By Daphne DeLeon and Natalie Murphy  In the late twentieth century, a series of desegregation laws within the Philadelphia school district were passed and failed due to political and societal pressures. They were often met with resistance from parents and community members who opposed and feared racial integration, oftentimes rooted in ideology surrounding reverse racism. In response to the poor implementation of racial integration measures, Philadelphia student groups organi

As we close out 2025, we reflect on a year of powerful programs and exhibits that honored the beginnings of America’s 250th birthday and the intertwined stories of liberty, abolition, and service. From groundbreaking exhibits to inspiring student achievements, here’s what made this year unforgettable.    Commemorating 250 Years of Freedom’s Fight  On April 14, 1775 —just days before the first shots of the American Revolution—a group of Philadelphians gathered to help Dinah Ne

2025 was a record-breaking year for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. We added over 200 new books and nearly 100 archival collections—more than 1,200 linear feet of history . From the legacy of the University of the Arts to family papers, grassroots activism, and industrial records, these acquisitions show how art, labor, and civic life have shaped Pennsylvania and the nation. They underscore HSP’s role as a steward of stories that inspire research, creativity, and pub

Philadelphia, PA (December 18, 2025) — The Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP) is proud to announce it has been awarded a Save America’s Treasures grant from the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.  This prestigious grant will fund Preserving the Leon Gardner Collection of American Negro Historical Society Records (1715–1962) —a vital conservation project safeguarding one of the most significant archiva