HARRISBURG, PA.- /PRNewswire/ Governor Edward G. Rendell wrote to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) today asking that commissioners rescind the planned admission fee for the State Museum in Harrisburg that is to be charged beginning next week. The Governor asked the commissioners to take the action at their next board meeting on Sept. 21.

"I am asking the commissioners to rescind their action to charge students and adults an admission charge," Governor Rendell said.

"The State Museum in Harrisburg is an outstanding treasure visited by tens of thousands of students from across the commonwealth each year," Governor Rendell said in his letter. "Right now no one has to pay to see first-hand the rich history and exhibits that lie within its walls, and we want to make sure that remains the case."

As a result of the Governor's request, Barbara Franco, PHMC executive director, said she was suspending the admission charge immediately pending final action by the full board. Admission to the museum will continue to be free of charge as it has been since its founding 100 years ago.

"As we have worked together, we have identified savings that can eliminate the need for the commission to impose a fee," Governor Rendell said. "That is positive news for the more than 150,000 children and adults who visit the museum each year."

"Governor Rendell was concerned about the impact of a fee on the many adults and children who regularly visit the museum, and he has asked the commission to review its decision and continue to offer free admission to anyone who wants to visit," Franco said.

Governor Rendell added that he will continue to work with the commission to address the fee issue in the future. He said he thought the matter could be adequately resolved through management efficiencies and productivity efforts and the budget in the coming year.

More than 150,000 people visit the state museum, Curiosity Connection and the Planetarium each year.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania, located adjacent to the State Capitol in downtown Harrisburg, is one of 25 historic sites and museums on the Pennsylvania Trail of History(R) administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Together, these state sites and museums tell the story of Pennsylvania and preserve the Commonwealth's shared heritage. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.