Let Us Know

We hope you will tell us when you have named the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in your will. We would very much like the opportunity to thank you for your generosity.

If you prefer to remain anonymous, your gift will be kept completely confidential. But at the same time, recognition of your gift can encourage others to do the same. Whatever the case, we will honor your wishes, because we appreciate your support immensely. If you have any other specific requests for a bequest, please contact Charles T. Cullen at 215-732-6200 Ext. 213 or cccullen@hsp.org for assistance.

Official Bequest Language

It is important to use the appropriate testamentary language in your will when making a bequest. The official bequest language for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania is:

“I, [name], of [city, state, zip], give, devise and bequeath to The Historical Society of Pennsylvania [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.”

Gifts in Action

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania recently mourned the passing of two of our former Board members, faithful friends, and supporters--John C. Haas and Robert Lincoln McNeil Jr. For decades, these two men were champions of the Historical Society's mission to inspire people to create a better future through historical understanding.

John C. Haas

Mr. Haas (shown left) served on the board of the Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies, an organization that documented ethnic history in Philadelphia and organized educational programs with the city's youth, designed to promote intergroup understanding. The Balch merged with HSP in 2002 and Mr. Haas later served on HSP's National Advisory Council. When Mr. Haas passed away in April 2011, he provided an endowment to HSP to support the care and interpretation of ethnic and immigrant history.

Robert Lincoln McNeil Jr.

Treasures Society. Most recently, Mr. McNeil provided critical support for the Digital Center for Americana, which allowed HSP to digitize nearly 9,000 images and post them online. Mr. McNeil passed away in May 2010 and created an endowed fund for HSP publications and summer research fellowships in early American history.

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is grateful for the longtime support of Mr. Haas and Mr. McNeil. Their contributions to the Society have helped to preserve and promote our state and national history for generations to come.