Founded in 1824, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania is one of the nation’s largest archives of historical documents, including over 21 million manuscripts, books and graphic images representing over 400 years of U.S. history.
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania’s interior contains multiple event spaces to fit the needs of many types of events. Located at 1300 Locust Street in downtown Philadelphia, the building is only blocks from City Hall, plenty of hotels and public transportation.
Main Lobby
Main Lobby Standing Cocktail Party: 150
Main Lobby Wedding Ceremony: 120
The welcoming lobby area is a relaxed space for cocktail hour with a three-piece band or other low-key entertainment, with access to displays showcasing various historic documents.
These documents and artifacts with captivating historical significance can be customized for your event, with items of relevance to you or your event. Docents can provide guided tours of their vast collection of books, newspapers, manuscripts and graphics. Consultations can also be scheduled with professional genealogists to aid in family history research.
Entire Event Space Capacity: 250
Reading Room
Seated Dinner Full Capacity: 100
Seated Dinner 1/2 Capacity: 75
The Reading Room is adjacent to the lobby and provides a unique opportunity for the backdrop of your event to be the Historical Society’s large library. With a distinct vibe from the seating and lighting fixtures, guests will be sure to remember dinners in this stately setting.
Reception Hall
Upstairs Reception Hall Seated Dinner: 160
Upstairs Reception Hall Standing: 200
Upstairs, the newly renovated reception hall is a great space for seated dinners with dancing. It can be customized to host any event from weddings to galas and alumni reunions. With two projectors, the reception hall is also a perfect fit for business meetings, seminars, or presentations before a reception. The reception hall can host up to 160 guests for a seated dinner.
Catering By Design is the exclusive caterer and hospitality partner to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
