Preserving History's Light (2000)

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Preserving History's Light (2000)

In the 175 years since its founding, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania has evolved as an institution both in stated mission and physical presence. Formed on December 2, 1824, by a small group of Philadelphia gentlemen interested in "elucidating the history of the state," the Society's interests and methods of fulfilling that initial purpose expanded continually. So, too, did the size of the collections and the resulting need for room to display, preserve, and use these holdings.

This exhibit explores that growth, with particular attention paid to the increasing diversity of the collections acquired by the Society and refinements made to the Society's original mission to further its goal of "Preserving History's Light."