Commission Members
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's offices are located in the State Museum of Pennsylvania, which opened in 1964.
Andrew E. Masich, Chairman
John A. Barbour
Karen Dougherty Buchholz
Susan M. Corbett
Jim Ferlo, Senator
William V. Lewis
Robert Matzie, Representative
Ann M. Moran
Jean Craige Pepper Victor
Scott Petri, Representative
Fredrick C. Powell
Richard M. Sand
Joseph B. Scarnati III, Senator
Ronald J. Tomalis, ex officio,
Secretary of Education
The Commonwealth's Official History Agency
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission was created by Act No. 446, approved June 6, 1945, amending the Administrative Code to consolidate the functions of the Pennsylvania Historical Commission, the State Museum, and the State Archives.
The Commission is an independent administrative board, consisting of nine citizens of the Commonwealth appointed by the Governor; the Secretary of Education ex officio; two members of the Senate appointed by the President Pro Tempore and Minority Leader; and two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker and Minority Leader.
The Executive Director, appointed by the Commission to serve at its pleasure, is an ex officio member of the Environmental Quality Board, County Records Committee, and the Local Government Records Committee.
As the official agency of the Commonwealth for the conservation of Pennsylvania's historic heritage, the powers and duties of the Commission fall into these principal fields: care of historical manuscripts, public records, and objects of historic interest; museums; archaeology; publications; historic sites and properties; historic preservation; geographic names; and the promotion of public interest in Pennsylvania history. The legislation that describes the powers and duties of the Commission is Title 37, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (PDF, 104 KB) commonly referred to as the "Pennsylvania History Code".
The Pennsylvania State Archives is a major repository for official historical records of state government and other manuscripts and materials. Our 25 historic sites and museums (widely known as the Pennsylvania Trails of History) collect, preserve, and interpret objects and commemorate important events, people, and places. The PHMC publishes Pennsylvania Heritage magazine, books, and leaflets on historical subjects; sponsors workshops and conferences; and installs and maintains more than 2,000 historical markers. The Commission offers historic preservation services, museum and preservation grants, and technical assistance; internships and scholars in residence opportunities; museum and distance learning programs; and so much more.
Mission Statement
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission preserves the Commonwealth's memory as a teacher and champion of its heritage for citizens of Pennsylvania and the nation.
Vision Statement
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission enriches people's lives by helping them to understand Pennsylvania's past, to appreciate the present, and to embrace the future.
