Advanced Search Help

Keyword Search

Use subject terms, phrases, and numbers in the keyword field to bring up all results with the searched-for term in the record. Words must match what is entered in the record, but punctuation is not necessary in this field.


Title Search

Like the keyword search, words must be spelled as they are entered in the record. Correct punctuation is also important when searching in the title field. You do not need to have the full title, however; partial titles will work.


Permanent ID Search

The ID must be entered as it appears in the record.


Date Search

Search results for this field will include any record with part or all of the date searched. Clicking on this field will bring up a calander for a date to entered. Alternatively, when entering a date manually, enter the year last when searching dates, such as 16 may 1800, may 16 1800, or may 1800.


Truncated Searching

Adding an asterisk (*) after a letter or combination of letters will bring back results with words beginning with that letter or combination, when used in the Keyword, Title, and Collection fields. This truncated search method may help broaden your search results if you are not finding a desired object record or are looking for various spellings. Wildcards, or symbols replacing characters within search terms, do not work in Advanced Search. Truncated searching with an asterisk is recommended instead for finding various spellings.

Ex. Searching pos* will bring back results with words in the record beginning with “pos,” such as “poster” or “possibly.”

Ex. Searching wom* will bring back results for records with "women," "women's," "woman," etc.

You may also use an asterisk with a number in the Title field; this will not work in the Collection field. Using truncated searching for numbers in the Keyword field, while possible, is not recommended as it will not help refine search results.


Refining Search Results

On the search results page, you may refine your results further using the available “filter by” options on the right side of the page. The settings icon above your search results provides a drop-down menu that allows you to sort your results’ display, and download the results in various file formats such as pdf or a powerpoint. From this drop-down menu, you may also save search results to a lightbox, allowing you to curate and save search results for future access.


The Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Digital Services Department
1300 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-732-6200
Fax: 215-732-2680
Email: rnr@hsp.org