and historic site operations, including the Gettysburg National Military Park, Independence Hall, and Valley Forge National Historical Park. The commission's budget is approved by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and its operations are subject to oversight by the Pennsylvania State Legislature and the Pennsylvania Office of the Auditor General, which ensures the commission's accountability and transparency, including its relationships with the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Historical Association, and Society of the Cincinnati.

Category:State agencies of Pennsylvania