All ethnology museums to visit in Pennsylvania

Explore the cultural diversity and heritage at 21 ethnology museums in Pennsylvania. These museums offer insights into the traditions, customs, and ways of life of various communities.

Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in Pennsylvania:

  1. Carnegie Museum of Natural History1

    Carnegie Museum of Natural History

     Pittsburgh, PA
    The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is home to approximately 22 million specimens, making it one of the world's leading institutions for paleontological collections. The museum's exhibits are organized into 20 distinct galleries, each offering a unique perspective on the natural world.
  2. Amish Farm and House2

    Amish Farm and House

     Lancaster, PA
    This farm is the first tourist Amish attraction in the USA. Visitors can learn about the Amish people and their lifestyle here.
  3. Penn Museum3

    Penn Museum

     Philadelphia, PA
    The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, also known as the Penn Museum, is a renowned institution located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The museum is dedicated to the study of archaeology and anthropology, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history and diverse cultures of the world. The museum is housed in a Beaux-Arts style building and has been undergoing extensive renovations under the direction of British architect David Chipperfield since 2006.
  4. African American Museum In Philadelphia4

    African American Museum In Philadelphia

     Philadelphia, PA
    The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) holds a significant place in history as the first museum funded and built by a municipality with the specific purpose of preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting the heritage of African Americans. This unique aspect of the museum's establishment sets it apart and adds a layer of historical importance to its existence.
  5. Nationality Rooms5

    Nationality Rooms

     Pittsburgh, PA
    The Nationality Rooms are a unique collection of 31 classrooms located within the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning. Each room is designed and donated by a different national or ethnic group that has contributed to the development of the city of Pittsburgh. These rooms serve not only as functional classrooms but also as a testament to the diverse cultural heritage of the city.
  6. Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village6

    Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village

     Avella, PA
    Meadowcroft Rockshelter is an archaeological site located near Avella in Washington County, southwest Pennsylvania, United States. It is situated about 36 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The site was excavated from 1973 to 1978 by a team from the University of Pittsburgh led by James M. Adovasio. It provides evidence of early human occupation, possibly dating back to 16,000 years ago and possibly even up to 19,000 years ago.
  7. National Museum of American Jewish History7

    National Museum of American Jewish History

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, also known as The Weitzman, is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum situated at 101 South Independence Mall East (S. 5th Street) at Market Street in Center City Philadelphia. The museum was established in 1976 and has since been a significant cultural and historical site. It offers a comprehensive insight into the American Jewish history, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in cultural and historical explorations.
  8. Philadelphia History Museum8

    Philadelphia History Museum

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Philadelphia History Museum was housed in a historic neoclassical building designed by architect John Haviland. This structure was originally built between 1824 and 1826 for the Franklin Institute. The building's architectural style and historical significance add to the museum's charm and appeal.
  9. Old Bedford Village9

    Old Bedford Village

     Bedford, PA
    Today, the Bedford Village Archeological Site is home to Old Bedford Village, an open-air museum. The museum houses a variety of historic structures that have been transported to the site from the surrounding towns of Bedford, Everett, and Rainsburg. These structures provide a tangible link to the past, offering visitors a unique insight into the region's history.
  10. Old Economy Village10

    Old Economy Village

     Ambridge, PA
    Old Economy Village is a historic settlement nestled in the heart of Ambridge, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. It is under the administration of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The village is situated on the banks of the Ohio River, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors. The village is a testament to the rich history of the region and offers a unique insight into the past.
  11. Landis Valley Museum11

    Landis Valley Museum

     Lancaster, PA
    The Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is a living history museum situated on a 100-acre site that was once a rural crossroads village in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This expansive museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the region.
  12. 1719 Museum12

    1719 Museum

     Willow Street, PA
    The Hans Herr House, also known as the Christian Herr House, is a historic home located in West Lampeter Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This rectangular sandstone Germanic dwelling was built in 1719 and is a 1 + 1 ⁄ 2 -story structure. It is a significant part of the history of Lancaster County and offers a glimpse into the architectural style of the time.
  13. Mennonite Heritage Center13

    Mennonite Heritage Center

     Harleysville, PA
    The Mennonite Heritage Center, located in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, serves as a museum, library, and exhibition space dedicated to the Mennonites of Eastern Pennsylvania. It provides a comprehensive insight into the history, culture, and lifestyle of the Mennonites, making it a valuable destination for those interested in learning more about this unique community.
  14. American Swedish Historical Museum14

    American Swedish Historical Museum

     Philadelphia, PA
    The American Swedish Historical Museum, situated in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park in South Philadelphia, holds the distinction of being the oldest Swedish-American museum in the United States. This museum is a testament to the rich history and cultural ties between Sweden and America, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore this relationship through various exhibits and collections.
  15. 15

    PhillyCAM

     Philadelphia, PA
    Get to know Philadelphia even better and find those collections of historical artefacts describing the rich history of the city.
  16. Everhart Museum16

    Everhart Museum

     Scranton, PA
    The Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science & Art is a non-profit institution situated in Nay Aug Park, Scranton, Pennsylvania. This museum is a unique blend of natural history and art, offering a diverse range of exhibits for visitors to explore. Whether you're interested in ornithology, visual arts, ethnology, or fossils, the Everhart Museum has something to pique your curiosity.
  17. Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum17

    Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum

     Allentown, PA
    The Lehigh County Historical Society, established in 1904, is a nonprofit organization committed to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of the history of Lehigh County and the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. This dedication to historical preservation provides a rich and detailed insight into the region's past, making it a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the area's history.
  18. Museum of Indian Culture18

    Museum of Indian Culture

     Allentown, PA
    The Museum of Indian Culture, located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a non-profit organization and educational center. Established in 1980, the museum is dedicated to the presentation, preservation, and perpetuation of the history of the Lenape and other Northeastern Woodland Indian cultures. It is situated in the Lehigh Parkway at 2825 Fish Hatchery Road.
  19. Indian Steps Museum19

    Indian Steps Museum

     Lower Chanceford Township, PA
    The Indian Steps Cabin, also known as the Indian Steps Museum, is a significant historical memorial and museum situated in Lower Chanceford Township, York County, Pennsylvania. This location offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and culture of the region.
  20. Chester County History Center20

    Chester County History Center

     West Chester, PA
    The Chester County History Center (CCHC), previously known as the Chester County Historical Society, is a nonprofit organization established in 1893. Its mission is to collect, preserve, and display the history of Chester County, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding regions. This makes it a significant destination for those interested in understanding the rich history and culture of the area.
  21. 21

    Luzerne County Historical Society

     Wilkes-Barre, PA
    The Luzerne County Historical Society operates the historic Swetland Homestead in Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and the Luzerne County Museum in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The museum also features a separate research library, providing a wealth of information about the history, traditions, events, people, and cultures that have shaped life within the region.