Pennsylvania
6abc Loves the Arts: Historical Society of Pennsylvania Presents “Paths to Independence: 1765 to 1787” through Sept. 18
PHLADELPHIA (WPVI) — The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is celebrating the semi-quincentennial with a new exhibition that shows off some very rare documents that date to the founding of our nation.
“Paths to Independence: 1765 to 1787” documents America’s origin story in two parts.
“The exhibition looks at the decade of controversies and conflicts leading up to the Declaration of Independence,” says David Brigham, Librarian & CEO of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. “Why did we feel as American colonies that we needed to separate from Great Britain?”
And then the 11 years between the signing of the Declaration and the adoption of the Constitution.
“The colonies have a lot of work to do,” says Brigham.
There are 141 pieces on view.
“They include original letters, journals, newspapers, broadsides,” he says. “And an incredible oil painting of a tea protest event that happened in Annapolis, Maryland in October of 1774.”
The artwork depicts the burning of the tea ship, Peggy Stewart.
“It’s been in a private home for generations,” he says. “This painting has not been seen in public possibly for 170 years.”
Items are on display in seven cases.
“This case focuses on the Stamp Act, which is passed in the spring of 1765 by Parliament,” he says.
There’s a section on rising tensions in the 1770s, which includes the Battle of Lexington and Concord and the Boston Tea Party.
You can see what’s known as the Dunlap Broadside.
“This is an original printing of the Declaration of Independence,” he says.
Just 200 were printed and only 26 survive.
Brigham says the one on display at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania is unique.
“We think it was Jefferson’s proof copy,” he says. “He would mark his speeches out with quotation marks where he intended to emphasize a phrase.”
Another case includes a first draft of the Articles of Confederation, which Brigham says is “the first attempt by Congress to write a Constitution of the United States.”
There is also a first newspaper printing of the Constitution of the United States. It was someone’s personal copy, complete with notes in the margin of the newspaper.
Brigham says people of different social statuses and religions found their way to independence “for different reasons.”
“Sometimes the story’s flattened out into ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys.’ That’s way too simple,” he says. “There was a lot of complexity and even in that 20-year period a lot of attitudes changed.”
“Paths to Independence: 1765 to 1787” is on view through September 18 at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. This exhibition is free and open to the public during regular library hours, but visitors must check in at the front desk.
Historical Society of Pennsylvania’s library hours:
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Closed Saturday – Monday
Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP)
1300 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
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WILKES-BARRE — When people think about transportation in Northeastern Pennsylvania, their first thoughts are likely cars and buses.
While those are the most common modes of transportation in the region, an important question is gaining attention among planners, community leaders, and residents alike:
How easy is it to get around NEPA on foot?
A recent report by The Institute examined accessibility and walkability across the region. The findings reveal a region with some highly walkable downtowns and neighborhoods, but also many communities where residents remain heavily dependent on vehicles.
“Walkability refers to how easily people can reach everyday destinations such as stores, restaurants, schools, parks, and health care facilities by walking,” said Jill Avery-Stoss, President and CEO of The Institute, “Factors that influence walkability include street connectivity, proximity to destinations, access to transit, and the strength of the infrastructure network. Walkability supports the resilience, environment, health, and economy of communities.”
Using the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Walkability Index, The Institute confirmed that some of the region’s traditional downtown communities scored the highest.
• In Lackawanna County, communities including Scranton, Carbondale, Old Forge, Jessup, Blakely, Clarks Summit, and Moosic ranked among the county’s most walkable areas.
• In Luzerne County, strong scores were recorded in Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, Hazleton, Kingston, Forty Fort, Plymouth, Dallas, and Freeland.
• In Wayne County, the boroughs of Honesdale and Hawley emerged as the most walkable locations.
The broader regional picture, however, highlights a continuing dependence on automobiles.
“Most municipalities in Northeast Pennsylvania are categorized as car-dependent, particularly in more rural areas where destinations are spread farther apart, and transportation options are limited,” notes Avery-Stoss.
