The creation of the banana split, a Civil War prisoner of war camp and the inventor of the first practical artificial blood vessel replacement are among the subjects of 12 new state historical markers approved by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission .

Among the new markers approved was one for the Baltimore Mine Tunnel Disaster, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County.

The second worst industrial disaster in Pennsylvania history, this incident in 1919 led to changes in enforcement of regulations at state mines. A team of state and national experts were assembled to investigate the incident which resulted in an order against the practice of transporting explosive powder and miners on the same railcar. National leaders of the United Mine Workers intervened to advocate for reforms and provide relief to victims' families.

The new markers, selected from 47 applications, will be added to the nearly 2,200 familiar blue-with-gold-lettering signs along roads and streets throughout Pennsylvania.

Since 1946, PHMC’s historical markers have chronicled the people, places and events that have affected the lives of Pennsylvanians over the centuries. The signs feature subjects such as Native Americans and settlers, government and politics, athletes, entertainers, artists, struggles for freedom and equality, factories and businesses, and a multitude of other notable topics.

Nominations for historical markers may be submitted by any individual or organization and are evaluated by a panel of independent experts from across the state and approved by PHMC commissioners.

For more information, visit the PHMC Historical Marker Program webpage.  Visit the Explore PA History website for more on Pennsylvania’s environmental history.

NewsClip: Wilkes-Barre Mine Disaster Historical Marker

4/8/2013