This week, Preservation Pennsylvania, the nonprofit dedicated to advocacy for and preservation of historic places across the commonwealth, announced the 2019 Pennsylvania At Risk.
This list of endangered historic resources began in 1992 draw statewide attention to the plight of Pennsylvania’s historic resources; promote and support local action to protect historic properties; and encourage funding and legislation that supports preservation activities. To see past At Risk properties, you can read these posts from the pahistoricpreservation.com blog.
These special places will become our work priorities for the year ahead,” said Julia Chain, Program Director. “We see great opportunities for collaboration, and look forward to supporting the local groups who are dedicated to cherishing these community landmarks.”
The 2019 list was chosen from nominations submitted by groups and individuals. Submissions are evaluated by several criteria, including historic significance, the extent of the threat and the community’s commitment to preserving the resource. Helping people to protect and preserve Pennsylvania’s endangered historic properties is a top priority for Preservation Pennsylvania.
2019 PENNSYLVANIA AT RISK
Preservation Pennsylvania has listed the following places to the 2019 Pennsylvania At Risk and will offer free preservation assistance through the year:
Farmhouse at Carlisle Indian School (Cumberland County)
A coalition of Tribal representatives and local organizations seek to preserve a farmhouse that was part of the Carlisle Indian School. They hope to transform it into a place of healing and education.
Farmhouse at Carlisle Indian School in 2014. Photo by L. White.
Woodburne Mansion (Delaware County)
This empty mansion designed by architect Horace Trumbauer for a noted family offers vast potential. It’s surrounded by a historic natural landscape that’s poised to become a valuable recreational resource that would benefit the residents of several nearby townships.
Woodburne Mansion’s stair hall in 2016. Photo by Darryl Moran Photography/Subject Matters on Facebook.
Colebrook Grist Mill (Lebanon County)
Local advocates hope to save, restore and find a new use for the long-vacant landmark.
Colebrook Grist Mill. Photo by South Londonderry Township Area Historical Society.
Morton and Lenore Weiss House (Montgomery County)
A mid-century residence designed by one of the world’s greatest 20th century architects is threatened with demolition by neglect and development.
The Morton and Lenore Weiss House. Photographed by Rollin LaFrance, April 1958, Louis I. Kahn Collection, University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.
Camp Archbald (Susquehanna County)
Local Girl Scout councils across the country, with approval from national leadership, have put up for sale more than 200 camps in 30 states. Camp Archbald, one of the oldest camps in the country, is under review for potential sale.
View of Camp Archbald from the lake. Photo by Dave Teachout.
Want to get involved?
There are many ways you can help make a difference in the outcome for these historic places!
Sign up for Preservation Pennsylvania’s e-news for updates and action alerts or become a member. Check our website, preservationpa.org, for status updates throughout the year and ways you can connect, whether that’s attending a hearing, following a group on Facebook, writing a letter to a local official, or coming to a hosted work day on site.
And remember to love your own local landmarks, whether that means shopping at a Legacy Business on Main Street or sharing a photo of a favorite house museum on social media to let others know about it. We can all make a difference!
About Preservation Pennsylvania
Founded in 1982, Preservation Pennsylvania is the commonwealth’s only statewide, private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of historically and architecturally significant resources. For more information, visit the website at www.preservationpa.org or contact Preservation Pennsylvania at 717-234-2310.
This week’s post is by Sabra Smith. Sabra is Communications Director for Preservation Pennsylvania, the commonwealth’s only statewide, private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection of historically and architecturally significant properties. She received a Master’s Degree in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania School of Design and now blends her love of old buildings and their stories with a curious compulsion to create #hashtags on social media. Follow #PAatRisk and #PALandmarkLove.
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