The Historical Society of Pennsylvania’s grand reopening is on Wednesday October 16^th, in conjunction with a special exhibition of some national treasures. If you do not get a chance to come in and see the new and improved facility in person, review this post to reequip yourself with some resources we have available for you, both as an educator and a researcher! HSP has countless tools, both on our website and on-location, for you and your students.

It is important to think of HSP as your partner in education! Together we can open students’ eyes to the world of meaning, history, and identity that is spelled out across the millions of pages of documents archived here at HSP at 13^th and Locust Street. So join us! HSP is hosting a Back to School Event next week for any and all educators to learn more about us in general, National History Day (NHD) specifically, and how to get involved with our cultural network here in Philly. In addition, we will be having  free teacher workshops on November 19th and December 3.

Tell your students about us too! The advantage of integrating real historical artifacts in the classroom is invaluable to the learning experience. Learning about the very buildings, people and events that have occupied the same spaces we now live in provides a powerful perspective for students. If your school is local to Philadlepia, refer your students to PhilaPlace, an online module helpful for teaching and learning in this way.

Students are also welcome to come and do their own research here at HSP. We have a knowledgeable and helpful staff available to help them. In fact, every Wednesday evening from 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., there are student mentors here to orient and assist our young researchers (grades 6 through 12). This is a great opportunity for students to begin to connect with history and to learn research skills. Why not organize a group of your students to come out?

We have countless primary sources, online links, videos, lesson plans, and publications on our site to be used as primary or supplemental lesson material for you and your students! Delve into our digital library and get a taste of what our archives has to offer. Browse our website for online exhibits, history projects, curriculum ideas and plans, and upcoming events. 

Keep up on our Teacher Resources page! Remember, we are your partners in education! Let’s engage in our history as we become a part of it.

Friend HSP on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @historicalpa to stay connected!