Though the building only stood for four days, Pennsylvania Hall occupies an important place in the history of abolitionism and women's rights in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania Hall was built in 1838 as a meeting hall for abolitionists in Philadelphia. Two thousand people purchased $20 shares to finance the building, which officially opened on May 14, 1838.

The Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society decided to construct Pennsylvania Hall because they often had trouble finding a place to meet in Philadelphia; even in the North, the abolition of slavery was a sensitive subject.

Controversy and protests arose during the building's dedication ceremonies, as abolitionist leaders gave speeches and read letters to a mixed crowd: whites, blacks, men, and women. The next day, the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society hosted the Second Anti-Slavery Convention of American Women at Pennsylvania Hall. The female society was formed three days after the Philadelphia Anti-Slavery Society by women who attended the meetings but were unable to participate fully in a men's organization.

Despite requests from the mayor of Philadelphia, the convention refused to limit the meetings to whites only. Protestors broke into the building, threw rocks through windows, and harassed the women. The next evening, rioters again broke into the building, this time setting it on fire. The mob prevented policemen from intervening, and firefighters were slow to arrive and focused their attention on nearby buildings, making no effort to save Pennsylvania Hall.

The convention held its final session at the home of one of its members, and the women adopted anti-slavery and anti-prejudice resolutions. Both the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery and Female Anti-Slavery Societies continued to fight for the abolition of slavery, and later for women's rights.

Several buildings were constructed on the site of Pennsylvania Hall after its destruction, but today the site remains empty, marked only by a sign recognizing the contributions of the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society to the abolition movement.

Narrative written and researched by University of West Florida graduate student Stephanie Powell.