The Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations was incorporated in 1907 as the Pennsylvania Federation of Historical Societies. Among its earliest activities was promoting the creation of the Pennsylvania Historical Commission, a state agency. During the first thirty years of its existence, the Federation remained a loose association of interested historical societies, promoting the study and dissemination of Pennsylvania history. In the late 1930s an agreement was reached between the Federation and the Commission, which provided headquarters for the Federation in Harrisburg. Under this agreement, the Executive Director of the Commission also served as the Federation's Executive Secretary, while Commission staff took part in the Federation's day-to-day operations.
The agreement remained the same until the mid-1980s when membership and services gradually increased. The Federation sponsored regional workshops, prepared and published a directory of historical organizations and began publishing a quarterly newsletter, Tapestry. In 1985, the federation was reincorporated and in 1986 was granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service. In 1987, the board hired its first executive director.
In 1989, the Federation's name was officially changed to the Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations. The change was made to reflect the Federation's focus on the broad spectrum of organizations in the state. With membership and board members representative of art and science museums, as well as those devoted to history, the Federation now faces the challenge of serving a broader audience whose needs are more diverse. In addition to workshops, Tapestry, and the annual meeting, the Federation's programs and activities include advocacy on important issues facing our constituents, affinity groups, and lending library, consultant lists, and an awards program. The Federation's information services also include a museum and historical organization database, mailing list service, a weekly online newsletter, and a website that includes information about the Federation, our members, and valuable professional development news and resources.
The Federations' goals are to support, sustain, invigorate and expand the important role that museum and historical organizations play in their communities and throughout the Commonwealth. The Federation has established a framework for working together by initiating partnerships and alliances with its members, state agencies, national and regional museum and heritage organizations, and other groups. It has taken a leadership role in challenging museums to establish their case for support and to position themselves for fundraising commensurate with their contribution to the economic and cultural development of the Commonwealth.
