The everyday impact of history on the lives of Pennsylvanians spans from our founding documents and extends to innovative new technologies that will shape our future. The role of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) in helping preserve historical resources through community planning and historic preservation is critical to sustaining historical interpretation and our legacy. This impact is evident with the educational impact of thousands of schoolchildren that visit The State Museum of Pennsylvania and PHMC historic sites each year.

This has been a difficult economic year for the state. I want to thank the staff and volunteers who have worked so hard to continue serving the public despite reduced resources. The creativity and innovation that PHMC has shown in meeting these challenges is a credit to the agency. I want to particularly thank the many partners who make it possible for PHMC to continue to deliver high quality services to the public and to fulfill our mission to be responsible stewards of Pennsylvania’s historical resources. The energy that historic site groups, volunteers, Pennsylvania Heritage Society members, state and federal agencies, and the many organizations that contribute to the mission of the agency is one of the great and remarkable resources of Pennsylvania.

Wayne Spilove, Chairman

 

Through 2009, to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Edwin L. Drake’s successful drilling for oil in Titusville, Venango County, on August 27, 1859, PHMC implemented as its theme, "Energy: Innovation and Impact." This awareness campaign not only underscored the commonwealth’s historic role in fueling the nation, it provided citizens with a better understanding of how choices made in the past affect the present and future. In similar fashion, it’s been PHMC’s innovation and impact in presenting this campaign that initiates the energy with our audiences to know more about Pennsylvania’s heritage.