Data from America Walks, which combines EPA and Census Bureau information to evaluate walkable land use, shows that a majority of residents in all three counties live in areas rated as below-average for walkability.
Approximately 66.4% of Lackawanna County residents, 59.5% of Luzerne County residents, and 53.1% of Wayne County residents live in neighborhoods classified as below-average walkable.
Despite these challenges, Avery-Stoss said there are opportunities for improvement.
She said Northeastern Pennsylvania already benefits from an extensive network of trails and greenways, including the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, the Luzerne County Levee Trail, and other rail-trail systems that support walking, biking, and recreation. Avery-Stoss said investments in sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, trail connections, traffic-calming measures, and transit-oriented development could further improve mobility and quality of life throughout the region.
“While walkability varies significantly from one community to another, many of the region’s most vibrant downtown areas demonstrate what is possible when homes, businesses, parks, and services are located within easy walking distance,” Avery-Stoss said. “As communities continue to invest in transportation and redevelopment projects, walkability is becoming an increasingly important part of how Northeastern Pennsylvania grows and connects its residents to their larger community.”
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Pennsylvania was recognized as one of the top state pavilions at America’s 250th birthday celebration, receiving one of the event’s “Best in Show” honors during the closing ceremony at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall.
The recognition comes just weeks after Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) partnered with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and a coalition of 55 Pennsylvania organizations, businesses, and industry partners to ensure the Commonwealth had a pavilion at the Great American State Fair. The bipartisan effort was made possible entirely through private partnerships without the use of a single taxpayer dollar.
Joining Senators McCormick and Fetterman in this effort were the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, PennAg Industries Association, and the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association (PMA), alongside more than 50 additional Pennsylvania organizations, businesses, and industry partners whose support helped bring the Commonwealth’s exhibit to life.
“Pennsylvania’s story is America’s story, and this recognition is a tribute to everyone who helped bring that story to life,” said Senator McCormick. “From Independence Hall and Valley Forge to our farms, factories, and innovators, the Commonwealth has shaped our nation for 250 years. I’m grateful to Senator Fetterman, Secretary Rollins, and our outstanding Pennsylvania partners for ensuring Pennsylvania had a presence worthy of our history.”
“I’m incredibly proud of all the Pennsylvanians that showed up to make sure our Commonwealth had the spotlight it deserved right there on the National Mall during America’s 250th birthday. It earned this recognition,” said Senator Fetterman. “What makes Pennsylvania truly awesome are the men, women, and children who call it home. Our farmers, steelworkers, small business owners, and so many more. Those who visited the pavilion got to see a glimpse of some of the very best of us and our history, and I’m grateful to Senator McCormick, Secretary Rollins, and all who made this a massive success.”
The Pennsylvania pavilion highlights the Commonwealth’s central role in America’s story — from the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the sacrifices at Valley Forge to Gettysburg, the Arsenal of Democracy, and the Commonwealth’s continued leadership in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, innovation, and small business. Visitors also explored exhibits featuring many of Pennsylvania’s iconic companies and products, spotlighting the industries and communities driving the Commonwealth’s economy today.
During the closing ceremony, Freedom 250 recognized several outstanding state pavilions from across the country. Pennsylvania received one of the event’s “Best in Show” honors, recognizing the Commonwealth’s exhibit as one of the premier state pavilions at the Great American State Fair.
Representatives from Senator McCormick’s office accepted the Best in Show award during a recognition ceremony on the Freedom Stage Friday afternoon at the Great American State Fair.
MIFFLIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Thousands of people gathered to watch one of the world’s largest operating steam locomotive make several stops in Pennsylvania.
Union Pacific’s “Big Boy” No. 4014 made stops in Lebanon, Lewistown, Pittston, Rockville, among other locations.
CBS 21 Meteorologist and Chief Drone Pilot Ed Russo captured video during its stops in central Pennsylvania.
MORE | Big Boy steam locomotive draws massive crowd in Lebanon
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