Plan Your Visit
The Presbyterian Historical Society is open for research and tour groups by appointment. Learn more about conducting research at the society on the Information for Researchers page. Learn about the current onsite exhibit and schedule a tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at PHS.
Information for Researchers
The Presbyterian Historical Society’s reading room is open to the public. We welcome everyone to use our collections regardless of affiliation, background, or the nature of your research. Below you will find information about scheduling an appointment and guidelines for using the reading room and collections to help make your visit successful, efficient, and comfortable.
On Exhibit: Faith & Justice in the 1960s: RNS Covers Civil Rights
Visitors to PHS can view this Lilly Endowment, Inc. funded traveling exhibit from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Groups of 5+ must schedule their visit in advance. Learn more about the traveling exhibit here.
Plan Your Visit
PHS will be closed to researchers and the public on the following dates:
2024
December 12: Staff holiday luncheon
December 24-31: Christmas holiday
2025
January 1: New Year's Day
January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 17: Presidents' Day
March 7: Staff In Service Day
April 18: Good Friday
May 26: Memorial Day
June 6: Staff In Service Day
June 19-20: Juneteenth
July 4: Independence Day
September 1: Labor Day
September 5: Staff In Service Day
November 27-28: Thanksgiving
December 5: Staff In Service Day
December 24-31: Christmas
From the south on I-95 N
Driving north on I-95, take exit #20 (Washington Ave--Columbus Blvd.). Turn left at the bottom of the ramp onto Columbus Blvd. At second light, turn left onto Christian Street. Go under the interstate. Turn right at the next corner onto Front Street. Go north on Front Street about 1 mile. Turn left onto Lombard St. Go four blocks to 5th St. (You will pass our building on your right.) Turn right onto 5th St. Turn right into first open parking lot.
From the north on I-95 S
Driving south on I-95, take exit #22 (Vine St.--Callowhill--"Historic Philadelphia"). Turn right at the bottom of the ramp onto Callowhill. Move immediately into the left lane. Turn left onto 4th St. Go south on 4th St. about 3/4 mile. Turn right onto Lombard St. Go one block. (You will pass our building on your right.) Turn right onto 5th St. Turn right into first open parking lot.
From the west on I-76 E
Driving east on I-76, follow the signs for "Independence Hall." This will take you on I-676 (left side exit #344, Vine St. Expressway) going east. After about 1 mile on I-676, exit following signs for "Independence Hall," stay in the right lane, and turn right at the bottom of the ramp. You will now be going south on 6th St. Go south for about 3/4 mile. (You will pass Independence Hall on your left.) Turn left onto Pine Street. Go two blocks. Turn right onto 4th St. Go one block. Turn right onto Lombard St. Go one block. (You will pass our building on your right.) Turn right onto 5th St. Turn right into first open parking lot.
From New Jersey
Take Rte 30/I-676 west across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge ($5.00 toll). At the end of the bridge immediately take the 5th Street exit, bearing very sharply right onto New St. Go one block on New Street and turn right (south) on 4th Street. Take 4th Street less than one mile and turn right onto Lombard St. Turn right at the next light (you will pass our building on your right) onto 5th Street. Turn right into first open parking lot.
Septa Regional Rail
Take the Regional Rail lines to Jefferson Station (formerly Market East Station), 10th-11th Sts. and Market. All lines stop at Jefferson Station/The Gallery. Exit the station toward the Gallery, not the Convention Center. The Society is a 20-minute walk from the station. Take Market Street east toward Independence Mall and turn right onto 5th Street heading south. Turn left on Lombard Street and our building will be on your left.
Market-Frankford El/Subway
Take the El to the 5th Street/Independence Mall station. Walk south on 5th Street to Lombard Street, about 6 blocks. Turn left on Lombard Street and our building will be on your left. The walk is about 15 minutes.
Septa Bus Line
The #40 bus runs down Lombard Street past the Society, east to west, and on South Street from west to east.
PATCO High-Speed Line
Take the PATCO High Speed Line to the 9th-10th Sts. and Locust station (the second stop in Philadelphia). The station is a 12-minute walk from the society. Walk east to 5th Street and turn right, heading south. Turn left on Lombard Street and our building will be on your left.
There is a parking lot with limited spaces adjacent to the building. Researchers may park at no charge. The entrance to the parking lot is on 5th Street. Parking lot hours are from 9am to 4pm. Please note that the lot gates are locked at 4:30pm.
Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel
235 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Telephone: 215-922-4443
Hotel Monaco Philadelphia
433 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Telephone:215-925-2111
Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel
401 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Telephone: 215-925-0000
Philadelphia Marriott Old City
1 Dock Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Telephone: 215-238-6000
Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia
100 North Columbus Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Telephone: 215-627-7900
LOCATION AND HOURS
425 Lombard St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri: 9 am to 4 pm
CONTACT US
Phone: (215) 627-1852
Email: refdesk@history.pcusa.org