The PA Historical and Museum Commission invites individuals, public agencies and private organizations to nominate historic properties, people or events possessing statewide or national significance for PHMC’s State Historical Marker Program.

The deadline for nominations is December 1.

The State Historical Marker Program helps communities throughout Pennsylvania recognize, preserve and promote their history for the education and enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.

Since 1914, PHMC has been marking Pennsylvania history, first with bronze plaques and later with the more than 2,600 familiar blue and gold markers that dot streets and highways. The cast aluminum markers tell the stories of Native Americans and early settlers, government and politics, athletes, entertainers, artists, struggles for freedom and equality, factories and businesses, and a multitude of other topics.

Historical markers chronicle the state’s notable people, places, events, and innovations. Markers approved in 2012 include The Kelly Family of Philadelphia, which includes Princess Grace of Monaco; James "Billboard" Jackson, an African American journalist from Bellefonte, Centre County; and Rebecca Harding Davis, a noted writer associated with the Realist movement, who was educated at the Washington Female Seminary in Washington County.

One of the PHMC’s most visible public history initiatives, the marker program brings together nominators, PHMC representatives and local residents to dedicate and celebrate the installation of each new marker with a public ceremony.

Applicants are responsible for the costs of marker fabrication and installation. The approximate cost, including shipping, for the larger roadside marker is $1,875; the smaller city-type is approximately $1,400. Nominators or sponsoring organizations are asked to carefully consider these expenses before submitting an application.

Send completed nominations to: State Historical Marker Program, Bureau for Historic Preservation, PHMC, 400 North St., 2nd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120.

Inquiries about submitting nominations for evaluation in 2013 or the marker program in general should be directed to Karen Galle, program coordinator, at the same postal address; by sending email to: kgalle@pa.gov; or by phone at 717-705-4266.

For more information on the marker program or to download a nomination form, visit the PA Historical Marker Program webpage.

9/24/2012