On December 3, Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery) announced the transfer of the historic Highlands Mansion and surrounding grounds to the Highlands Historical Society as part of Senate Bill 1214 signed into law by Gov. Wolf last week.

Rep. Daley, whose 148th Legislative District includes Whitemarsh Township and the 44-acre Highlands Mansion and Gardens, has long pursued action transferring the historic site to the Highlands Historical Society.

Working within Senate Bill 1214 this fall, she was able to finalize this transfer. The bill was ultimately passed by both the Senate and the House before being signed by Wolf as Act 135 of 2020.

“Diligent work by many people who have been involved over a long period of time has paid off, as the HHS now has oversight of this wonderful property located right here in the 148th,” Rep. Daley said. “This transfer ensures the preservation of the Highlands Mansion and Gardens, allowing our community to treasure this space for years to come.”

The new law technically authorized the Department of General Services, with the approval of the governor and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, to grant and convey to the Highlands Historical Society the historic Highlands Mansion and surrounding acreage located in Whitemarsh Township for $1.

While HHS will own and maintain the property, Whitemarsh Township has acquired a conservation easement by using $3 million of its Open Space Earned Income Tax Fund, a payment that provides the funding HHS will need for maintenance and upgrades to the property.

In the deal, the township will have approval over large expenditures, and HHS will provide regular financial updates.

The historic site features a late-18th century Georgian mansion and nine outbuildings, as well as a two-acre formal garden surrounded by massive stone walls.

Visit the Highlands Mansion website for more information.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the WeConservePA website, Click Here to sign up for regular updates from WeConservePA, Like them on Facebook, and Follow them on Twitter.  Click Here to support their work.

Save the Date: WeConservePA Conference March 24-26 in Gettysburg.

More than 100,000 Pennsylvanians contribute to local land trusts.

Related Articles:

-- 90% Of PA Voters Want Senate, House To Provide More Funding For Critical Environmental, Conservation Programs; That Didn’t Happen In 2020

-- DCNR Cancels ALL Organized In-Person Events, Programs In State Parks, Forests Starting Dec. 6 To Respond To Rising COVID Cases

-- Friends Of Allegheny Wilderness: Trail Groups Oppose Mountain Biking In Federal Wilderness Areas

-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests Highlights Forest Management Activities, Upcoming Events

-- Dept. Of Agriculture Farm Preservation Staff Recognized For Preserving 138 Farms While Teleworking

-- Reminder: Nominations For PA Parks & Forests Foundation 2021 Annual Awards To Recognize COVID Champions Due Dec. 31

-- Marci Mowery, PA Parks & Forests Foundation, Named Chair Of New National Group To Support The Nation's State Parks

-- WeConservePA: New Report On Conservation Easements In Court, A Review Of Litigation In PA

-- Dec. 4 Take Five Fridays With Pam From PA Parks & Forests Foundation

[Posted: December 5, 2020]

12/7/2020