In the words of Pennsylvania native P!nk, pop-rock singer and performer, “Cover me in Sunshine, Shower me with good times!” It’s finally summer in Pennsylvania and it’s National Ice Cream Month so while you’re out soaking up the sun this summer, be sure to cool down with ice cream from one of Pennsylvania’s many local historic ice cream shops. Many of them hold fond memories for Pennsylvanians and continue to be cornerstones of neighborhoods. Check out what PA SHPO Staff said were some of their favorites!
Category: Washington (Page 1 of 4)
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!
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.
During the fall of 2024, the Historic Property Inspection Program (HPIP) had the pleasure of visiting several historic sites in Allegheny and Washington Counties in the western part of the state:
- The David Bradford House, Washington, Washington County;
- Carrie Furnaces, Swissvale, Allegheny County; and
- The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.
These visits allowed us an opportunity to test the new Historic Property Inspection Building Condition and Assessment Form.
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.
The Pennsylvania Baseline Survey Team is thrilled to share the final year of findings from the Pennsylvania Baseline Survey. From June 2022 to March 2024, Year 3 of the Baseline Survey took place in 20 counties. To date, over 6,854 new resources have been recorded in 503 municipalities thanks to the efforts of our Baseline Survey Teams!
Highlights of Pennsylvania Archaeology
November is Native American Heritage Month. The month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. One of the ways to learn about Native American heritage in Pennsylvania is through archaeology.
Any Pennsylvanian at heart has a list of places in the Keystone State that captures the essence of who we are.
Update on PennDOT’s Historic Metal Truss Bridge Management Plan
In 2017, PennDOT, in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the PA SHPO, published the Metal Truss Bridge Management Plan (Management Plan). This plan, designed to serve as an ongoing planning tool, was the result of a multi-year effort to address the accelerating loss of historic metal truss bridges throughout the state. Now, roughly six years after the publication of the official document, PennDOT would like to provide an update.
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.
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