PA Historical & Museum Commission

On May 10, 1876, more than 100,000 people gathered in Philadelphia for the Centennial Exhibition, or the Centennial Exposition. Over the next six months, the exhibition attracted nearly 10 million visitors - one out of every five Americans. ➡️bit.ly/4dpwv6Q Fairgoers to the Centennial picked up souvenirs to memorialize the experience. American flags were especially popular souvenirs, both the historic 13-star banner and the newer 38-star flag. Colorado had not yet been admitted to the Union as the 38th state by May 1876, but the flag anticipated the nation's continued expansion. This flag was patented in 1870, even though the 38-star flag was not formally adopted until July 4, 1877. The inscription at the top of this flag, preserved by Drake Well Museum and Park , indicates that it was presented to R.G. Fletcher, a Titusville businessman, at the time of the Centennial. #America250PA, #PA250, #PATreasures

Happy Birthday! 🎂🎊 Legendary actor Jimmy Stewart, born May 20, 1908 in Indiana County, Pa., entertained audiences in classic movies such as: 📽️“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" 📽️"It's a Wonderful Life" 📽️"The Philadelphia Story" Stewart served during #WWII & was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985. The State #Archives preserves Stewart's birth certificate. - pastatearchives.com

Connect with more than 30 Pennsylvania state agencies at the Commonwealth Job Fair! Explore opportunities in public service. #JobOpportunity ➡️ bit.ly/4nDq6s2

Congratulations again to the First Cambria African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church congregation for taking home a 2025 Community Initiative Award! ➡️ bit.ly/43jxXBA In 2025, First Cambria, the oldest Black church in Cambria County, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. While going through the National Register process, the feedback received from the PA State Historic hashtag#Preservation Office on how to position the church for future success was invaluable. It was the PA SHPO National Register reviewers who explained that an architectural study would be important for identifying ways in which to improve the church. hashtag#PreservationMonth, hashtag#PreservationHappensHere

Join the Archives Without Tears training sessions this June at the The Somerset Historical Center and Susquehanna University. Whether you're curious about caring for family or community materials, a government employee tasked with records storage, a volunteer at a local historical society, or anyone in-between, we invite all to attend. Receive practical advice & learn basic principles of archives. #Archives - bit.ly/4tN2Edr

Do you have a passion for history? @PHMC is seeking a Museum Educator to join the team at Old Economy Village. Play a lead role in the development, implementation & promotion of educational programs. This is your chance to present interactive tours, coordinate hands-on workshops & assisting with school field trips and special events. #ApplyNow ➡️ bit.ly/4eRPN5V

Today is #InternationalMuseumDay! In PA, all roads lead to history. Explore the Pennsylvania Trails of History one site at a time, travel an entire trail, or create your own #roadtrip to Pennsylvania's past. Which historic site is your favorite? ➡️ patrailsofhistory.com

Preservation Education, Training & Opportunities: May 2026 - mailchi.mp/pahistoricpres…

In 1971, local artist and newspaperman Nick Ruggieri (1908–96) took on the task of creating a series of paintings depicting Pennsylvania scenes — both historic and contemporary — across all 67 counties. The project commemorated Pennsylvania places for the 1976 United States Bicentennial. Ruggieri's work remains a poignant reflection on the Keystone State's evolution as we approach the nation's 250th anniversary. ➡️bit.ly/4ufj2o8 As America approaches its 250th birthday, PHMC is sharing articles from "Pennsylvania Heritage" magazine that lay out the monumental part Pennsylvania played in the founding of our nation. #America250PA, #PA250, @StateMuseumPA

Searching for career and not just a job? Discover how you can join the PHMC team. Join us at the Commonwealth Job Fair on May 21 at the PA Preferred Banquet Hall and explore opportunities across Pennsylvania state agencies, where your skills support real communities. ➡️ lnkd.in/gsYRMFAx • Meet hiring teams. • Discover career paths. • Build a future in public service. #jobs, #employment, #job

How are fragile objects such as flags, banners & other textiles preserved for future generations? Join professional conservator Nancy Pollak at 2 PM Sunday at The State Museum of Pennsylvania for an in-person discussion, “Moving Pictures: Preserving Painted Silk from the Revolutionary War and Beyond.” This is where art meet science! #America250PA, #250PA

🎉Successful Relaunch! 🎉 We are thrilled to report that the U.S. Brig Niagara is back in the water! The team at Bristol Marine Sample's Shipyard did an amazing job of getting her ready for today! Next up: sea trials for the engines and crew!

We are pleased to share the latest progress breakdown for the "U.S. Brig Niagara" refit! We have successfully navigated the most intensive phases of the project. ➡️ bit.ly/42tAlpf Project Prep, Carpentry (which represents over 60% of the total project scope), Engines & Systems, and Electrical work have all officially hit the 100% completion mark. With our final Close Out work now sitting at an incredible 92% complete, we are preparing for a major milestone: relaunching the ship into the water later this week to begin her sea trials! We are officially on the countdown to return home. We remain on target to depart Bristol Marine's Sample's Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, in early June and arrive in our Erie homeport on July 2, 2026.

On May 12, 1910, Philadelphia Athletics' pitcher Charles "Chief" Bender commanded a no-hit game against the Cleveland Naps in a 4-0 ⚾️victory at Shibe Park in #Philadelphia. Shibe Park was later known as Connie Mack Stadium and was home to the Philadelphia Phillies from 1938 to 1970. #Archives, #baseball - pastatearchives.com

Happy 275th anniversary, Pennsylvania Hospital! Founded May 11, 1751 by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond, Pennsylvania Hospital became the 1st hospital in Pennsylvania. This image, preserved by the State #Archives, depicts Pennsylvania Hospital’s Pine Building in #Philadelphia. Opened in 1756, the Pine Building is home to America’s first surgical amphitheater and first medical library. Today, Pennsylvania Hospital continues to operate as part of @PennMedicine Health System. - pastatearchives.com

.@PHMC is so excited for the highly anticipated return of the "U.S. Brig Niagara" to its homeport in Erie, Pa this July. Cap. Greg Bailey, who continues to guide the ship through its preservation in Maine, will soon step down to prioritize being with his family. Interim Capt. Richard Bailey will command the vessel for her voyage home. The ongoing preservation of the "Niagara," the absolute safety of her crew, and preparing the ship to sail remain our highest priorities. ➡️ bit.ly/4d5xZ5Z “The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is deeply grateful that Captain Greg Bailey chose to lead the U.S. Brig Niagara through her critical refit. We are incredibly pleased with the exceptional work he accomplished during this complex phase of the ship's preservation. His efforts will ensure Niagara sails for years to come. We thank him for his dedication and wish him and his family the very best.” - Melissa Mann, Director of the Bureau of Historic Sites and Museums.

Bridge to Success: Issue #16 - mailchi.mp/pahistoricpres…

Happy #MothersDay from @PHMC! Enjoy the message found within this Mother's Day poem, written by Sue Barr Richards. Experience it with the mother in your life. The State #Archives preserves this 1935 day card. - pastatearchives.com