Harrisburg, PA – Providing access to records to millions online, launching a major conservation project, enlisting input from thousands of Pennsylvanians on preservation planning and receiving several prestigious awards are among the accomplishments of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Take a look at some of our 2016 accomplishments:
State Archives Serves 5.8 Million: The Pennsylvania State Archives served about 5.8 million people who accessed a variety of records online, including birth and death records, veterans' burial cards, World War II bonus applications, Spanish-American War compensations, Civil War Border Claims, the Septennial Census, tax and exoneration lists, naturalizations, marriage records, court papers and several other important genealogical resources.
Developed Statewide Historic Preservation Plan: The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office launched “Community Connections: Planning for Preservation in Pennsylvania” to develop Pennsylvania’s next statewide historic preservation plan. When completed in 2018, this plan will outline preservation priorities and guide decision-making through 2022. To date, over 3,100 Pennsylvanians have completed the online survey and/or attended one of nine Open Houses across the commonwealth. The result of this public input will be a practical plan that responds to the needs of Pennsylvanians and their communities.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania Attains Status as Smithsonian Affiliate: The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Strasburg, part of the Pennsylvania Trails of History network of state-owned historic sites, attained new status as a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum. The museum is now the first Smithsonian Affiliate museum within the commission, the 11th within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the 215th within the United States. This relationship benefits the Museum in a number of ways, including access to a network of supportive organizations, professional development opportunities and the ability to borrow objects from the Smithsonian on a long-term basis.
Launched Conservation Project: The State Museum of Pennsylvania launched a major conservation project to clean, restore, re-light and re-interpret Mammal Hall. Thirteen dioramas depict stunningly realistic scenes from actual places throughout the state. Each showcases the wildlife of Pennsylvania in a particular time of day, season, and habitat. These nearly 50-year-old dioramas are the museum’s most popular and beloved exhibit.
Received Statewide and National Recognition: The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission was honored with several prestigious awards during 2016 including the Civil War Trust’s State Leadership Award, Preservation Pennsylvania’s F. Otto Haas Award, Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia’s Preservation Education Award, PA Museums Institutional Achievement Award and the American Association for State and Local History’s Award of Merit.
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Visit PHMC online at www.phmc.pa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Howard Pollman, 717-705-8639
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