Public Speaker's Bureau
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania offers a variety of talks that highlight its collections. The talks are offered to all organizations, including schools, and can be presented at HSP or off-site. Speaking fees are $200 for a presentation (up to two hours including Q&A) within 25 miles of HSP. For locations further than 25 miles, please see the following fee schedule:
- 25-50 miles: $225
- 50-75 miles: $250
- 75+ miles: $300 + travel and lodging for one night
If you are interested in a speaker below, click on their highlighted name for a direct link to their e-mail address.
Research and Resources at the HSP
Library Director Lee Arnold, using case studies, will speak on the various ways researchers use the collections of HSP for historical and genealogical research.
Getting Started Doing Your Genealogy
Lee Arnold, HSP’s library director and a family historian, outlines the various approaches to getting started doing your genealogical research.
Political Controversies during the Administration of Governor Sir William Keith, 1717-1726
Director of Research Services David Haugaard tells the story of the rise and fall of the flamboyant Pennsylvania governor, Sir William Keith. His strong support for the rights of Quakers, his advocacy of paper money, and his apparent sympathy for ordinary Pennsylvanians, made him a truly popular governor during most of his administration.
How to Add some Biography to your Genealogy
Haugaard uses examples from 18th century Pennsylvania sources to describe how genealogists can learn about the life, not just the vital statistics, of their ancestors.
Dr. Christina Larocco, Editor of PMHB and Scholarly Programs Manager, is a historian of women and social movements. She gives talks on HSP collections related to women’s participation in abolitionism, the nineteenth-century women’s rights movement, suffrage, Progressivism, the civil rights movement, second-wave feminism, and more.
Dr. Daniel Rolph, Historian and Head of Reference Services, gives talks on the following subjects:
- Family folklore & genealogical research
- The Civil War & HSP collections
- The French and Indian War & HSP collections
- The American Revolution & HSP collections
- Author’s talk on My Brother’s Keeper: Union and Confederate Soldiers’ Acts of Mercy during the Civil War
- Ghosts and supernatural or paranormal research at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania