This document provides a history of Python packaging and discusses lessons learned. It covers: 1. The evolution of Python packaging standards and tools from 1991 to present, including changes to metadata schemas, build tools, package publishing/indexing, installers, and support for multiple platforms/versions. 2. Challenges that existed before and after the community developed packaging solutions, such as companies initially developing their own internal tools and later adopting community standards. 3. How the community's open solutions grew faster than any individual company could achieve, and how problems like building/publishing packages are generally applicable rather than company-specific.