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    Pennsylvania State Archives

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    Pennsylvania State Archives to Host Free Screening of Documentary ‘You. Sleep. Stay.’ by Filmmaker David Grabias

    The Pennsylvania State Archives invites the public to a free screening and panel discussion of You. Sleep. Stay on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 2:30 PM at the Pennsylvania State Archives building.

    The poignant documentary by David Grabias offers a powerful glimpse into the life of Fred, a deaf, intellectually and developmentally disabled elder who lived at Polk State Center for over 70 years before its closure in 2023. Through archival footage and intimate storytelling, the film explores themes of belonging, care, and bearing witness, prompting viewers to reflect on how we care for the most vulnerable in our society and our collective responsibility to all Pennsylvanians.

    Following its World Premiere at the Movies That Matter Festival in The Hague, the film will go on a statewide tour of Pennsylvania. Emmy-winning Director David Grabias will join Sherri Landis (Executive Director, Arc of PA), Lisa Tesler (Executive Director, PA Developmental Disabilities Council), and Fred's brother, John Ashbaugh, for a post-screening panel discussion at the State Archives.

    The Pennsylvania State Archives holds a wealth of historical records from Polk State Center, including historical film footage, photographs, and documents that were used in the documentary, in addition to many other records that document the history of disability in Pennsylvania.

    The free screening and panel discussion are open to the public. The Pennsylvania State Archives is located at 1681 North Sixth Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102. No pre-registration is required.

    Hours: 

     
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    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    2nd Saturday each month:9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    CLOSED
     

     

     

     

             

    New on Ancestry.com

      New Ancestry.com additions of Pennsylvania State Archives holdings are the 1914 birth certificates and the 1970 death certificates.  Go to the Archives page on Ancestry.com for more information.

     

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