Author: Karen Arnold (Page 2 of 4)

Karen Arnold manages the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant program at the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC).

House surrounded by scaffolding in a garden. — Centre Furnace Mansion Gardens: photo by Centre County Historical Society.

Safety: A Priority for all creatures at these Keystone Grant sites

June 16, 2021 / Karen Arnold / 1 Comment

I was surprised earlier this spring when Mary Sorenson, Executive Director of the Centre County Historical Society notified me that their Keystone-funded roof replacement at the Centre Furnace Mansion was delayed. Of course, delays are commonplace for many of our grant projects for a myriad of reasons: structural failures, scheduling conflicts or fundraising challenges.

Colorized historic postcard showing wood church building. — Undated historic postcard of Grace Lutheran Church. From the collection of the Historic Franklin Preservation Association.

Preserving Pennsylvania’s Stick Style Architecture: Old Lutheran Church in Franklin

April 7, 2021 / Karen Arnold / 3 Comments

The mid-nineteenth century oil boom is synonymous with northern Venango County, which brought population and construction growth to the city of Franklin.

A New Year – Is a Keystone Grant Project A Resolution?

January 6, 2021 / Karen Arnold / 0 Comments

Happy New Year! As much as I would like to count 2021 as a fresh start and forget all about 2020, I first must share how impressed I am with the resilience of our museum and preservation community and its innovation to engage with the public at large.

Two story stone building with wood door and window shutters painted red. — South Elevation of Sellers Hall. Photo by Friends of Sellers Hall.

Expanding story telling at Pennsylvania’s cultural sites

October 7, 2020 / Karen Arnold / 1 Comment

I’ve spent a good bit of my time lately enjoying virtual content from our partner cultural and heritage sites around Pennsylvania.

Brick building with large machine in front. — Huntingdon County Courthouse, PHMC Photo.

Preserving Pennsylvania’s Historic County Courthouses

August 12, 2020 / Karen Arnold / 1 Comment

Most Pennsylvanian’s think of jury duty, county assessment records or where they went to apply for their marriage license when someone mentions a courthouse.

Walking the Harrisburg Historic District

February 5, 2020 / Karen Arnold / 5 Comments

Did you know that the first American Heart Month took place in February of 1964, over two years before the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966?

Old color postcard showing a large white building with tall columns and triangle roof along a street. — Founder's Hall. Pennsylvania State Archives, Postcard Collection, Record Group M213, Box 28.

An Architectural Masterpiece: Visiting Founder’s Hall

December 4, 2019 / Karen Arnold / 1 Comment

I have a fascination with historic architecture. That is what launched me on in my career path. There is just something about a well-designed building that strikes awe in me. I feel it when I enter the state Capitol Building here in Harrisburg or when I walk through a quaint Lancaster City neighborhood. It amazes me that an architect inspires so much with his work.