Harrisburg, PA – As a part of the commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) today announced just over $2.2 million in Keystone Historic Preservation grants. The funding will deliver vital matching support to 38 historical organizations, museums, and local governments across 19 counties, ensuring that the Commonwealth’s foundational history remains a vibrant part of its future.
The commission awarded 38 grants chosen from a highly competitive pool of 115 applications. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $25,000 for planning grants, and $5,000 to $100,000 for construction projects. All grants require a 50/50 cash match and were awarded through a rigorous selection process.
“Our historic places are more than brick and mortar; they are the anchors of our communities and the spaces where Pennsylvania’s stories come alive,” said PHMC Executive Director Andrea Lowery. “This year’s awards reflect an incredible diversity of preservation efforts—from restoring cornerstone downtown landmarks like historic theaters and train stations, to protecting a covered bridge and a historic bandshell located in our public parks. By investing in these sites, we aren’t just preserving physical structures; we are safeguarding our collective cultural memory for future generations.”
Keystone Historic Preservation Grants provide funding to support projects that identify, preserve, promote, and protect historic and archaeological resources in Pennsylvania for both the benefit of the public and the revitalization of communities. Funding also supports municipal planning initiatives that focus on historic resources or may be used to meet building or community specific planning goals. The program also supports construction activities at resources listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
As Pennsylvania takes center stage for the United States’ Semiquincentennial, PHMC is actively prioritizing and promoting projects within this grant cohort that directly embody the spirit of America’s 250th anniversary. These investments will showcase the Commonwealth’s enduring role as the Keystone of American History to residents and visitors alike throughout the commemorative year.
These grants receive funding from the Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund. This fund is supported annually from a portion of the state realty transfer tax revenue.
The following is a list of Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Awards, by county:
Allegheny
Bona Fide Bellevue - $10,150
Coraopolis Community Development Corporation - $100,000
Rivers Of Steel Heritage Corporation - $100,000
Sweetwater Center For The Arts - $100,000
Armstrong
Armstrong County Historical Museum And Genealogical Society - $100,000
Blair
Blair County Historical Society - $99,250
Cambria
Johnstown Redevelopment Authority - $100,000
The 1901 Church, Inc. - $15,462
Chester
East Coventry Township - $97,399
Schuylkill Township - $5,316
Voices Underground - $25,000
Cumberland
Appalachian Trail Museum, Inc. - $11,000
South Middleton Township - $100,000
Dauphin
Historic Harrisburg Association, Inc. - $100,000
Erie
City Of Corry - $25,000
The City of Erie - Bureau of Planning & Zoning - $25,000
Fayette
Greater Uniontown Heritage Consortium (dba State Theatre Center For The Arts) - $25,000
Franklin
Capitol Theatre Center Foundation - $30,000
Lackawanna
Lackawanna Historical Society - $56,000
Lehigh
Lehigh University - $100,000
West Park Civic Association - $25,000
Mercer
Municipal Authority Of The Borough Of Greenville - $6,125
Mifflin
Mifflin County Board of Commissioners - $92,000
Montgomery and Berks
Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust - $100,000
Montgomery
Historic Trappe - $75,475
Morgan Log House Historical Society - $100,000
Wissahickon Valley Historical Society - $8,211
Northampton
Easton City - $100,000
Philadelphia
Cliveden Of The National Trust - $25,000
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Inc. - $75,000
Friends Of The Wissahickon Inc. - $30,540
Independence Seaport Museum - $44,150
Third Scots And Mariners Presbyterian Church - $100,000
Trustees Of Byberry Monthly Meeting Of Friends, Inc. - $50,000
Wyck Association - $33,147
Zion Baptist Church - $100,000
Washington
Washington County Historical Society - $25,000
Fayette, Somerset, and Washington
National Road Heritage Corridor - $25,000
About the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office
The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), the official historic preservation agency for the Commonwealth, protects, promotes and educates Pennsylvanians about the state’s vast collection of historic and archaeological sites and artifacts, encourage them to value these resources as part of our shared past and future, and enable them to preserve the places that tell our local, state, and national stories for future generations. By administering grant and tax credit programs, overseeing historic designations, providing technical assistance, and more, SHPO is safeguarding our Pennsylvania’s cultural heritage.
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Learn more by visiting PHMC online or following us on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.