Becoming America is an educational initiative that tells the story of early America through the lens of the middle colonies, accenting their distinct flavor and experiences. Early America, particularly the middle colonies, was filled with a variety of peoples, each with their own histories, their own cultures and convictions, with their own voices and unique contributions.
Since 2002, Becoming America makes these stories accessible to the public through travelling educational displays, combining rich images and tangible objects with engaging narratives, to help communities throughout Pennsylvania celebrate their connection to the stories of early America.
Through a broad collection of Smithsonian-quality artifacts and original documents, Becoming America’s archive of artifacts brings yesterday’s stories to life in a way that connects with today’s world.
We celebrate all the various peoples present in early America— the indigenous Haudenosaunee and Lenne Lenape peoples, the early French, Swedish and Dutch settlers who organized the first communities, and the waves of persecuted and displaced peoples seeking a different way of life. We explore the ethnic, cultural, and religious distinctions among Pennsylvania’s various peoples, the circumstances leading to multiple migrations, and the confluence of cultures experienced in William Penn’s uniquely designed society.We illustrate the rise of early commerce, the development of the iron industry, the evolution of transportation from rivers to trails to roads and rails, and the transformation of the American interior from forest to farmland. We accent Pennsylvania’s important contribution in the defense of American liberties, including the persuasive personalities and collaborative convictions instrumental in bringing the separate colonies together. We depict the experience of the American frontier in its war for independence, accenting the last battles of the American Revolution and the movement into the Great Lakes and Ohio region despite England’s ongoing interference.
America’s story is about “We the People.” But who were these people? What were their stories? Many of these people, amazing Americans, are entirely unknown to the modern world— their contributions forgotten, their stories lost, their voices silent.
Becoming America reintroduces these people, recounting their stories and recovering their voices, enabling them to speak to today’s generations of Americans. Through ongoing historical and genealogical research, we uncover and reconstruct these stories, one at a time.
With video storytelling, we plan to share the distinct perspective of these various peoples, their unique insights and timeless wisdom. Partnering with leading representatives and scholars, we continue to explore what these various perspectives, convictions and insights mean for us today!
America’s story is about “We the People.” But who were these people? What were their stories? Many of these people, amazing Americans, are entirely unknown to the modern world— their contributions forgotten, their stories lost, their voices silent.
Becoming America reintroduces these people, recounting their stories and recovering their voices, enabling them to speak to today’s generations of Americans. Through ongoing historical and genealogical research, we uncover and reconstruct these stories, one at a time.
With video storytelling, we plan to share the distinct perspective of these various peoples, their unique insights and timeless wisdom. Partnering with leading representatives and scholars, we continue to explore what these various perspectives, convictions and insights mean for us today!
These stories matter. These stories are powerful. These stories are inspiring.
As Americans grow increasingly divided and hostile, ever more disillusioned and cynical about our country, we need these stories that remind us that our nation has always been filled with diverse peoples, with multiple voices and differing points of view. America was born from these tensions as the various peoples came together to iron out the process of unity despite their differences, as the whole grows greater through the contribution of the various parts.
Many of these stories are not in our history books and are not taught in our schools. Many of these influential personalities are unfamiliar to us, their endearing convictions, their profound insights, their painstaking labors of partnership and collaboration. The true stories of these early Americans can inspire and shape a new generation of Americans, and help to change the trajectory of America’s unfolding story.
Pennsylvania’s important role in this process needs to be retold, to be known and celebrated, as it holds important insight and inspiration as Americans enter the 250th anniversary celebrations and continue to work through their differences and challenges together.
These stories matter. These stories are powerful. These stories are inspiring.
As Americans grow increasingly divided and hostile, ever more disillusioned and cynical about our country, we need these stories that remind us that our nation has always been filled with diverse peoples, with multiple voices and differing points of view. America was born from these tensions as the various peoples came together to iron out the process of unity despite their differences, as the whole grows greater through the contribution of the various parts.
Many of these stories are not in our history books and are not taught in our schools. Many of these influential personalities are unfamiliar to us, their endearing convictions, their profound insights, their painstaking labors of partnership and collaboration. The true stories of these early Americans can inspire and shape a new generation of Americans, and help to change the trajectory of America’s unfolding story.
Pennsylvania’s important role in this process needs to be retold, to be known and celebrated, as it holds important insight and inspiration as Americans enter the 250th anniversary celebrations and continue to work through their differences and challenges together.
These recent events reflect the recognition we have received for our many exhibits celebrating the French and Indian War and early American militia. They also reflect the various ways we have sought to connect Becoming America's message to people young and old in communities across the region! Visitors have overwhelmingly lavished on us praise and thanks for bringing these displays to the public, and making these meaningful stories come alive for today's audience.
These recent events reflect the recognition we have received for our many exhibits celebrating the French and Indian War and early American militia. They also reflect the various ways we have sought to connect Becoming America's message to people young and old in communities across the region! Visitors have overwhelmingly lavished on us praise and thanks for bringing these displays to the public, and making these meaningful stories come alive for today's audience.
