Pennsylvania Trails of History

​About

In Pennsylvania, all roads lead to history.

To help find your path, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) has blazed several special-interest trails leading to some of Pennsylvania's most historic sites. We invite you to explore one site at a time, travel an entire trail, or create your own road trip to Pennsylvania's past.

No matter whether you choose one of our classic trails, a trail based on PHMC's annual themes, or if you blaze your own, we're sure it will lead you to experience and embrace the people, places, and events that make Pennsylvania so special.

Membership

Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation Individual level members and those at the higher levels receive free admission to all of the historic sites and museums on PHMC's Pennsylvania Trails of History.

Visit the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation website(opens in a new tab) for more information about membership or to join today.

Museums for All

PHMC has joined other museums across the country in Museums for All(opens in a new tab). This program enables low-income families to explore Pennsylvania’s rich history and culture by visiting participating state-owned museums for a minimal fee of $2 per person with the presentation of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and identification. This offer is for general admission only and excludes special programs or events.

Services for Visually Impaired Guests

PHMC has contracted with Aira(opens in a new tab), a service that helps visitors with vision loss navigate and engage with museums, at six Pennsylvania Trails of History sites: Erie Maritime Museum(opens in a new tab), Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum(opens in a new tab), Old Economy Village, Pennsylvania Military Museum(opens in a new tab), Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (opens in a new tab)and The State Museum of Pennsylvania(opens in a new tab). Visitors can access Aira in two ways at no cost: download the app to their iPhone or Android smartphone(opens in a new tab) or by using Aira's proprietary smart glasses(opens in a new tab). In both cases, through artificial intelligence and augmented reality, visitors will be connected to highly trained sighted live agents who can see from their remote location what is in front of or near the user. The agent then helps the visitor navigate the museum.  Aira connects people who are blind or have low vision to highly trained, remotely-located agents.

Travel Planning

For help in planning your trip and finding nearby attractions, restaurants and lodging go to VisitPA.com(opens in a new tab).

General Facility Rules

Please enjoy your visit and observe these rules(opens in a new tab).

Living History Safety Policy

PHMC's Living History Safety Policy(opens in a new tab) guides all living history activities, including battle reenactments, at its Historic Sites and Museums that demonstrate historic weapons.