PA Senate Library

On this National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we like to recognize former State Senator Charles Timothy Shaffer (1981-1996). Shaffer served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the war from 1967-1970.

#OTD in 1979, the Three Mile Island nuclear plant suffered a partial meltdown near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Photo courtesy of National Archives Catalog, catalog.archives.gov/id/540028.

In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth, the PA Senate Library would like to honor Mary Emerson Kunkle, who became the first woman to serve as Acting Senate Librarian. Her tenure ran for one year from December 14, 1959, until January 3, 1961.

#DYK the Senate Library has served the PA Senate for 217 years? The library existed as early as 1809, when court cases and other reference materials were housed within its collections. From handwritten manuscripts to rare photographs, each artifact is a window into PA's past.

#DYK that Catherine Baker Knoll was the first woman Lieutenant Governor of PA? In 2003, Knoll was sworn in as the first female Lieutenant Governor in PA history. She was reelected to that same position four years later.

On permanent display in the Senate Library is this beautiful Underwood No.5 typewriter that was used during circa the 1900s – 1930s. This typewriter was standard issue to all Senate Members in the era, much like we get a desktop or laptop assigned today.

#DYK that Sullivan County was created on March 15, 1847, from part of Lycoming County and named for American Revolutionary War Major General John Sullivan? Photo courtesy of Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division.

In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth, the PA Senate Library would like to honor Flora Morris Vare, who was the first woman to serve in the Pennsylvania Senate (1925-1928).

#DYK that former PA State Senator Charles Bingham Penrose was the first Whig to serve in the State Senate? He was elected in 1833 as a Democratic-Republican, but he switched parties in 1837. He served 5 consecutive sessions as a Whig before switching to Republican in 1857.

#OTD in 1970, the General Assembly enacts the Brook Trout as the state fish. #DYK that the Paradise fish hatchery in Monroe County is the oldest in the PA? In 1902, the Paradise Fish Hatchery was created to sell native fish to residents of PA. The hatchery is still running today.

#OTD in 1812, the General Assembly divided Northampton County into two counties and created Lehigh County, named after the 109-mile-long Lehigh River. Photo courtesy of Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division.

#OTD in 1681, Charles II of England granted a land tract to William Penn for the area that would become Pennsylvania. Originally Penn suggested to name the land "Sylvania" which means "woodlands", but then Penn was added to make Pennsylvania, which stands for "Penn's Woods".

#DYK that former State Senator Joseph M. Gaydos Sr. (1967-1968), served in the Naval Reserve? Gaydos enlisted in the Navy Reserves during WWII and saw action in the Pacific Theater, 1944-1946. #NavalReserveBirthday

In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, the Pennsylvania Senate Library celebrates the life and achievements of Lt. Governor Austin Davis. He is the youngest Lt. Governor in the country and the first African American Lt. Governor in Commonwealth history.

Come see the library's current exhibit: "Growing Pennsylvania". The exhibit features the Senate's Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, showcasing the work the committee has done to help Pennsylvania communities grow and thrive.

Today is #NationalTileDay, so come check out the Moravian Mosaic Tiles at the Capitol! Designed by Henry Chapman Mercher, from Bucks County, PA, the Capitol has nearly 400 different pictured mosaic tiles spread across the entire first floor of the building.

Our new exhibit makes you step back in time! Every celebration leading up to 2026 features unique attire from the era so that you feel totally immersed in history! Let us know which outfit is your favorite in the comments!

In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, the Pennsylvania Senate Library celebrates the life and achievements of former Senator Hardy Williams (1983-1998). #DYK that he was the first African American to earn a varsity letter in men’s basketball at Penn State in 1949? 🏀

Today we acknowledge all those who served and sacrificed during the battle of Iwo Jima in WWII. Former PA State Senator Fraser Patrick Donlan was wounded 4 times and lost a portion of his lower leg in that battle. He received several awards and medals for his bravery and valor.

While most presidential inaugurations have happened in Washington, D.C., #DYK there are two presidents who were inaugurated in Pennsylvania? In 1793 George Washington was inaugurated for his 2nd term and in 1797 it was John Adams, both held in Congress Hall in Philadelphia, PA.