20-Year Retrospective Edition of  Pennsylvania at Risk List released January 23, 2013
As we celebrated the 30th anniversary of our organization and the 20th anniversary of Pennsylvania At Risk in 2012, Preservation Pennsylvania prepared a 20-year retrospective edition of Pennsylvania At Risk for release in 2013.  In this issue, we revisit one of the amazing historic places that was listed in each of the past 20 years to discuss its current status and what has been done in an effort to preserve or rehabilitate it since it was listed in Pennsylvania At Risk.  These historic resources include houses, schools, churches, theaters, and medical facilities, as well as a wide range of industrial properties across the Commonwealth.  The featured properties also include a bridge, a train station, a cemetery, and archaeological site, and even a roller coaster and a bandshell. 

 

Of the 200+ historic properties that have been listed in Pennsylvania At Risk since 1992, approximately:

 

Since 1992, we have listed and worked to preserve more than 200 endangered historic resources, including individual buildings, historic districts and thematic resources statewide.  By working with the individuals and organizations trying to preserve these historic places, we have learned many valuable lessons.  These lessons, which are detailed in the 1992-2012 edition of Pennsylvania At Risk, can be summarized as follows:

• Saving historic properties is often a slow process, and one that requires creativity and persistence. 

•  Amazing rehabilitation projects are happening across Pennsylvania.

•  Nothing is ever really “saved.” Without ongoing maintenance, even “saved” resources can become endangered again.

•  The best form of preservation is continued occupancy and ongoing maintenance.

•  Local advocacy matters. Local groups and organizations that are focused on or interested in preserving the places that matter to them are a critical factor in recovering endangered historic properties. 

•  Pennsylvania is experiencing economic benefits as a result of preservation activities.

•  We are learning from the losses. By recognizing critical factors and trends that contribute to the loss of historic properties, we can  work towards change that will help protect other properties in the future. 

•  Our work is not done. There are still many historic resources in Pennsylvania that need our help.

 

Pennsylvania At Risk Database and Archives
To access a searchable database of all properties listed in Pennsylvania At Risk since 1992, click here. 

To find a copy of the original publication containing more information about each historic property and the nature of its endangerment, please go to our archive of Pennsylvania At Risk newsletters.