Relocating the story of Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania State Archives, a cornerstone of the state's historical preservation efforts, embarked on a monumental journey to relocate its vast collection of over 250 million vital assets to a new, state-of-the-art facility. With a history spanning 120 years, the Archives house irreplaceable documents, including founder William Penn’s original charter and the state's ratification of the US Constitution. Faced with the challenge of moving these fragile and historically significant items, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) partnered with Iron Mountain Library and Archival Services. Together, they meticulously planned and executed the move, ensuring that the state's heritage would be preserved and made more accessible to the public in a modernized, secure environment.

“We were looking for a partner who could appreciate what the collection meant, what its value was, and how it had to be handled.”
— David Carmicheal, State Archivist of Pennsylvania

Situation

The Pennsylvania State Archives, a 120-year old-institution, housed over 250 million vital historical and legal assets in an outdated facility. Recognizing the need for modern preservation amenities and improved public accessibility, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) initiated the monumental task of relocating the Archives to a new 145,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility.

Solution

To ensure the safe and efficient move of the fragile and irreplaceable assets, the PHMC partnered with Iron Mountain Library and Archival Services. The Iron Mountain team, with their expertise in handling delicate archival materials, worked closely with the PHMC archivists to meticulously plan and execute the move over three months. The move also incorporated modern technology for inventory management, including barcoding and automated tracking systems.

Client Value

The collaboration between the PHMC and Iron Mountain resulted in the successful and safe relocation of all 250 million assets. The new facility in Harrisburg, PA, now offers enhanced accessibility and interactive experiences for visitors while preserving the state’s invaluable historical documents. The partnership not only ensured the protection of Pennsylvania’s heritage but also modernized the Archives’ operations, reflecting a renewed commitment to public engagement and historical preservation.