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Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means it's official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 
    Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission

    PHMC's Museum Collections

    This online collection tells the story of Pennsylvania by highlighting the history of the commonwealth's diverse objects

     

    Explore PHMC's Museum Collections

     

    PHMC preserves Pennsylvania's most treasured objects at its historic sites and museums. These artifacts celebrate the commonwealth's social, cultural, natural and economic diversity.

    This online collection tells the story of Pennsylvania by highlighting the history of the commonwealth's diverse objects, including a massive steam locomotive, a flower pot made by abolitionists, this face on a rock, a map stitched in time, some serious wood hicks, and the boots worn by a breaker boy.

    The Pennsylvania State Archives maintains a separate database.

    Breaker Boy Boots

    Search Collections

    Explore Pennsylvania’s online collection of historical objects, archaeological artifacts, and natural history specimens.

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    Locomotive

    Advanced Search

    Search by date, maker, materials, place of origin and collection. Use the tool to drill down your search!

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    Map

    Browse PHMC Sites & Museums Collections

    Dig deep into the collections preserved by PHMC's sites & museums!

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    Made in PA

    Featured Objects

    Browse through many of PHMC's most well-known artifacts!

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    Resources