History becomes meaningful when it is rooted in place. This belief is at the heart of every Roots & Routes state and local history program.
State and local history is more than memorizing names and dates. It is an opportunity to explore the places that shaped the communities around us — and understand how geography influenced the people, events, and stories that unfolded there.
Our programs are designed to help families experience history where it happened.
Together, these experiences encourage curiosity, inquiry, and exploration while helping families build lasting connections to the places around them.
Explore Pennsylvania’s past from prehistory through the early republic. This 18-week course connects major events to the places and people that shaped the state.
We're continuing to expand the Roots & Routes State & Local History collection.
Discover the history of your town or community through maps, local landmarks, historic buildings, archives, newspapers, and place-based inquiry.
Curated guides designed to help families experience history firsthand by connecting meaningful places into engaging learning journeys.
Continue exploring Pennsylvania's story from the Civil War through the modern era, connecting people, places, and events across the Commonwealth.
FAQ section
Roots & Routes state history courses are designed primarily for grades 7–12. Flexible pacing and optional enrichment activities make it easy to adapt lessons for different learning levels, families, and group settings.
Each state history course is designed as an 18-week program, but the flexible format makes it easy for families and groups to adjust the pace to fit their schedules.
Yes. Roots & Routes state history courses are well suited for homeschool co-ops, classrooms, libraries, historical societies, and other group settings. Flexible activities and discussion opportunities make it easy to adapt the courses for a variety of group sizes and learning environments.
No. Every Roots & Routes state history course can be completed entirely from home. The course includes a carefully curated list of 40 optional place-based activities and historic sites — ideal for field trips, day trips, or deeper exploration. These optional experiences provide opportunities to deepen learning by seeing history where it happened.
No. Roots & Routes state history courses are designed for anyone interested in exploring a state's history. Whether you live there now, have family ties, are planning a visit, or simply enjoy learning about new places, the courses provide meaningful ways to connect with the people, places, and stories that shaped the state.
Yes. We're continuing to expand the Roots & Routes State & Local History collection with new state history courses, community history resources, and place-based experiences. Check back here for the latest additions and upcoming releases.