'Preserve America' Communities

HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will launch a new initiative to help the state’s 25 Preserve America communities with historical preservation and heritage tourism development

“Preserve America communities are recognized for protecting and celebrating their heritage, for using their historic assets for economic development and community revitalization,” said Barbara Franco, executive director of the commission. “These communities encourage people to experience and appreciate local historic resources through education and heritage tourism programs.”

Specifically, the grant will be used to:

· Create a program to further help Preserve America communities with historic preservation planning,

· Provide a Preserve America community coordinator, and

· Develop a report documenting the economic benefits of historic preservation in the state.

“The program does not fund bricks-and-mortar projects,” Franco said, noting that the cost of the local assistance announced today is covered by a $250,000 grant from Preserve America. “This investment helps participating counties, cities, boroughs and townships develop sustainable resource management strategies and sound business practices for the continued preservation and use of heritage assets.

Preserve America is administered by the National Park Service in partnership with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

Pennsylvania’s 25 Preserve America communities are Ambridge, Bethlehem, Bradford, Carlisle, Chambersburg, Cheltenham Township, Columbia Borough, Easton, Gettysburg, Hanover, Harrisburg, Media, Lancaster County, Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Philadelphia, Philipsburg Borough, Pittsburgh, Saltsburg, Tredyffrin Township, Washington County, West Chester and York.