Author: Karen Arnold (Page 4 of 4)

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

Independence Hall is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park.

#FindYourPark: Independence National Historical Park

June 15, 2016 / Karen Arnold / 3 Comments

Several months ago, my colleague Cory Kegerise wrote a blog highlighting his childhood memories visiting Hopewell Furnace as part of the National Park Service’s #FindYourPark campaign . He inspired me to make sure my kids had the same experiences and appreciated the plethora of historic sites throughout the Commonwealth. So one Friday in late March when my kids were off from school, we went in search of our own #FindYourPark adventure. In case you are not familiar with the initiative, Americans are encouraged to share their thoughts, reflections, and aspects about their favorite National Park as part of the National Park Service’s Centennial Celebration. Most of the #FindYourPark stories speak of the National Park System’s natural wonders and green bucolic open space. Our adventure may seem in contrast, but Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia with its rich civic history really sparks my interest. So we set off to explore the colonial history and the birthplace of America. Continue reading

Painting and stucco repair in progress at Andalusia, Bucks County.

5 Things To Do Now: Keystone Historic Preservation Grants

October 28, 2015 / Karen Arnold / 2 Comments

Things To Do Now is an occasional series featuring tips and tricks for some of the SHPO’s most popular programs and projects.

Allegheny_Neville_House_Windows_Complete

The windows at the Neville House in Allegheny County were restored with the help of a Keystone Construction Grant.

It is that time of year to start thinking about applications to the PHMC’s Keystone Historic Preservation Grant program, which supports planning and construction projects for historic places throughout the Commonwealth. Unfortunately, PHMC is unable to release application materials right now due to the state budget impasse. However, in anticipation of a forthcoming grant round, I encourage nonprofit organizations and municipal governments to start thinking about their applications. Many of the facets of a competitive application are good stewardship practices for caring for your historic building or community and are a worthwhile investment of time now despite this delay. Continue reading

Large two-story brick home surrounded by green lawn. — Wheatland, home of James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States. (1961RE00031)

The Keystone Fund Partners in Preserving James Buchanan’s Wheatland

December 10, 2014 / Karen Arnold / 0 Comments

Wheatland, the home of James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, BHP Key No. 001061

I realize that when it is cold outside, it might be more comfortable to hibernate on the couch watching television, but this is a great time of year to visit the Commonwealth’s museums and historical sites. Always in need a last-minute hostess gift for a party, I often pop into the Landis Valley Museum Shop for a unique gift or just take respite in exploring the material cultural of our great Commonwealth. One of my favorite historic houses to visit this time year is President James Buchanan’s Wheatland in Lancaster. Constructed in 1828 for William Jenkins, the president of Farmer’s Bank of Lancaster, the Federal-style brick house and surrounding 24 acres were purchased by retiring U.S. Secretary of State, James Buchanan, in 1848. Wheatland remained Buchanan’s home during his presidency until his death on June 1, 1868. The Mansion was sold in 1935 to the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland to develop a Presidential House Museum. Continue reading

Lancaster's Central Market providing fresh food for their healthy community.

Spotlight Series: Lancaster Central Market celebrates its 125th Anniversary

October 15, 2014 / Karen Arnold / 0 Comments

For some readers the onset of seasonal fall weather means bundling up for Friday night high school football games or starting the furnace, but I’m always reminded that another growing season is coming to a close. However, It is not too late to find great local produce at any of Pennsylvania’s local market houses! Continue reading

The Continuing Impact of the Keystone Historic Preservation Fund

December 4, 2013 / Karen Arnold / 1 Comment

Mark your Calendars – Keystone Grant Applications are due March 3, 2014! It is amazing that the Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund celebrated its 20^th Anniversary in 2013. That’s 20 years of enhancing natural, recreational, educational, and historic resources for residents throughout every region in Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh Renaissance Historic District Photo: PHLF

Mark your Calendars – Keystone Grant Applications are due March 1, 2013!

January 23, 2013 / Karen Arnold / 0 Comments

The PHMC is proud to announce that eGrant is open for applications for the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program. Many applications are already started for this immensely popular grant program but it isn’t too late for your community or local-nonprofit to submit an application.