Seeking Philadelphia ship passenger records for 1740-1750

In the colony of Pennsylvania passenger lists were kept starting in 1727 only for people arriving, who were not citizens of the British Isles.  The majority of the existing lists are for males 16 or older, who were coming from the various German kingdoms, duchies, etc.   Most of these lists are actually court records of lists of men signing an oath of allegiance to the King of England upon their arrival in the US.  The lists are published in Pennsylvania German Pioneers, by Strassberger & Hinke.

Dear Ms. Turnbach,

Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

According to the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, the Pennsylvania State Archives maintains official ships' passenger lists, recording the arrival of Continental Europeans (chiefly German, Dutch, Swiss and French) at the Port of Philadelphia, 1727-1744, 1746-1756, 1761, 1763-1775, 1785-1808. Lists dating before the Revolution do not cover British subjects since their status remained unchanged by their removal from one part of the King's dominion to another. These also are described in the catalog of the Pennsylvania State Archives at Ships Lists of German Passengers. Please email the Pennsylvania State Archives at ra-statearchives@pa.gov to inquire about accessing their records.

We hope this is helpful. Best of luck with your research!