Group Visits
Groups are welcome to research at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania during regular library hours. To help the library prepare for group visits, group leaders should contact HSP at least two weeks prior to the visit. Pre-registration is not required, but it may be helpful for group members to complete HSP’s research registration form in advance. All regular admission fees apply.
Groups also may request an introduction to our library and collections at no charge. These orientations may be scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday mornings. During the orientation, a librarian will introduce the collections at HSP, research tools, library services, and the reading room. Groups of more than fifteen guests will be divided into smaller groups. If the orientation is scheduled during regular library hours, guests are welcome to ask for more specific, individual research assistance at the reference desk.
At the request of the group, an HSP staff member can display a variety of materials that highlight our vast collections or a selection of materials from a specific collection, topic, or era.
HSP especially welcomes student groups and educator groups to schedule a library orientation before a research session. Students in grades 6-12 may research in the library for free.
Scheduling a Group Visit
Student and educator groups should contact Kim McCleary, Education Manager, at kmccleary@hsp.org or 215-732-6200 ext. 269. In-school orientations prior to a field trip are available for classes in the Philadelphia region, depending upon the date.
All other group visit requests should be directed to Sarah Heim, Research Services Librarian, at sheim@hsp.org or 215-732-6200 ext. 261.
HSP will try to accommodate all group visit requests but cannot guarantee any date.