The Annual Conference on Black History in Pennsylvania is an event sponsored by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and other local and state organizations. It focuses on different aspects of Pennsylvania's African American heritage. During its more than thirty years, the conference has played host to prominent public figures, scholars, educators, artists, and others who have addressed a broad range of important and relevant issues. It's the longest-running state-sponsored history conference of its kind.

The conference seeks to bridge the gap between history professionals and the public by encouraging cooperation among university-based scholars, teachers at all levels, students, local community leaders, historic preservationists, historic site and museum professionals, the business community, government officials, tourism promoters, local historians, and others interested in the state's cultural heritage.

Join us as we celebrate the spirit of history of this lively event and talk about the challenges that remain for African Americans in Pennsylvania.

The 32nd Annual Conference on Black History in Pennsylvania  was held at the YWCA in Carlisle on May 8-9, 2009.  Photographs of the event are now online.

Questions?
For general information on the Annual Conference on Black History, please contact Linda Ries at lries@pa.gov or call (717) 787-3023.

(Photograph Students of Sarah V. Hodge's first grade class at Wilson Elementary School, Carlisle, 1947-1948. Courtesy: Ruth Hodge)