Historical & Museum Commission

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The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is the governmental agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania responsible for the collection, conservation and interpretation of Pennsylvania's historic heritage. The commission cares for historical manuscripts, public records, and objects of historic interest; museums; archeology; publications; historic sites and properties; historic preservation; geographic names; and the promotion of public interest in Pennsylvania history.PHMC was established June 6, 1945, by state Act No. 446, merging the Pennsylvania Historical Commission, Pennsylvania State Museum and Pennsylvania State Archives.The Commission is an independent administrative board, consisting of nine citizens of the Commonwealth appointed by the Governor; the Secretary of Education ex officio; two members of the Senate appointed by the President Pro Tempore and Minority Leader; and two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker and Minority Leader. As of April 2014, the chairman is Andrew Masich and the executive director is James Vaughan. PHMC Commissioners as of April 2014 are John A. Barbour, Karen Dougherty Buchholz, Susan M. Corbett, Jim Ferlo, Senator, William V. Lewis, Robert Matzie, Representative, Ann M. Moran, Jean Craige Pepper Victor, Scott Petri, Representative, Fredrick C. Powell, Richard M. Sand, Joseph B. Scarnati III, Senator, Carolyn Dumaresq, ex officio, Acting Secretary of Education.PHMC Mission: The PHMC works in partnership with others to preserve the Commonwealth's natural and cultural heritage as a steward, teacher and advocate for the people of Pennsylvania and the nation.