Pennsylvania’s Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, 2012–2017; Building Better Communities: The Preservation of Place in Pennsylvania

Executive summary: "We gave Pennsylvania’s Statewide Historic Preservation Plan for 2012–2017 the title of Building Better Communities: The Preservation of Place in Pennsylvania for a specific purpose as it captures what we heard from the people of Pennsylvania throughout our public participation and outreach process. Pennsylvanians as whole recognize that development is inevitable but they also recognize that growth and progress do not need to result in the destruction of our natural and physical assets that shape Pennsylvania—our mountains and rivers; our abundant forests and fertile farms; our vibrant cities and boroughs and rural villages, our parks, heritage regions, and historic sites; and our diverse ethnic and religious heritage. Taken together, these assets create a unique sense of place throughout of Pennsylvania. From Scranton to Altoona and from Titusville to Ambler, Pennsylvania’s citizens reaffirmed that they value our livable and attractive communities and they value the availability of our farmland, parks, and recreational areas. And Pennsylvanians place a high premium on preserving these resources. The content of this plan outlines the current state of resources and preservation efforts statewide—including funding sources, major preservation partners, applicable legislation, and public perceptions of the state of preservation and its priorities—with a vision that Pennsylvanians will appreciate the significant contribution that history makes in forming the character of their communities and landscapes. In order to fulfill this vision, our Action Agenda identifies five major goals with related objectives and action steps: 1. Increase preservation planning at the local level; 2. Expand and strengthen state and federal partnerships; 3. Bolster the efforts of preservation advocates and partners; 4. Identify, recruit and engage new audiences; and 5. Administer an effective and proactive statewide historic preservation program. We hope all of our partners will adopt these goals and take action to respect their history and identify and protect their assets in ways that add value to local environments and sustain their unique authenticity of place. By working together, Pennsylvanians can maintain and enhance their cultural and natural resources and make the Commonwealth a desirable place to call home, conduct business, and explore. Thank you for your support for Building Better Communities: The Preservation of Place in Pennsylvania." Funding was provided in part by a 2012 Historic Preservation Fund grant administered by the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (project number PA-12-002, grant number 42-12-41945) and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Pennsylvania’s Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, 2012–2017; Building Better Communities: The Preservation of Place in Pennsylvania

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