Diversity is not a new issue for Pennsylvanians. From the early days of Penn's "Holy Experiment" to our post 9-11 world, ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity -- its origins, its contours, and its effects -- has been an abiding concern.

Here you’ll find resources for teachers related to the diverse ethnic histories of Pennsylvania. Within each topic, there are links to primary source materials from the HSP and Balch collections, lessons plans with suggestions about how to work with these sources in the classroom, downloadable student handouts and readings, and valuable background readings on a variety of topics, including the history of ethnic groups in Pennsylvania and the experiences of Philadelphia’s new immigrants. Some of the following units vary in format and are referred to as "learning stations" as opposed to activities. Within these units you will find a collection of primary-source materials and suggestions for engagement.

Lessons and readings are organized along four major themes:

Online Resources in Pennsylvania ethnic history have been made possible by generous support from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Lindback Foundation, the Dolfinger-McMahon Foundaion, William Penn Foundation, the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, and the Pennsylvania Abolition Society.

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