Executive Director’s Message
Written by Larry Tise in the From the Executive Director category and the Summer 1984 issue Topics in this article:Among those things about which we are justly proud and want to share fully with friends of Pennsylvania history is the recent completion of the new Archives-Land Records Search Room located in the Commission’s Archives Building in Harrisburg. This remodeled and expanded area will be a welcome addition to the research facilities for all who wish to make use of the extensive holdings of both the Pennsylvania State Archives and the Commonwealth’s Land Office.
Shortly after the completion of the State Archives Building in 1965, staff and visitors soon began to realize the limitations of the space which had been provided for the study of Commission research material. The Search Room was small, drafty in winter and hot in summer. Noise was also a problem, either from the operation of squeaky microfilm readers or from the footsteps and commotion created by those who, of necessity, were forced to pass through the room on their way from one side of the building to the other. Over the years, researchers have exhibited incredible patience in working in what we all agree had been a less than perfect atmosphere.
All of that has now changed. To those who have never before visited our research facilities, we welcome you. To those who quite admirably endured the old Search Room, we extend an invitation to visit again. Those who visit will find a greatly expanded work space, totally redesigned from top to bottom to be quieter, more comfortable and more convenient. The ceiling and lighting systems have been replaced and carpeting now cushions the floor. This new feature, coupled with a new traffic pattern which limits the area to patrons and reference service staff, makes the Search Room more conducive to research. Noisy microfilm readers have been confined to a specified area where they should be less distracting.
These efforts to improve the Search Room are but a part of a much larger Commission project that is underway to upgrade and revolutionize both security and safety in the William Penn Memorial Museum and the State Archives Building. We have been able to convert space in the complex which now provides us with the capabilities to do some of the things we should have been doing for many years. For one, we will now have secure storage for a major collection of security microfilm from local governments throughout Pennsylvania. For another, we will also be able to further develop areas in which to conserve items, be they objects or documents, from our rich and varied collections. Systems have been installed to protect not only the great treasures stored and exhibited in both buildings, but to ensure the safety of the people who work in and make use of the facilities or take part in the programs offered there.
While some parts of this major project are still underway, we are proud that the badly-needed remodeling of the Search Room has been completed. We are so pleased with the final results that we encourage all who desire to make use of our archival holdings to visit us and research in comfort.
Larry E. Tise
Executive Director
