Executive Director’s Message
Written by Brent Glass in the From the Executive Director category and the Winter 1995 issue Topics in this article: archaeology, architecture and architects, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, State Museum of PennsylvaniaEarly next year the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) will review proposals by scholars who wish to use our facilities, collections, and archival holdings to advance their research on topics in the Commonwealth’s history. This scholars-in-residence program was created two years ago in response to the need to foster collaborations between public history professionals and our colleagues who either work in colleges and universities or who pursue independent research.
In its brief existence our scholars-in-residence program has proven effective in attracting proposals from a diverse array of individuals representing institutions throughout the country. Their research focuses on all aspects of Pennsylvania’s history and covers all periods. Seventy-five proposals have been received and reviewed, and fifteen scholars have been selected in the first two years.
The participating scholars are filling significant gaps in our knowledge and understanding of the Keystone State’s past. They are introducing us to new perspectives on primary and secondary sources, in addition to offering new interpretations of our own extensive collections of artifacts, objects, documents, buildings, structures, and landscapes. Our staff actively participates in the program in several ways. Their understanding of state history and of the PHMC’s resources offers valuable support to the scholars during their residencies. The interdependency of scholars and agency staff members fulfills one of the central goals of this innovative program. Scholarship ought to be the lifeblood of a public history organization. Yet it is surprising how easily the press of everyday business crowds out this essential function. Without access to the findings and interpretations of scholars in history, archaeology, architectural history; and other disciplines, the quality and credibility of the PHMC’s programs would undoubtedly suffer. In recent years we have undertaken several initiatives to assure a prominent role for scholarship. For example, archaeologists of The State Museum of Pennsylvania have led summer field schools which provide valuable training for students, while conducting important research at several Commission historic sites. The Commission has strengthened its partnerships with the Pennsylvania Historical Association, the Pennsylvania Archaeological Council, and similar scholarly organizations. Contributions of articles by researchers to Pennsylvania Heritage and other leading periodicals are increasing in both number and quality.
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission can link scholars to new audiences that extend far beyond the classroom. The result will be a greater understanding of the Commonwealth’s history and better scholarship.
Brent D. Glass
Executive Director
