The PHMC formally adopted the Pennsylvania History Bill of Rights (PHBR) as its guiding principles at its March 17, 2010 meeting.  The PHBR is based upon provisions of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and on the requirements of the History Code.  Since then it has been adopted by several other organizations across the commonwealth.

Recently, the PHMC submitted questions, based on the PHBR to Penn State Harrisburg's Center for Survey Research, for their statewide poll of Pennsylvanians.

Participants were asked to rank the importance of each provision of the PHBR on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being "least important" and 5 being "most important." The provisions ranked in order along with the percentage of Pennsylvanians rating them a "4" or "5" are as follows:

• Current and future generations are assured that Pennsylvania's historical resources are preserved for their enjoyment and use. 89% (1st) 
  
  
• Pennsylvania citizens have access to the current records of government and the permanently valuable documents which tell the history of the Commonwealth. 81.4% (2nd)
  
  
• Students in Pennsylvania schools understand Pennsylvania's history in the context of local, national and world events. 80% (3rd)
  
  
• Pennsylvania’s communities retain the historic character and distinctiveness that are essential to attracting and retaining residents, businesses and visitors. 73.1% (4th)
  
  
• Pennsylvania's museums, historical societies and historic sites receive adequate public and private support to maintain high standards of stewardship and public access. 72.7% (5th)
  
  
• Pennsylvania maintains a competitive position as a premier tourism destination for heritage travelers. 66.8% (6th)
  

The full text of the Penn State Poll is available here. Please scroll to pages 37-46 for results relating to the PHBR including survey regions.

How other organizations can get involved

The PHMC encourages other history/cultural/tourism organizations to join with them in adopting these needs-based operating principles as they navigate the difficult economic times currently facing such organizations.  PHMC plans on using this “Bill of Rights” as a method of recruiting partners and grass roots support as well as an opportunity to engage in conversations with constituents and stakeholders. 

Download a sample resolution resolution (PDF, 121 KB) you can use for your organization.  Let us know when your organization adopts the PHBR and we’ll add your name to the list of supporters.

Send a copy to:
Howard Pollman
Attn: History Bill of Rights
300 North St., 5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0024

Or fax:
Attn: History Bill of Rights
717.787.7789

Or email:
hpollman@pa.gov

Supporters

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC)
Pennsylvania Heritage Society (PHS)
Pennsylvania Archaeological Council (PAC)
Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology (SPA)
Pennsylvania Historical Association (PHA)
Alliance for Pennsylvania County Historical Societies (APACHS)
Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations (PFMHO)
Borough of Tower City
Preservation Pennsylvania
Centre County Historical Society
Historical Society of Berks County
Pennsylvania Humanities Council
Cumberland County Historical Society
Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau
Borough of Phoenixville
Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area
Main Street Gettysburg
Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor
Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority
Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation
Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania, Inc.