Harrisburg, PA — Today, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission announced it is investing $2 million to help communities across Pennsylvania preserve historic places, strengthen local revitalization efforts, and prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary this year.
Through the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program, PHMC will award grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 to support projects that identify, preserve, promote, and protect historic and archaeological resources across the Commonwealth. Funding is provided through the Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund.
This year’s investment prioritizes projects that align with the themes of America250, ensuring Pennsylvania’s rich and diverse history is preserved and shared as the nation marks its Semiquincentennial.
“Historic preservation strengthens communities, supports local economies, and connects Pennsylvanians to the stories that shaped our Commonwealth and our country,” said PHMC Executive Director Andrea Lowery. “As we prepare for America’s 250th anniversary, this funding helps ensure historic places across Pennsylvania are protected and ready to be celebrated.”
These grants coincide with Governor Josh Shapiro’s broader efforts to grow Pennsylvania’s tourism economy and prepare the Commonwealth to welcome millions of visitors for America’s 250th anniversary. The Shapiro Administration is investing $50 million to support America250 planning and major events statewide — including $10 million for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, as well as preparations in Philadelphia for the FIFA World Cup, NCAA March Madness men’s basketball tournament, the MLB All-Star Game, and other high-profile events — positioning communities across Pennsylvania to showcase their history, culture, and economic strength.
Two Grant Categories Available
PHMC offers two types of grants for historic resources that are listed in, or eligible for listing in, the National Register of Historic Places. Applicants may apply for only one category:
Construction Grants
Construction grants support the rehabilitation, preservation, and restoration of publicly accessible historic resources owned by nonprofit organizations or local governments. Awards range from $5,000 to $100,000 and require a 50/50 cash match.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend a PHMC Construction Grant webinar on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Registration for the webinar is available here.
Planning Grants
Planning grants support community-based historic preservation planning and project-specific planning initiatives, including municipal planning efforts focused on historic resources. Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000 and require a 50/50 cash match.
Prospective applicants for Planning Grants should attend a PHMC webinar on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Registration for the webinar is available here.
Recordings of the webinar series will be available on the PHMC’s PA Trails of History YouTube channel.
Applications are due March 2, 2026. Grants will be awarded through a competitive selection process and are contingent on the availability of funds.
Please note that all PHMC grant applications are now submitted on the Commonwealth’s Enterprise eGrants system. Paper or emailed applications cannot be accepted. Visit the PHMC website for eligibility information and grant guidelines.
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.