West Chester, Pa (December 3, 2024) – Chester County residents and organizations interested in sharing and promoting our region’s historical sites and structures can apply now for a historical marker through the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC), state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.
The PHMC recently reopened the historical marker program, which aims to capture and celebrate the stories of significant people, places, events, and innovations that have impacted the lives of Pennsylvanians over the centuries.
“Chester County is home to almost 80 Pennsylvania historical markers – the recognizable blue signs that highlight noteworthy figures, places, and events that shaped the history of our Commonwealth and our nation,” Comitta said. “Our history belongs to all of us and this is a community-driven program. So, if you are aware of an event, person, or place worthy of being highlighted, please consider applying.”
For nearly 80 years, the PHMC has approved and installed aluminum markers featuring subjects related to the histories of Native Americans, early colonialization, government and politics, athletes, entertainers and artists, movements for freedom and equality, historic industries, commerce and utilities, and a multitude of other noteworthy topics of statewide or national significance.
As part of the program’s return, several enhancements were made to the marker nomination process – including a more streamlined application, an improved evaluation process by external reviewers, and an optional pre-application process to assist new applicants in determining the viability of their nominations in consultation with PHMC staff.
“I am pleased to announce that the Pennsylvania Historical Marker Program is returning this November with the reopening of the application process,” said PHMC Executive Director Andrea Lowery. “This is our most public program. With more than 2,500 markers, broad audiences encounter stories of our shared history throughout the Commonwealth, whether in an urban area or traveling along a country road or walking in a park. These markers represent the stories of all Pennsylvanians, and we look to the public to share the history they know and value that has helped shape the Commonwealth today. The modified application process will streamline nominations and make the program more accessible to all who are interested in participating.”
Final applications for the first round of new markers are due April 1, 2025, with the first of the new markers being cast and installed in 2026.
The physical markers, which are the property and responsibility of the Commonwealth, are not intended to be all-encompassing, but to serve as a launching point for the public to pursue self-directed learning should they desire to know more.
Additional details of the new historical marker program are available on the PA State Historic Preservation Office blog, and a video series on PHMC’s YouTube channel will explain the new process.
Nominations for historical markers may be submitted by any individual or organization and are evaluated by a panel of independent experts from throughout the state and approved by the agency’s commissioners.
In addition, members of the public may report missing or damaged markers and request revisions to outdated or inaccurate texts on existing markers.
More information on the Pennsylvania Historical Marker Program, including application guidelines, is available online at www.PAHistoricalMarkers.com.
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