The Pennsylvania State Archives is an important resource for scholars, historians, genealogists, and the public. Created in 1903 as the Division of Public Records in the State Library, it was combined in 1945 with the State Museum and the Pennsylvania Historical Commission to form the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). Officially designated as the Bureau of the Pennsylvania State Archives within the PHMC, the primary function of the Pennsylvania State Archives is to acquire, preserve and make available for study the permanently-valuable public records of the Commonwealth, with particular attention given to the records of state government. In fulfilling its general responsibility for the preservation of historic documents, the State Archives also collects private papers relevant to Pennsylvania history.

Whether exploring Pennsylvania's documentary heritage to learn about your family's past or seeking original manuscripts for a research project, you will discover a wealth of resources at the Pennsylvania State Archives. Included among our holdings are more than 250 million pages of documents and manuscripts; over twenty-two million digital images of county deeds, wills, mortgages, estate papers, and assessment books that were previously on microfilm; and over one million special collection items such as photographic prints and negatives, maps, postcards, posters, audio recordings, and motion picture films....

Contact Us

Visit us at Pennsylvania State Archives