Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Home to over 21 million historic manuscripts and graphic items, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania has an unparalleled collection that encompasses 350 lively years of American history.

As part of its $5.7 million renovation project, CG designed a digital display system to showcase HSP’s beautiful and amazing treasures, many of which are out of view in climate-controlled storage. The display is a renewable program, allowing images to rotate and change. Electronic visitor information screens were also developed to announce HSP’s numerous events and provide assistance to scholars, teachers and genealogists.

The donor recognition wall, made of two layers of glass, integrated donor names and engraved quotes from the HSP collection. Centered in the donor wall is a digital display that recognizes donors of all levels, including those who have “adopted” one of HSP’s many collections. Today HSP’s exhibit spaces are engaging with a vivid digital display that is visible from the street.

Notable: HSP holds many national treasures, such as the first draft of the United States Constitution, an original printer’s proof of the Declaration of Independence, gorgeous WPA posters and the earliest surviving American photograph.

Project partner
  • SaylorGregg Architects
Services
  • Interpretive planning and design
  • Donor recognition