The Black History Advisory Committee is an advisory committee to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) established in 1976 to advise the PHMC on its black history programming. The committee provides direction in a number of areas, including the development of an annual Black History Conference, the production of publication materials, the creation of African American related historical markers, and other specialized programming or initiatives.

The committee served on an ad hoc basis until 1981, when the PHMC passed a resolution formalizing its status, and has continued to function in its advisory capacity ever since. Rules governing membership were revised in 1990 to ensure equitable geographic representation on the committee. In 1994, the committee reviewed its status and agreed upon the need for a formal mission statement. Today, the committee is made up of nineteen members, including five ex officio members.

Mission Statement: To make African American history a more meaningful part of people's lives in Pennsylvania, the Black History Advisory Committee advises the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) and helps plan and evaluate its programs. By so doing, it ensures that the PHMC can make African American history and culture more available to a broad public audience through its programs in collections management, historic preservation, research, interpretation, and education. 

November 2008 Meeting Minutes (PDF, 21 KB)