The State Museum of Pennsylvania

08/29/2026

Do you have a curious kid who went to school this week? Did they come home with lots of questions and you aren't sure about the answers? We can help with states of matter, why the season change and more! Snuggle up and watch these Curiosity Kids videos to find some answers - https://bit.ly/4zYWJX4

08/28/2026

Did you know that a single freshwater mussel can filter up to 15 gallons of water per day, removing impurities and clarifying the water?

Freshwater mussels are considered keystone species in aquatic communities around the world. They provide ecosystem services, including water filtration and streambed stabilization, which help maintain the health of our streams, rivers, and lakes. Unfortunately, we are at risk of losing this vital resource, as 74% of mussel species in North America are recognized as endangered, threatened, or of special concern.

Jordan Allison, Fisheries Biologist with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, will discuss the ongoing species recovery efforts in the West Branch Susquehanna River and freshwater mussel diversity, life history, and ecology.

Sign up for the September Learn at Lunchtime program - https://statemuseumpa.org/events/virtual-mussels/

08/26/2026

While we think they are great, they are definitely not Danish! Great Danes were bred in Germany in the 1800s for boar hunting. Did you know that a male Great Dane can reach up to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh as much as 175 pounds! That's a great big dog!

A Great Dane is featured with William Penn in a mural located in the Pennsylvania State Capitol building. Find out more about the Great Dane's selection as the official state dog of Pennsylvania - https://bit.ly/4qrnVsT

08/24/2026

Did you have a waffle today?

Today is ! How are you celebrating?

Abbott & Lawrence's Liberty Stove Works in manufactured cast-iron waffle irons between 1851 and 1857, such as this example preserved by The State Museum of Pennsylvania.

08/23/2026

Are you out playing 18 holes this morning?

During his five-decades-long career, Latrobe, Pennsylvania native Arnold Palmer established himself as one of golf’s most admired players and one of Keystone State's most recognized sportsmen. His over 90 professional titles included four Masters Tournaments, one U.S. Open, and two British Open wins from 1958 to 1964. Those championships, along with the broad, mass appeal he brought to the sport, led the Associated Press to name him “Athlete of the Decade” for the 1960s.

In 2000, Palmer generously donated a golf bag, along with a set of clubs and other accessories to The State Museum of Pennsylvania.

View these artifacts and more in the museum’s online collection - https://bit.ly/4wB6zey

08/22/2026

Did you know that 74% of mussel species in North America are recognized as endangered, threatened, or of special concern? Why does that matter?

Freshwater mussels are considered keystone species in aquatic communities around the world. They provide ecosystem services, including water filtration and streambed stabilization, which help maintain the health of our streams, rivers, and lakes.

During the September Learn at Lunchtime program, Jordan Allison, Fisheries Biologist with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, will discuss freshwater mussel diversity, life history, and ecology and the ongoing species recovery efforts in the West Branch Susquehanna River.

Sign up - https://statemuseumpa.org/events/virtual-mussels/

08/21/2026

We know you’re bummed about the State Museum being closed… but we are so excited to help them start their next chapter! Even though the construction just started, we already eagerly awaiting it to reopen. (Not us watching this video over and over!!!)

For more info and to follow along on the progress follow us, state museum, and visit:
https://statemuseumpa.org/renovation-info/

08/21/2026

🎤 We're celebrating by spotlighting this microphone used by journalist Terry Gross on "Fresh Air," a Philadelphia public radio program.
Gross began her radio career in 1973 at radio station in NY. In 1975, she joined the staff of WHYY-FM in Philadelphia as producer and host of "Fresh Air."

WHYY donated the microphone to The State Museum of Pennsylvania in 2019 as part of a initiative highlighting trailblazing women in Pennsylvania.

08/20/2026

The Philco Corporation, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, produced this Model 40-150 tabletop radio as part of their 1940 lineup. This 7-tubemodel had three band coverage: standard AM broadcast band, a low-frequency “police” band, and a shortwave band. In the 1930s and 1940s, Philco was considered one of the world's leading radio manufacturers.

View this artifact in the museum’s online collection - https://bit.ly/3TUGfib

08/19/2026

This tandem-seat plane was designed by Piper Aircraft and manufactured in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania between 1937 and 1947. The Piper J-3 Cub was intended for flight training, but became one of the most popular and best-known light aircraft of all time.

On June 26, 2014, the Piper J-3 Cub was designated as the official state aircraft of Pennsylvania.

Learn more about this bright yellow plane - https://bit.ly/4hEY2Uf