Check out these sites around the state that represent or feature diverse peoples.
Native Americans
Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, Avella – Oldest site of human dwellings in North America
Muesum of Indian Culture, Allentown – Works collaboratively with native people, including the Delaware Nation.
Bushy Run Battlefield, Jeannette – Bushy Run Battlefield, is near the site of armed conflict during Pontiac’s War in the summer of 1763. The British victory at Bushy Run is considered by historians to be a pivotal movement in American history and is Pennsylvania’s only recognized Native American Battlefield site.
African American
African American Museum in Philadelphia – Centered around three main themes—the African Diaspora, the Philadelphia Story, and the Contemporary Narrative, the museum strives to honor and interpret the life, work, and major contributions of African Americans from pre-colonial times to the current day.
African American Heritage Trail, Erie – Powered by the “HelloErie” trip planning app, the African American Heritage Trail is a marvel of historic sites, murals, and businesses featuring influential people from the region’s African American community from the Erie’s earliest days through the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement and present day.
Caledonia State Park: Thaddeus Stevens’ Iron Furnace Monument – Caledonia State Park’s Thaddeus Stevens’ Iron Furnace Monument is part of the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom and was re-constructed from the original iron furnace as a monument to Stevens and his significant role in abolitionism.
Asian Culture
Shofuso Japanese Garden – Located in Philly’s Fairmount Park. This authentic Japanese home was built in Japan in the 1950s before being displayed first in New York, and since the late 1950s, in Philadelphia. Stroll through the home and learn about the beauty of Japanese history and see one of the country’s most authentic Japanese gardens.
Marison Museum, Butler – One of Pennsylvania’s best Asian art museums started as a personal collection of a local woman. As the collection grew, collector Mary Hulton Philips decided to open the Maridon Museum to showcase her collection. The museum’s focus is on jade and ivory carvings from China and Japan, but has many pieces from a variety of Asian cultures.
Longwood Gardens – Known for its beautiful flowers and awe-inspiring fountains, but it’s also a great spot to learn about the nature in Asia. The garden’s craft their chrysanthemums using Chinese and Japanese styles and have even grown the largest mum outside of Asia. Other Asian plantings include fantastic orchids and a great collection of bonsai.
Eastern European
The Polish American Cultural Center in Philadelphia – This center is dedicated to preserving and promoting Polish culture in the United States. It organizes events and exhibits to educate and inform the public about Polish American culture.
Ephrata Cloister, Ephrata – During the American Revolution, Ephrata served as a hospital for nearly 260 American soldiers, some of whom rest in the Mount Zion cemetery overlooking the historic grounds.The Society declined after the death of the charismatic Beissel in 1768. The last celibate member died in 1813 and the next year the remaining Householders incorporated into the German Seventh Day Baptist Church. Members continued to live and worship in the Cloister buildings until the close of the Church in 1934.
Nationality Rooms, Pittsburgh – The Nationality Rooms were designed to represent and celebrate the cultures of various ethnic groups that settled in Allegheny County. The thirty-one Nationality Rooms located on the first and third floors of the Cathedral of Learning are a community space where visitors are invited to experience the rich heritage of the communities who inspired and supported their creation.