On November 9, the Historical & Museum Commission announced it is now accepting Historical Marker nominations from individuals, public agencies and private organizations.  The deadline for nomination is December 1.

Since 1914 PHMC’s historical markers have chronicled the people, places and events that have affected the lives of Pennsylvanians over the centuries.

The more than 2,500 markers feature a multitude of noteworthy subjects such as events and people of environmental significance, Native Americans and settlers, government and politics, athletes, entertainers, artists, struggles for freedom and equality, and factories and businesses.

Subjects of 17 markers approved in 2018 include African American sprinter Barney Ewell, who won a gold and two silver medals in the 1948 Olympics; Isaac and Dinah Mendenhall, Quaker abolitionists who were active with the Underground Railroad, collaborating with Thomas Garrett and Harriet Tubman; D. T. Watson Home for Crippled Children, the facility at which patients were first to receive the Salk polio vaccine; Lois Weber, the first American woman film director and a pioneer in early filmmaking; the Philadelphia Flower Show; and the Slinky toy.

One of PHMC’s most visible public history initiatives, the marker program brings together nominators, PHMC representatives, public officials, 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 $2,060; the smaller city-type is approximately $1,620. Nominators or sponsoring organizations are asked to carefully consider these expenses before submitting an application.

Send completed nominations to State Historical Marker Program, Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office, PHMC, 400 North St., Second Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0053.

For more information on the program, visit PHMC’s Historical Marker Program webpage or contact Karen Galle, program coordinator, by email to: kgalle@pa.gov  or call 717-705-4266.

[Posted: Nov. 9, 2018]

11/12/2018