Background Preservation Pennsylvania, which administers the Preservation Fund of Pennsylvania, is the Commonwealth's only statewide, private non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of historically and architecturally significant properties.

The organization was incorporated in 1982 as the Preservation Fund of Pennsylvania with the support of Governor Richard Thornburgh, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and seed money from the General Assembly for the purpose of preserving Pennsylvania's endangered historic landmarks by stimulating public awareness, providing technical advisory and advocacy assistance and, most importantly, by encouraging private investment through its revolving fund.

In 1985, the Preservation Fund merged with another statewide preservation group and added educational, advocacy, and membership functions to the organization's mission. In its capacity as the statewide historic preservation organization for Pennsylvania, Preservation Pennsylvania acts as a resource for and provides expertise to the many local and regional preservation organizations and agencies throughout the Commonwealth.

Mission Statement

Preservation Pennsylvania, through creative partnerships, targeted educational and advocacy programs, advisory assistance, and special projects, assists Pennsylvania communities to protect and utilize the historic resources they want to preserve for the future.

Loan/Grant Programs

Since its creation in 1982, the Preservation Fund of Pennsylvania has been used to acquire and resell threatened historic properties to buyers who are willing to restore and maintain them, and to make low interest loans directly to organizations and government agencies for the restoration or rehabilitation of specific historic properties.

Acquisition funding is available as part loan and part grant (2/3 loan to 1/3 grant - $50,000 maximum); funding for other uses is available as a loan (maximum of $50,000).

The money that is repaid to this revolving fund is then recycled into other properties. By continually revolving the same money, Preservation Pennsylvania stimulates private investment for projects that are revitalizing Pennsylvania communities and spurring other economic development efforts. Revolving fund projects have included Italianate mansions in Williamsport and Erie, a Queen Anne style school building in rural York County, a Gothic Revival church in center city Philadelphia, and the Star Barn in Dauphin County.

You may download an application form (see note below) directly from this web page or contact our offices at:

Preservation Pennsylvania
257 North Street Harrisburg, PA 17107
Phone: (717) 234-2310
Fax: (717) 234-2522
E-Mail: info@Preservationpa.org