Back in July, we announced the Historical Marker Program’s plans to recognize Pennsylvania’s role in U.S. history during the Semiquincentennial with a series of marker trails. These trails highlight both familiar and lesser-known stories, encouraging visitors to build a deeper and more meaningful connection to the past. Now, the first installment of Marking the Journey is live and ready to explore!

Our first theme, We The People, looks at what it means to be American.

Our story continues to grow and shift, shaped by the people who live, work, and contribute to our communities, regardless of background. Across time, communities have found ways to support one other and challenge unfair laws and restrictive social customs.

This trail invites you to revisit moments when Pennsylvanians demanded representation, expanded civil rights, and helped broaden the nation’s understanding of equality.

This first theme features five markers:

Mingo Creek Church and its role in the Whiskey Rebellion, one of the young nation’s first tests of federal authority.

Lithuanian immigration and how Pennsylvania’s identity has been shaped by its many communities.

Pennhurst and its landmark impact on disability rights.

Text in the center with images on either side.

Cover for a 2020 book about Pennhurst. Source: https://www.psupress.org/books/titles/978-0-271-08603-3.html?srsltid=AfmBOorYLAZdSVX10voj80RpSABLd2HYSyWGl0YdyUyd3fXxNhF-OIOK

Bryn Mawr Summer School for Women Workers in Industry and access to higher education for women workers.

Folded orange paper with words and photographs.

Pamphlet for the Bryn Mawr Summer School. Source: By unknown – Original publication: unknown Immediate source: http://greenfield.blogs.brynmawr.edu/tag/ccwh/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44139977

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Freedom Now rally and Pennsylvania’s place in the Civil Rights Movement.

If you’re interested to learn more, we’ve also included a selection of related markers and further reading opportunities.

Prefer something offline? You can also:

We hope you enjoy this first in our four-part series. Check back soon for our next theme: Power of Place.  If you’re planning to attend the Farm Show in January, look for one of our historical markers and more information about the StoryMap in PHMC’s booth!

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