Pennsylvania Historic Preservation

Blog of the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office

History of the Beech Creek Railroad and the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Railroad

Railroads played a vital role in Pennsylvania’s economic development, particularly during the Industrial Revolution and beyond. They facilitated the transportation of goods, raw materials, and people, fostering industrial growth, urbanization, and the expansion of markets. The construction of railroads like the Beech Creek Railroad and the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Railroad, that primarily transported coal and other materials to homes and factories throughout Pennsylvania, played a significant role in the industrialization of the state.

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A New Life for an Old Building: Expressions of Interest Wanted for the Butler VA Hospital

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently posted an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a historic reuse opportunity at the former Butler VA Hospital in Butler Township, Butler County.

The VA reached out to PA SHPO for assistance in sharing this opportunity with the development community. If you are a developer, read on. If you work with a developer or know a developer, share this post! Expressions of Interest are due August 30, 2025.

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CLG Spotlight: Learning to Read the Built Environment

Pennsylvania has 49 Certified Local Governments, one of which is Lower Makefield Township in Bucks County. The Certified Local Government (CLG) program is a partnership between municipal governments, the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO), and the National Park Service (NPS) that promotes and supports effective historic preservation programs and policies in Pennsylvania municipalities.

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Your History Starts Here: America250 Historical Marker Trails

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s Historical Marker Program is launching a series of interpretive “trails” that highlight Pennsylvania’s significant role in shaping the nation. These trails will guide the public through well-known and less-known stories, encouraging a deeper and more meaningful connection to the past.

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PA SHPO is Hiring a Senior Curator of Archaeology!

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) is looking for a versatile and experienced archaeologist to direct the Archaeology Curation section of the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office.

As a Senior Curator, you will oversee a team of archaeologists who preserve more than 11.5 million artifacts and use them to help tell the story of more than 12,000 years of Pennsylvania history through changing exhibitions and public programs. You will have the opportunity to represent PHMC within the field of archaeology at the state and national level, developing new initiatives related to NAGPRA compliance, collections management, and public outreach.

If you have a passion for Pennsylvania and archaeology, apply today!

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