Pennsylvania Historic Preservation

Blog of the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office

Low wood shelter over gravestones in wood.

February 2, 2022
by Casey Hanson
12 Comments

Reinterpreting the Underground Railroad: The Sherman’s Dale Discharge Former Slaves’ Graves Site

In my short time as an archaeologist working in southeast Pennsylvania, I’ve learned that every basement, crawl space, and root cellar older than 1860 was at one time, a stop on the Underground Railroad (UGRR).  This of course is not … Continue reading

Large black wood sign with gold letters.

February 10, 2021
by Guest Contributor
1 Comment

Historic Eden Cemetery: Preserving Memory and Protecting Legacy

The creation of Eden Cemetery in Collingdale, Delaware County was a collaborative effort by African Americans to provide a sanctuary in the Philadelphia area where African Americans could be buried with dignity and respect.

February 12, 2020
by Shelby Weaver Splain
0 comments

Resource Round-up: PHMC’s Resources for Studying Pennsylvania’s African American History

In honor of national African American history month, I thought I would give our readers a glimpse into a few of the resources PHMC has to help study African American historic places in Pennsylvania.

Building

February 13, 2019
by Karen Arnold
7 Comments

Showing the Love for Crawford Grill No. 2, a Once Swinging Hot Spot in Pittsburgh

Like many urban areas, Pittsburgh had a vibrant nighttime music scene presenting fabulous music of all genres. But it was jazz music that flowed freely from one major venue, the Crawford Grill.  In our second post this Black History Month, … Continue reading

Green Book cover

February 6, 2019
by Emma Diehl
5 Comments

Offbeat Outing: The Green Book in Philadelphia

Some of my colleagues are known to check their Facebook accounts while they drink their morning coffee, and on more than one occasion that has resulted in a Facebook message or email with the subject line “I have a great … Continue reading

February 7, 2018
by Shelby Weaver Splain
9 Comments

Studying African American history in Pennsylvania

February is national African American history month.  All over the country, communities are discovering, celebrating, and acknowledging the places that tell the stories of African American history and experience.  This is the perfect time for us to talk about one … Continue reading

February 20, 2013
by April Frantz
0 comments

Smokin’ Joe Frazier and Pennsylvania’s Boxing History

On February 5, 2013, the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Board gave their support to heavyweight boxer Joe Frazier’s Philadelphia gym for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. That’s one step closer to official recognition for not just the man … Continue reading