PHILADELPHIA, PA – For the first time in over 20 years, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP) is making its world-renowned Reading Room available to the public for rental for special occasions such as weddings and Bat Mitzvahs.

Home to several of the nation’s founding documents, HSP has expanded its event rental offerings to better share its historic, easily-accessible 90,000 square foot Center City library with those desiring a unique setting for their next wedding, private party, or reception.

In collaboration with Ardmore-based JPM Catering – HSP’s new exclusive caterer – the organization is broadening the ways it serves its stakeholders, creating desirable event spaces for a variety of happenings.

“We believe we have created a solid model that provides event planners with a versatile space and high quality food and service while not creating additional burden for our own staff,” says HSP’s Visitor Services Manager, Sarah Duda.

With all eyes on Philadelphia during the Democratic National Convention, HSP will also open its doors to the public for an unprecedented display of its most historic documents July 22-27.

HSP has four distinct spaces. The Reading Room is its shining star. Originally designed as an assembly hall to host meetings, lectures, and celebrations, it currently serves as HSP’s library. Its vaulted ceilings, arch windows, balconies, and bookcases create a stately, formal atmosphere.

“It’s perfect for a geek wedding or anyone seeking a “non-traditional” traditional setting,” says JPM Catering founder Jennifer McCafferty. “It’s very formal but also quite intimate.”

HSP’s recently renovated Lobby & Lounge is perfect for smaller, cocktail-style events. The Information Commons features old-style card catalogues plus state-of-the-art video walls that can be customized with your digital photos or text. Upstairs, the Patterson Room is ideal for corporate events like lectures or receptions with included stage, podium, and complete A/V systems.

For true history buffs, other add-ons are available, like the Behind-the-Scenes Vault Tour that displays HSP’s most treasured items like the first photograph taken in North America and drafts of the U.S. Constitution. Also available is a Document Show & Tell, which HSP librarians and archivists customize for display during events according to a topic of the renter’s choice. HSP is also offering nonprofit rental rates as well as discounted rates during off-peak times.

More information on renting HSP for an event can be found at http://hsp.org/plan-your-visit/facility-rental.

View complete information on renting HSP’s facility in a downloadable PDF booklet.

About The Historical Society of Pennsylvania
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP) is a provider of education and information for the people of Philadelphia and beyond. With over 21 million documents – including manuscripts, graphics, and ephemera – HSP serves more than 4,000 on-site researchers annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources online. HSP offers extensive online resources including digital collections, curricular materials, and hosts educator workshops, public programs and lectures throughout the year. HSP is also a chief center for the documentation and study of ethnic communities and immigrant experiences in the 20th-century, and one of the largest family history libraries in the nation. http://www.hsp.org

About JPM Catering
We believe our food, decor and service to be a standard of excellence, and we think you’ll agree. It’s a standard rooted in a seasonal, artisanal approach that incorporates only the best ingredients, nature-based designs and first-class service. Founder Jennifer McCafferty is changing how the Main Line and Greater Philadelphia think about food and events by marrying elegance with sustainability. JPM Catering delivers best-in-class services for weddings, special milestone occasions, corporate and non-profit events in venues or clients’ homes throughout the Main Line and Greater Philadelphia. Our inspired recipes, style and approach to special events and gatherings have endured the test of  time because of their high quality and recognized value, as evidenced by our many repeat customers. http://jpmcatering.com/