Certain groups of people in the 18th century have not always been celebrated alongside the established main characters like George Washington, William Penn, and Benjamin Franklin. It is the duty of current and future Pennsylvanians to share the narratives and figureheads of marginalized groups, and to elevate their stories to equal representation, especially during times of statewide or nationwide celebrations of identity. Other groups may not necessarily be marginalized, but are rather an under-represented group of special interest in the unique story and identity of Pennsylvania. Within the holdings of the State Library of Pennsylvania, five notable groups have been identified as special populations to be considered: African Americans, Native Americans, Quakers, European immigrants, and Women. Each of these groups is featured below, with their own unique narratives, materials, and questions to consider in light of the Semiquincentennial.

View of London Coffee House of Philadelphia c. 1770s, with Slaves for Sale - Photo credit: Library Company of Philadelphia

Banner Photo: "William Penn and the Indians" by Constantino Brumidi, United States Capitol Rotunda - Photo Credit: Architect of the Capitol

Selected holdings of the State Library of Pennsylvania pertaining to special populations have been digitized as part of the America250 project, and are freely available by clicking the button below.