Muslims in Pennsylvania
Oral History Project
This project is dedicated to collecting oral history interviews and archival materials related to Muslims living in Pennsylvania.
The first phase of the project focuses on the Muslim community in Indiana, PA, in western Pennsylvania. The hope is to expand the project to document Muslim communities in other under-studied areas creating an archive of valuable primary resources related to Muslim-American life during this time period.
About Indiana, PA
Indiana, PA is a town of approximately 15,000 people in Indiana County. It is located in western Pennsylvania, approximately an hour away from Pittsburgh. While it might not seem like a place that would have a sizable Muslim population, the area is home to a dedicated Islamic Center that serves several hundred Muslims. The community largely consists of students and professionals who reside in Indiana due to the presence of Indiana University of Pennsylvania as well as Indiana Regional Medical Center.
While Muslim communities in urban areas are increasingly being studied, and the histories of Muslim communities and enclaves in urban areas are documented, to date little research has been done on small Muslim communities in rural areas.
This project seeks to document the history of the Muslim community in Indiana, PA and to explore the experiences of Muslim residents as they experience some of the major historical events of the past decade, including the 2016 election and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community Timeline
An overview of significant events in the history of the Muslim community in Indiana, PA.
Archival Material
COMING SOON Primary sources about the Indiana, PA community including news coverage, videos, flyers, and social media.
Muslims in PA 