2012 theme:
Foodways in Pennsylvania
Penn and Plenty: Bringing History to the Table.
In conjunction with PHMC's 2012 theme, there is special emphasis on people, places and events related to the history of foodways in Pennsylvania. Topics may include innovations in food production, individuals important in agricultural history, and sites related to food production and development. Previous markers approved under this theme include:
Eagle Grange No. 1
Hershey's First Candy Store
Neshannock Potato
Pennsylvania School of Horiculture for Women
York Imperial Apple
Each year the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission choses an annual theme. We urge you to consider historical marker nominations that coincide with the theme.
Future themes are as follows:
2013 Civil War and Gettysburg
2014 Civil Rights
2015 Music
Below is a proposal suggestion form for an official state historical marker. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission guidelines for judging nominations can be accessed via the link at the bottom of this page.
The deadline for the receipt of nominations each year is December 1. Please be aware that the submission deadline date is now December 1 rather than Janury 5 .
Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of independent historical experts from across the state in February. The panel will make its recommendation to our Commission based upon a proposal's adherence to the "Guidelines for Approval of Historical Markers." (It is, consequently, very important that you familiarize yourself with these guidelines.)
Normally, our commissioners will act formally upon the panel’s recommendations at their March meeting.
If your nomination is approved, our staff will work with you to select a dedication date and arrange an appropriate dedication ceremony. We expect markers to be dedicated within a year of their approval. It is important that you consider the availability of funds in making this nomination. For your information, city-type markers cost approximately $1,400; roadside markers cost approximately $1,850. Final figures may vary slightly, and there are usually other costs incurred with the installation of markers and dedication ceremony. The PHMC will assume all responsibilities for maintaining the marker once installed. If your nomination is disapproved, you may resubmit it in the following year, or you may want to consider a non-official marker of some kind.
Return twelve copies of your completed nomination form and twelve copies of any attachments to: Historical Marker Program, Bureau for Historic Preservation, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 2nd Floor, 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0053.
Please feel free to call the staff at (717) 705-4266 regarding the nomination process if you have any questions.
Download Our Historical Marker Nomination Form (PDF File)
Download Our Historical Marker Nomination Form (MS Word file)
