The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has become a leader in historic preservation, and in promoting and sponsoring statewide events that celebrate American history. Thanks to the commission's work, Pennsylvania ranks sixth in the nation among states that successfully use federal tax credits to encourage investors to rehabilitate historic buildings. The commission's work, in partnership with other organizations, continues to create meaningful events to mark important occasions, like the Civil War sesquicentennial and the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln.

We're also committed to providing Pennsylvania students innovative educational opportunities. With the Teaching American History Program, Pennsylvania teachers learn how to impart knowledge about history in the classroom -- a program that is critical in passing along the facts and stories about the role Pennsylvania has played in the nation's history. The commission also works closely with the First Lady in developing programs that teach and inspire people to perform their civic duties.

The commission's leadership efforts are enduring -- from the annual Art of the State exhibit, which has enjoyed 40 years of success to the Annual Conference on Black History in Pennsylvania, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. These programs and others highlight the commitment to excellence and to serving Pennsylvania that is the hallmark of the commission's work.

I congratulate the commission and its fine staff for another year of work that brings credit to the agency and serves the commonwealth in many invaluable ways. I eagerly encourage the commission to move forward in its planning for tomorrow as it undertakes its many responsibilities as the official history agency of the commonwealth.

Edward G. Rendell, Governor