Pennsylvania Historic Preservation

Blog of the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office

January 11, 2023
by allidavis
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A Little Something for Everyone: Pennsylvania’s Newest Markers

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) recently approved 37 new historical markers, making this one of the largest number of new markers in the program’s history.

Two people on bikes in bike lane next to metal truss bridge.

December 14, 2022
by Tyra Guyton
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O’er the Bridge We Go!

For many, the holidays are filled with stories and traditions of the past.  Just hearing the song Jingle Bells makes me wonder what it would feel like to go dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh. Or better … Continue reading

Stone building with slides sloped to top in a wooded and grassy area.

June 15, 2022
by Guest Contributor
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Exploring African American Heritage in Pennsylvania’s DCNR Parks and Forests

Pennsylvania is rife in human history – if you’re in Pennsylvania, consider yourself surrounded with nearly 20,000 years of it! So, it should come as no great surprise that its 121-state park and over 2 million-acre forest system, administered by … Continue reading

March 31, 2021
by Karen Galle
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Approved Markers for 2021

Soon fans of Pennsylvania’s historical markers will be braking for 23 new ones. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) recently approved the next batch of new historical markers at their March 2021 meeting.

Colorized historic postcard of large department store with trolleys, horses, carts, and people in the foreground.

December 23, 2020
by Elizabeth Shultz
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Window Shopping at 5 of Pennsylvania’s Historic Department Stores

With the widespread availability of plate glass at the end of the nineteenth century, department stores and window-shopping culture flourished in cities and towns throughout Pennsylvania – especially during the holiday shopping season near the end of the calendar year.

March 25, 2020
by Karen Galle
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March Marker Mania 2020

Soon there will be some new markers out there for you to brake for! Earlier this month, PHMC approved twenty-four new historical markers for an amazing range of subjects that highlight even more interesting Pennsylvania facts and figures.

January 29, 2020
by Elizabeth Rairigh
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Just Listed! January 2020

2019 was a BIG year for the National Register program in Pennsylvania.  Since our last update, 16 listings have been added or updated.

January 18, 2017
by Tyra Guyton
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Local Landmark for Sale: Johnstown Car Barns

Car barns are a historic remnant of a bygone era. The Johnstown Car Barns, located at 630 and 716 Central Avenue in Johnstown are no exception.  Built in 1893 to service and store trolleys, these building help communicate the story … Continue reading

December 5, 2016
by Karen Arnold
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What a Difference a Program Makes!

Each year, one of the most meaningful programs of the Commission is the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant program. With this grant program, the PHMC partners with local communities to address key historic preservation issues. As we found out through our … Continue reading

October 8, 2014
by Guest Contributor
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Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Awards: The Case of the Missing Pachyderms and the Marvel of a Brand-New Old Ceiling

Each year, Preservation Pennsylvania presents the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Awards as a way to honor individuals and organizations that exhibit excellence in the field of historic preservation. The 2014 award recipients exemplify some of the core values of historic preservation, … Continue reading