I applaud the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) for focusing attention on the topic of “Energy: Innovation and Impact” for 2009, linked to the historic oil well drilled 150 years ago by Edwin L. Drake in Titusville, Pennsylvania. The Oil 150 celebration with emphasis at the Drake Well Museum has been an opportunity to spotlight Pennsylvania’s historical role as a leader in the development of new energy sources of coal, oil and gas in the 19th century.

Pennsylvania continued as an innovator in the 20th century technologies of hydroelectric and nuclear energy sources, and now it is using 21st century technology to develop wind power and other alternative energies. As new and green technologies shape the decision-making for the future, the impact of energy on our economy, culture and environment has never been more important. The history of current innovations and the changes they bring will be a part of the ongoing history of the state.

It is important to make sure that Pennsylvanians know and understand the past so that they can move ahead to embrace the future. The innovative work of PHMC in preserving the history of the commonwealth and in educating young and old about the past and how it relates to their lives today is important to all Pennsylvanians.

 Edward G. Rendell, Governor

On the cover: The backdrop image of oil derricks sets the stage for PHMC’s 2009 theme, "Energy: Innovation and Impact." Along with inset photography reflective of the past fiscal year’s initiatives, the cover provides a look to our past while the above photograph of Iberdrola Renewables’ Locust Ridge Wind Farm, straddling Schuylkill and Columbia counties, provides a patterned glimpse of the commonwealth’s energy present and future. Locust Ridge will be featured in the upcoming "Wind Titans" exhibit at The State Museum of Pennsylvania in November 2009.