The State Library invites you to engage with its unique collections and explore what Pennsylvania was like 250 years ago, when leaders gathered in Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The digital materials on this site are primary sources selected from the collections of the State Library, both newly-digitized and some already available to the public, to illustrate various themes of Pennsylvania from its inception to about 1800. Through the lens of historical works such as Benjamin Franklin’s newspaper The Pennsylvania Gazette, the works of the time period shine a light on what Pennsylvanians were thinking, feeling, and doing. 

This project by the State Library of Pennsylvania is part of a larger initiative, America250, and its counterpart specifically for the state of Pennsylvania, America250PA. Further partner institutions have also contributed new works that honor the Sestercentennial / Semiquincentennial of the United States. These institutions and their unique contributions can be found through the main federal website, and the individual participating state commission websites.

Explore more about the Commonwealth in the colonial, revolution, and early republic eras by clicking below on the icons in each theme thumbnail to view unique documents in the State Library’s collection. Alternatively, click the blue button to view all of the materials newly-digitized by the State Library of Pennsylvania for the America250 project. Follow along with guided questions and activities on each theme page to bring the past to life!  

Newly-Digitized Collections for America250

These items are just a sampling of the books, pamphlets, maps, and broadsides that have been digitized as part of the America250 project by the State Library of Pennsylvania. Most of these materials, such as the extended run of the Pennsylvania Gazette and the selected Penn family manuscripts, are newly available for free online research.

The following themes serve to illustrate American's experiences 250 years ago. Each theme contains primary resources such as newspapers, broadsides, maps, pamphlets, books, magazines and other materials. Users can browse collections and teachers can direct students to more in-depth sections featuring suggested activities and lessons in order to learn about life 250 years ago.

Changing Landscapes

Maps and Visual Representations

See how engraved images and maps portrayed Pennsylvania, and more generally the lands of today's United States, 250 years ago. These examples depict how the man-made has environment changed in appearance from the colonial days into the Early Republic era and beyond.

Communications

Media in Colonial Times

Long before the Internet, and broadcast media, those with the ability to read looked to printed materials such as books, pamphlets, magazines, and newspapers. These printed materials were separated by geographic location, political alignment, social motivation, language, and cultural heritage and appeared in various formats based on intended audience, scale, and ability to pay.

Daily Life

Society, Commerce, and Communication

Have you wondered what everyday life was like for Pennsylvanians of this time period, and how they communicated? Explore broadsides (the equivalent of today's posters) to see how city matters were announced to the public, and take a look at some articles and advertisements from newspapers like the Pennsylvania Gazette. Visit the State Library's website for more primary sources! 

Evolving Memory

Commemorations from Years Past

The values of the Revolution have been celebrated for 250 years. See some examples about how the Revolution has been commemorated by Pennsylvanians over time from early histories, periodic anniversary celebrations, commemoration, and memorialization.

Politics, Taxes, and Revolution

Causes, Revolution, and Early Republic

Learn about the causes of the American Revolution (1765-1775), the Revolutionary period (1775-1783) and the Early Republic (1783-1800) including economic, political, and social impact.

Special Populations

African-Americans, Pennsylvania's Natives, German-Americans, and Quakers

America, and Pennsylvania in particular, were composed of various sub-cultures, including enslaved and freed Africans and indentured servants, native peoples such as the Conestoga, Germans immigrants that settled alongside established Anglo-Americans, and Quakers such as the founding family of Pennsylvania. Learn about the roles and existence of these populations in early America.