The PHMC Historical Marker Program is now accepting new marker nominations for 2025. Beginning November 15, 2024, those wanting to acknowledge Pennsylvania history will be able to submit a Historical Marker Nomination.
Nominations must be submitted through PA-SHARE, the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office’s online project and data management system. Nominators can begin their submissions on November 15. Paper applications and emailed applications will not be accepted.
While the program was paused, PHMC reviewed the marker program to make holistic changes to simplify the nomination process to help nominators create more successful applications and streamline the evaluation process for PHMC staff and the Marker Review Panel.
Changes for nominators includes:
- New nomination deadlines (see below)
- Optional pre-application for earlier staff feedback to those interested in a marker
- Simplified nomination form
- Updated guidelines
- Robust resources on PHMC website and training videos on PHMC’s YouTube Channel
Changes for PHMC include:
- Reinstate the PHMC Staff Marker Review Committee to support the Marker Review Panel
- New evaluation form to be used by the Marker Review Panel for more consistent and objective evaluations
A virtual Q&A Session will be held Tuesday, December 10, 12:30pm-1:30pm for those interested to submit a marker nomination. Register for the event online and submit your questions to RA-PHMARKERS@pa.gov.
The Edward Lee Morgan historical marker in Philadelphia, dedicated April 30, 2024. Photo: Don Giles/PHMC.
New Nomination Deadlines
The new deadline for historical marker nominations is April 1 each year. The schedule will be:
- January 15: Submit pre-applications by email to RA-PHMARKERS@pa.gov
- February 15: Preliminary review due to PHMC via PA-SHARE
- April 1: Final nominations due to PHMC via PA-SHARE
- June: Historical Marker Panel meets to consider nominations
- September: Commission approval of 2025 marker nomination
- October: Notifications to applicants
Easier Application
The application has been simplified to help make successful nominations easier. Instead of a long essay, the application requires a short summary (1-4 sentences) about the subject’s importance.
Applicants will also complete a Documentation & Significance Worksheet with at least 3 points of significance and cited sources.
The Piper Aviation Museum celebrated the dedication of the Piper Aircraft Corporation historical marker. Photo from PA SHPO files.
Pre-Application
A new pre-application process has been created to assist new applicants in determining the viability of their marker suggestion. This process enables PHMC staff to provide feedback, assisting applicants to improve and focus their nominations.
Download the pre-application form from the Marker Forms & Guidance section of the website and email it by January 15, 2025 to RA-PHMARKERS@pa.gov.
Documentation Partners
PHMC encourages individuals to work with a Documentation Partner who will support the nomination. This could be a local historical society, library, university or college, cultural or ethnic organization, or other experts who can help with research and preparation.
Updated Guidelines
Read the updated guidelines to boost your chances of a successful nomination. Download them from the Marker Forms & Guidance section of the website.
Video Tutorials & Resources
New video tutorials will guide applicants through the nomination process. Watch them on the PHMC YouTube channel. The Marker Forms and Guidance page on the Marker Program website includes information on research resources and historical databases, with links to archives, repositories, digital databases, historical societies and organizations, and more.
Precast image of a historical marker. Photo: Sewah Studios.
Improved Evaluation Process
Nominations will still be reviewed by the Marker Review Panel, an external body with experience and knowledge in history related fields. This year, PHMC is introducing a new evaluation form to make the process more objective and consistent. The Staff Marker Committee has been reinstated to evaluate and provide information to the Marker Review Panel.
Download the scoring rubric from the Marker Forms and Guidance page to see how nominations are scored.
Dedication for the Keith Allen Haring marker held in Kutztown on National Coming Out Day 2024. Pictured: Haring’s family. Photo: Don Giles/PHMC.
PHMC is excited for these improvements and hopes it will ease the process for many Pennsylvanians to celebrate our shared history and enrich the marker program with our diverse heritage.
For questions about these updates contact markers staff at RA-PHMARKERS@pa.gov.
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