Harrisburg, PA - As Pennsylvania prepares to take center stage for America’s 250th anniversary this year, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) today opened the 2026 nomination cycle for the Pennsylvania Historical Marker Program, inviting communities across the Commonwealth to help identify and elevate the stories that shaped local history and the nation.
With more than 2,500 blue-and-gold markers already installed in all 67 counties, Pennsylvania’s Historical Marker Program is one of the Commonwealth’s most visible and enduring ways to connect residents and visitors to the people, places, and events that define Pennsylvania’s role as the “Keystone of American History.” For nearly 80 years, the historical markers have commemorated the diverse narratives that have shaped the Commonwealth.
“As we celebrate ‘Pennsylvania 250: The Keystone of American History,’ we are reminded that the American experiment was shaped by stories in every corner of our Commonwealth,” said PHMC Executive Director Andrea Lowery. “Our historical markers are PHMC’s most public program, turning ordinary roads and parks into open-air museums. We are looking to the public to share the history they value—the hidden figures, local innovations, and pivotal moments that have helped build the Pennsylvania of today. We’ve refined our process this year to better support applicants, ensuring that telling these vital stories is more accessible than ever.”
The 2026 nomination cycle builds on recent improvements PHMC made to make the marker program more accessible and supportive for applicants, particularly first-time nominators and community organizations.
Key dates and process improvements include:
- Required Pre-Application (due April 1, 2026): Applicants must first submit a pre-application, allowing PHMC staff to provide early guidance on historical significance, documentation, and eligibility before a full nomination is prepared.
- Final Application Deadline (June 1, 2026): Applicants invited to proceed after pre-application review must submit final materials by this date.
Nominations may be submitted by individuals, historical societies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community groups. All proposals are evaluated by a panel of independent historians and scholars from across Pennsylvania and approved by the agency’s commissioners. More information on the Pennsylvania Historical Marker Program, including application guidelines, is available online at PAHistoricalMarkers.com.
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.