Blog of the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office

Month: December 2013

Section 106 Consultation: 5 Steps to Meaningful Mitigation Outcomes

Last month we discussed Section 106 consultation and how the outcome of the process is not predetermined but rather a result of the interaction among the participants, with the Federal agency making the final decision about how a project will proceed. Agencies in coordination with consulting parties are required to consider project design options that avoid or minimize effects to historic properties. However, it is not always possible to meet the needs of the project and simultaneously preserve a historic property. Continue reading

How to cure the wintertime preservation blues?

As the days get shorter, the nights get longer and the threat of snowfall sends weather forecasters, school district superintendents and milk delivery truck drivers into a maddening frenzy, many people start complaining about the winter blues. You know that time of year – when one is frigid and dim due to the lack of heat and light – and the full effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are on display – you find yourself sleeping more, eating more and avoiding social contact! Continue reading

BHP’s Offbeat Outings: Athens

Offbeat Outings is a bi-monthly series that highlights the travels of BHP staff as they experience history first-hand throughout Pennsylvania.

My name is Dave, and I’m an addicted heritage tourist.  However, as I’m sure most readers of this blog can confess, I am not alone.  In fact, Heritage Tourism brings billions of dollars to Pennsylvania each year, with historic communities and districts creating the largest draw.  Continue reading

Welcome Serena Bellew, New Director of the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Office

On December 2, 2013 Serena Bellew joined the PHMC staff as director of the agency’s Bureau for Historic Preservation and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer.  The Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Office coordinates state and federal historic preservation programs including the National Register of Historic Places, state and federal tax credits, and environmental review of state and federal projects for their impact on historic resources.  Other duties and responsibilities include planning, developing and implementing the state’s Historic Preservation Plan and administering PHMC’s grant programs and the popular state historical marker program.
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