The history of Pennsylvania is traceable to the first modern indigenous peoples that occupied the area of present-day Pennsylvania. These included the Lenape, Susquehannocks, Iroquois, Erie, Shawnee, …

Mar 20, 2026 · Pennsylvania played a key role in the country’s founding. The first (1774) and second (1775–76) Continental Congresses met in Philadelphia; the Declaration of Independence was signed …

Nov 9, 2009 · The first English charter to colonize land in the New World that is today known as Pennsylvania was set forth by King Charles II as a way to repay William Penn, a member of upper …

The State Library holds an extensive collection of materials for researching Pennsylvania history – whether it is for a local area, county or a notable Pennsylvanian.

Jun 5, 2024 · Past PA illuminates the history of Pennsylvania. It will bring a deeper understanding of important events that people have likely heard of but might not know very much about, and help …

Timeline of important dates and major events in the history of Pennsylvania. Illustrated list of events and people from our today in history archives.

The PA Historical Association advances knowledge about the history and culture of Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic region.

William Penn founded the Pennsylvania colony in 1682, establishing Philadelphia as a key city for trade and governance. The city served as a pivotal location for the Continental Congress, where the …

Jan 19, 2026 · Pennsylvania’s journey from Quaker colony to industrial powerhouse to post-industrial commonwealth illustrates American history’s complexity. The state has been laboratory for …

Pennsylvania was founded in 1681 through a royal land grant to William Penn, the son of the commonwealth's namesake. Before that, between 1638 and 1655, a southeast portion of the state …