The fire that ravaged the Cathedral of Notre Dame in mid-April was a tragedy felt around the world. In a digitally-connected age, viewers from all parts of the globe were able to watch the flames engulf the centuries old landmark in real time and collectively grieve in ways previously unimaginable. The fire will become an important part of the building’s history and provide important lessons about the fragility of our shared heritage for successive generations. But I am also hopeful that the response to the fire and its aftermath will be equally instructive and help give this tragedy some meaning and purpose.
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PA SHPO Goes to Washington!
A few of my PA SHPO colleagues and I traveled to Washington, D.C. in March to join State Historic Preservation Offices and other preservationists from around the country at National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week.
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Honoring local Veterans through the Keystone Fund
Many communities across Pennsylvania have prominent memorials to honor their local veterans. Centre County is no exception displaying their memorial proudly in front of the Centre County Courthouse in downtown Bellefonte.
5 Things to Know about the New and Improved Certified Local Government Program
The Certified Local Government (CLG) program is one of the unsung heroes of the historic preservation world. Less well known than the National Register, Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits and Section 106, the CLG program’s utilitarian name has surely contributed to the bewilderment about what the program can do for community-level preservation efforts over the years. It’s also fair to say that the CLG program hasn’t been given the proper attention necessary to reach its full potential – until now! In late 2018 the PA SHPO rolled out revised guidelines for the CLG program in Pennsylvania, complete with a renewed sense of purpose, clearer goals and revamped technical assistance and grant programs. So, here are five things you wanted to know about the new and improved CLG program in Pennsylvania but didn’t know to ask. Continue Reading →
Spring = New Historical Markers!
Earlier this month, PHMC approved 18 new historical markers to the collection of over 2,500 for subjects that run the gamut from notable athletes to a late 19th century African American archaeological site in Mercer County. Continue Reading →
Answering the Key Questions about Local Historic Preservation in PA
Have you ever wondered WHERE local historic preservation programs are being implemented in Pennsylvania? Continue Reading →
#PreservAtionHappensHere @ Eckley Miners’ Village
An intra-agency effort is underway to plan for the future of PHMC’s Eckley Miners’ Village. In October 2018, the PHMC was awarded a federal grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to support the completion of a strategic plan for Eckley. The desired outcome will result in a sustainable future for Eckley that will enable the historic property to serve as a regional asset. The PHMC’s State Historic Preservation Office and Bureau of Historic Sites and Museums are partnering to engage stakeholders, gather ideas from the regional community, and lead the planning process. Continue Reading →
Supporting the Section 106 Review Process
One of the many roles for all State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs), including Pennsylvania’s, outlined in the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) is to advise, assist, and consult on the review of federally assisted projects that have the potential to affect historic properties. This is known as the Section 106 Review Process. Continue Reading →
Update! Pennsylvania’s State Historic Preservation Tax Credit
Lots of work has been going on these past few weeks to reauthorize and expand Pennsylvania’s state Historic Preservation Tax Credit. Take a look! Continue Reading →
The Pennsylvania Archaeological Site Survey (PASS), A Look Forward and Back
Did you know that Pennsylvania contains over 25,300 recorded archaeological sites? Continue Reading →