PHMC embarked on a new strategic plan to guide the agency through 2008-2011. Maintaining a strategy to be innovative in the face of meeting new economic challenges and changing trends is a constant essential which requires effective planning with measures in place to gauge the agency mission impact. The following highlights some of the strategic accomplishments as a result of completing the plan.

Planning for the Civil War 150th anniversary in Pennsylvania has continued in cooperation with the statewide planning committee under the auspices of the Pennsylvania Heritage Society.

Goal 1

Position PHMC as a vital actor and valued resource in the state.

In order to identify and respond to community needs, PHMC continues to use surveys to assess its success in meeting visitor and public expectations. The State Museum of Pennsylvania, in a national performance management program administered by the American Association for State and Local History, completed a survey to measure its success in providing services to teachers.

A question on the annual Penn State Poll revealed that 96% of respondents agreed that state dollars should be used to support historic preservation.

The 2008 annual theme devoted to the 75th anniversary of The New Deal, included a public history symposium, articles in Pennsylvania Heritage and Common Canvas: Pennsylvania’s New Deal Post Office Murals exhibit. This commemoration helped to remember, identify and celebrate the legions of people and their projects that brought not only a sense of normalcy but also one of belonging to their lives.

Dr. Matthew Pinsker was the featured speaker for a presentation in May titled “What’s New in Lincoln Studies?” held at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. This presentation was part of a collaborative effort with PHMC, the State Library of Pennsylvania and The National Civil War Museum to commemorate the bicentennial of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln.

Goal 2

Evaluate PHMC governance and structure to strategically allocate resources.

Planning Our Future, a report on the long term sustainability of the historic sites program was completed.

In conjunction with Office of Administration (OA) consolidation and review of information technology (IT) business practices, PHMC IT staff were migrated and consolidated to OA.

Walt Lehmann, a student at George Washington University, completed a study of the agency’s governance structure with case studies and examples from other states for PHMC’s Governance Committee.

The 32nd Annual Conference on Black History in Pennsylvania, held in May in conjunction with the local YWCA in Carlisle, featured Ron Martin, news anchor for WGAL-TV, speaking about the Obama inauguration, and Michael Harris speaking on abolitionists John Vashon and John Peck. The event was capped with the dedication of a state historical marker to Bethel A.M.E. Church in Carlisle, one of the oldest continuously operating African-American churches west of the Susquehanna River.

Goal 3

Expand and diversify financial support for core functions and priority projects.

The Pennsylvania Heritage Society completed a membership consultation to prepare a plan for increasing membership and support for PHMC programs.

Corporate sponsors for PHMC programs through the Heritage Society included Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State Employee Credit Union (PSECU) and Sheetz Inc.

PHMC participated in national advocacy for historical and museum programs through organizations such as the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, the National Archives and Records Administration, the American Association of Museums, and the American Association for State and Local History.

In its inaugural fiscal year, PAbookstore.com, the State Bookstore’s online bookstore, processed more than 1,700 transactions, totaling over $43,000 with more than 160,000 Web page views and an addition of over 225 new products.

In April, PHMC Executive Director Barbara Franco (shown here with Mickey Rowley, deputy secretary of tourism for the Department of Community and Economic Development) joined with officials from The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and representatives from the Dutch Country Roads region of central Pennsylvania to unveil Pennsylvania Civil War Trails. This initiative represents five years of partnership with state and local officials and tells the story of the Civil War from a northern state’s perspective. The program educates people about the women and children under siege; African-American contributions in the defense of the state; and the endurance of ordinary citizens during a time of great unrest through 40 new “story stops” in and around communities of Gettysburg, York, Hanover, Chambersburg, Carlisle, Harrisburg and Wrightsville. These “story stops” feature interpretive signage developed in partnership with local communities. PHMC managed the development and installation of the signage system and is responsible for their long-term maintenance.

Goal 4

Strengthen operational and programmatic effectiveness.

A point-of-sale ticketing system for sites was evaluated to improve analysis and accounting of ticket sales and attendance.

Staff in the Human Resource Services Division developed a draft of "Hiring Process for Managers and Supervisors" training. This training specifically details the hiring process from beginning to end and includes the responsibilities of managers and supervisors when a vacancy occurs.

PHMC Internship program served twelve Keystone interns and seven Diversity Interns.

The State Museum exhibit proposal and production process was streamlined to better direct resources, maintain high-quality content, encourage teamwork and empower ownership among staff.

Investment in repairs and renovation for 2008–2009 totaled $5,779,599.