I’m happy to introduce you to some of my colleagues who joined the SHPO team over the last six months. I’ve asked each of them to answer a few questions to help us get to know them. Welcome to the team, Blair, Liz, Arden, and Lauren!
Blair Horton
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am originally from a small town in South Carolina called Bethune. I moved to Charleston, South Carolina to complete my Bachelors in International Studies at the College of Charleston. My thesis involved researching a group of churches in Nagasaki, Japan that were nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While learning more about what that designation meant, I was instantly drawn to historic preservation and began taking as many related classes as I could. In 2020, I came to Philadelphia to complete my Masters Degree in Historic Preservation and I have stayed in the city ever since. Outside of work, I’m a proud cat parent and aspiring crafter.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I don’t think there was a certain thing I wanted to be when I was a kid, I was interested in a bit of everything. I think that is how I later found my way into preservation, it let me explore so many interesting topics at once.
What do you do here at PA SHPO?
In my role as the PA-SHARE Triage Specialist, I support our work through PA-SHARE by processing and reviewing incoming project submissions, resources, and surveys. I also assist with data cleanup projects, and answering PA-SHARE inquiries from users.
What have you found to be the most exciting/rewarding part of the job so far?
I think one of the most exciting things about my job is that when I am processing incoming submissions, I get to have a birds eye view of the work the PA SHPO completes and supports across the state. From Environmental Review to Tax Credits to the Historic Marker Program, I learn about new projects and different types of unique resources across PA everyday.
What is something fun/quirky that you like to do in your spare time or that others might not know about you?
I really like studying languages! I studied Japanese through school, and am now trying to learn Korean.
What is your favorite PA Place and why?
My favorite PA Place is the Woodlands Cemetery in Philadelphia. The nature, the history, the community programming all makes it one of my favorite places to be–and the grave gardening program is something everyone should check out.
Blair Horton
Elizabeth Williams
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I grew up in Ligonier in the Laurel Highlands area of southwestern Pennsylvania. I graduated with a BFA in Historic Preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design. I lived in Savannah for a number of years and my parents maintain a home there, so I visit as much as possible. My hobbies include cooking, getting out in the beautiful area I live, seeing live music on the weekends, and spending time with my friends.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
My dream as a child was to be a backup dancer for Janet Jackson.
What do you do here at PA SHPO?
I am one of the Above Ground Environmental Reviewers and the agencies I review currently include HUD/DCED, FEMA, FTA, FRA, DCNR, among others.
What have you found to be the most exciting/rewarding part of the job so far?
I’ve always been passionate about the community revitalization aspects of historic preservation so it’s very exciting to review thoughtful and well-done projects that promote that.
What is something fun/quirky that you like to do in your spare time or that others might not know about you?
When I lived in Savannah, I briefly worked for a ghost tour company that took guests into popular historical buildings for paranormal investigations.
What is your favorite PA Place and why?
I love living in the Laurel Highlands! I feel deeply connected to the area and Appalachia in general and I’m always finding interesting new histories or places to explore.
Liz Williams
Arden Jordan
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I grew up in a small town outside of Portland, Maine. I studied public history at Bennington College and I received my MS in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania. I’ve interned and worked at historic sites across the country, including Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, NH, Project Row Houses in Houston, TX, and the Fairmount Park historic houses in Philadelphia, PA. The past few years I’ve worked with two research centers at Penn, the Center for the Preservation of Civil Rights Sites and the Penn Institute for Urban Research. While I’m based in Philadelphia, I’m so excited to explore and learn more about historic sites across the state.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
My parents took me to a living history museum in Massachusetts when I was 10 and they had to drag me out when it was closing. Ever since then I’ve been interested in history and wanted to work with historic sites. I’m lucky to say that I’m living my childhood dream!
What do you do here at PA SHPO?
I’m a National Register Reviewer; I review nominations and help the public through the (somewhat complicated!) nomination process. From an industrial site in Wayne County to a church in Philadelphia to a mid-century office building in Pittsburgh, each day I get to learn about unique and fascinating buildings across the state.
What have you found to be the most exciting/rewarding part of the job so far?
I have found working with community-preparers very rewarding. They often care deeply about the site they are nominating and you can feel that love in the nomination – it’s very inspiring! While interning in grad school I got to work on a nomination I was passionate about and the SHPO staff were so helpful. It’s exciting to be on the other side now.
What is something fun/quirky that you like to do in your spare time or that others might not know about you?
One of my hobbies is crafting and making art. My friend and I get together weekly to make collages. This spring I’m taking a mosaic course at Fleisher Art Memorial. I live in South Philly and there are a lot of works by Isaiah Zagar near me. I love turning down a street and stumbling on a new piece I haven’t seen before.
What is your favorite PA Place and why?
It is so hard to choose! I will say two: Woodlands Cemetery and Bartram’s Garden in West Philadelphia. Both are wonderful examples of historic sites and public green space. I lived in West Philadelphia for many years and loved going for walks, attending events, or just hanging out in these places. I was a Grave Gardener for a couple years and it was a wonderful way to volunteer and contribute to a local historic site.
Arden Jordan
Lauren Stackhouse
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in Harrisburg, PA, and graduated from Central Dauphin High School. I went on to attend the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design in Lancaster, on a partial scholarship to study graphic design. Later, I transferred to Millersville University, where I continued to pursue my passion for art. Art has always been a personal interest, and I have continued to nurture this passion both through my education and in my free time.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A wife and mom.
What do you do here at PA SHPO?
I am an Administrative Officer in the Preservation Incentives division. I provide administrative support for the incentives programs within the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO). In addition, I serve as the alternate for bureau administrative operations. Much of my experience in state government has been focused on grants. Previously, I worked with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, where I managed the Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant program and assisted in the administration of several other state and federal grant programs. In my current role, I support grant administration, tax credit programs, the historical marker program, and the historic property inspection program.
What have you found to be the most exciting/rewarding part of the job so far?
I am passionate about the administrative assistance role because I genuinely enjoy supporting others. I find it highly rewarding to contribute behind the scenes and ensure smooth operations. With several years of customer service experience, I’ve learned the value of assisting others, and I find it even more fulfilling to support my colleagues directly. Additionally, I’ve appreciated the opportunity to train alongside different team members and help ease their workload.
What is something fun/quirky that you like to do in your spare time or that others might not know about you?
I drink too much coffee. I love to be outside and fussing in my garden. My first job was at a nursery where I sold plants, and I have been hooked ever since.
What is your favorite PA Place and why?
Mount Gretna Lake and the Poconos are two of my favorite destinations in Pennsylvania. The natural beauty of the mountains and lakes in these areas is truly breathtaking. I especially enjoy taking my children to places where they can experience and appreciate the outdoors.
Lauren Stackhouse
Welcome to PHMC and the PA SHPO!
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