Yes, Penn State Libraries deliver projects to record and/or preserve intangible cultural heritage such as local folklore, traditions, language, and knowledge.

The university is home to a wide array of collections and initiatives dedicated to preserving intangible cultural heritage across diverse communities, identities, and historical contexts. This work supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal of safeguarding heritage, as Penn State curates collections that reflect a broad spectrum of human experience, with a focus on inclusivity.

The Literary and Cultural Heritage Maps of Pennsylvania project, part of The Pennsylvania Center for the Book located in the Paterno Library at University Park, is a digital humanities initiative dedicated to showcasing Pennsylvania’s literary and cultural legacy. This project emphasizes representation from all demographic groups and geographic regions within Pennsylvania, with a priority on marginalized and underrepresented communities, including women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.

Penn State Libraries also participate in PA Digital, Pennsylvania’s hub for the Digital Public Library of America. Through this partnership, Penn State contributes collections that document pivotal moments in history,

such as “The Fight for Suffrage,” the Battle of Gettysburg, WWII, and the history of railroads and Quaker influence in Pennsylvania. Penn State scholars engage actively in discussions around Inclusive Archives and Digital Preservation to enhance access to cultural materials.

The Center for Black Digital Research in the College of the Liberal Arts is a public-facing research center focused on bringing the histories of early Black organizing to digital life through cutting-edge scholarship and community partnerships. Additionally, University Libraries host a variety of Digital Projects and Exhibits, including Black Representation in American Politics, The Legacy and Evolution of Disability Rights, and the Latino/a/x Experience Oral History Project.

In addition to these projects, Penn State Libraries maintain specialized collections that highlight diverse historical narratives:

• Charles L. Blockson Collection of African-Americana and the African Diaspora: A treasure trove of materials documenting African-American history and culture, from slavery to civil rights, and significant cultural figures.
• Holocaust and Genocide Collection: Over 70 oral histories from Holocaust survivors, liberators, and witnesses in the Harrisburg area, preserving personal testimonies of profound historical events.
• PA Center for Folklore Collection: Home to the Mac Barrick Collection of Folklife and Regional History, which includes manuscripts, recordings, and documents on Pennsylvania folklore and local history, supporting the Pennsylvania Center for Folklore.
• Alice Marshall Women’s History Collection: Documents the evolution of women’s rights, feminism, and gender roles, with materials from the 15th to the 20th centuries.
• Women’s Suffrage Collection: A primary resource for understanding the U.S. women’s suffrage movement, containing original pamphlets, broadsides, and memorabilia.
• Pennsylvania German Broadsides and Fraktur Collection: Showcasing decorated manuscripts and historical prints from Pennsylvania German communities, this collection preserves unique expressions of cultural heritage, from folk art to religious beliefs.
• Unearthing the Past: Student Research on Pennsylvania History: Highlights student contributions to uncovering local historical narratives, supporting engagement with Pennsylvania’s heritage.
• Black History and Visual Culture Collection: Provides insight into African American life and visual culture through rare books, newspapers, and photography, deepening understanding of Black heritage.
• Gender and Sexual Identity and Expression Collection: A comprehensive archive exploring LGBTQ+ history and social activism, supporting research into gender and sexuality across historical contexts.

Library guides such as Indigenous Peoples of Pennsylvania and Folklore and Folklife Studies further support Penn State’s commitment to preserving intangible cultural heritage and facilitating public access to these resources. The Center for Holocaust and Jewish Studies at Penn State Harrisburg continues this mission, offering events, lectures, and access to educational materials on Holocaust remembrance and Jewish cultural studies.

Learn more about Penn State’s progress on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals on the SDG Progress page, and discover work on SDG 11 to promote sustainable cities and communities.