Back in July, we announced the Historical Marker Program’s plans to recognize Pennsylvania’s role in U.S. history during the Semiquincentennial with a series of marker trails. These trails highlight both familiar and lesser-known stories, encouraging visitors to build a deeper and more meaningful connection to the past. Now, the first installment of Marking the Journey is live and ready to explore!
Category: Chester (Page 1 of 6)
You might remember hearing about the PA SHPO’s “Celebrate Your Barn” survey from our blog post back in June, from attending the Historic Barn and Farm Foundation’s 2025 Annual Meeting, from watching the news reporting on WGAL, from reading the newsletters from some of our state legislators, or by chatting with your neighbors – or another way. We’d love to know how you heard about our effort!
On large stained and moss-covered stone masonry abutments over a single line of tracks in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County rested a dinosaur, a wrought iron relic of the past originally constructed to support the industry of a developing nation. Its appearance was worn and weathered from over 140 years of service.
Random holes and a mixed bag of fastener types and sizes littered the visible faces. The original railroad floor system was long gone and replaced with a timber vehicular deck. Its live load carrying capacity was a mere fraction of what it once was. However, under all of this rust was a diamond, a rare and complete example of a wrought iron pin-connected warren pony truss with built-up corrugated diagonal tension members, the last of its kind.
This is the story of relocation and reuse, adaptive reuse, of the last known remaining pin-connected wrought iron Warren pony truss in Pennsylvania – The Howellville Truss (2004RE01890).
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) recently approved 47 new historical markers, one of the largest groups in the program’s history. This year, the nomination process was simplified, making it easier for individuals and organizations to apply. Marker staff offered support earlier in the process, helping more submissions move forward.
Long time blog readers may recall back in June of 2023, the PA SHPO announced the Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant recipients of our FY23 funding. These grants are intended to advance local historic preservation activities.
The Howellville Truss Bridge is a great example of a Warren Pony Truss bridge, originally built in 1879 to serve the Northern Central Railway, which ran between Baltimore, Maryland, and Sunbury, Pennsylvania.
On this day 12 years ago….
*Insert horrible photo with questionable style choices and aggressive side bangs*
Thankfully, this is not that kind of blast from the past. This is your yearly recap on archaeological site recording and survey efforts throughout Pennsylvania.
Join us in celebrating the Pennsylvania’s latest additions to the National Register of Historic Places! The PA-SHPO extends our congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all those who worked so hard on these nominations.
Last year, we announced PennDOT’s new funding source for historic metal truss bridges and highlighted two rehabilitation projects that were selected for the new program. With those projects well on their way, the Historic Metal Truss Bridge Capital Rehabilitation Program has since added four additional bridge projects across the Commonwealth.
New preservation projects will be sprouting up across Pennsylvania this summer. PHMC’s preservation partners will start 48 new projects with the assistance of the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant program in the coming months.
Recent Comments