In 2015, The Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP) launched HSP Encounters, a new digital resource comprised of an ever-growing number of genealogical and biographical databases.

HSP Encounters is an ongoing project in which records and materials deemed of high research value are digitized and made available to Friends of HSP online, in searchable form. Historical essays incorporated in the system describe each database as well as establish historical context for the records contained. 

Every year, millions of people around the world comb through books, scour newspapers, and thumb through manuscripts searching for information about their family’s history.

What starts small often becomes enormous. Many now-avid genealogists recall their humble beginnings – the discovery of a trunk full of photographs in the attic, or a question about a great grandparent’s country of origin.

For many, these humble questions blossom into a lifelong pursuit connecting them to a growing community around the world.

Join professional genealogist Frank Southcott for a free Irish genealogy workshop at HSP on Wednesday December 3 from 6-7 pm. Register now to save your seat!

In celebration of Family History Month this October, HSP is offering a full slate of genealogy workshops and events over the next few weeks!