Expertise
Publications and tools that empower people to take informed action
Publications and tools that empower people to take informed action
Image: The Millworks, Dauphin County, 2017 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award
With support from members and donors, Preservation Pennsylvania produces publications that serve as practical resources for heritage work and exploration statewide.
From classic diners and drive-in movie theaters to longtime family shops, Pennsylvania’s legacy businesses are woven into daily life and local tradition. Our legacy businesses publications celebrate these enduring Pennsylvania favorites – the places that spark memories and invite a smile.
Legacy businesses are generally defined as family-owned for three or more generations and/or operating in the same location for over 50 years.
Check out our guides to unique businesses in Pennsylvania:
Preserving Pennsylvania: First Edition
Our first edition includes a challenge-style checklist for exploring classic attractions, unique experiences, scenic views, and distinctive architecture across Pennsylvania.
Preserving Pennsylvania: Second Edition
The fabulous Mod Betty of Retro Roadmap curated our second edition, which features gems like the Lincoln Motor Court, the soda counter at Adams & Bright Pharmacy, and loads of diners, shops and more!
Image: Drury Plaza Hotel exterior
Accessible versions of the documents on this page are currently in progress.
To request assistance or an alternate version, contact Mindy Crawford at mcrawford@preservationpa.org.
Learn to make informed decisions about your historic preservation project with a series of steps to help evaluate feasibility, build partnerships and more in “How to Protect and Preserve the Historic Places that Matter to You.“
This project was supported by the National Park Service’s Challenge Cost Share Program. The points of view in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the position of the Department of the Interior.
Image: Community guide cover featuring historic building and community engagement.jpg
To explore the economic benefits of the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Tax Credit (PA HPTC), Preservation Pennsylvania commissioned this study: “The Missing Key: A Study of the Impact and Potential of the PA HPTC.”
This study was partially supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Image: 2019 cover missing key pa historic tax credit study
“Considering the Repair, Retrofit and Replacement of Historic Windows” provides useful information for Historical Architectural Review Boards (HARBs) and certified local governments to advocate for saving historic windows rather than replacing them.
This project was supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office via the Certified Local Government program, and is made possible by cooperation of the boroughs and HARBs of Gettysburg, Bellefonte and Mercersburg.
Image: 2016 cover historic windows repair retrofit replacement
Published in 1990, “The Crisis Handbook: A Guide to Community Action” has remained an important guide to managing a preservation crisis.
Produced with funds from the Philadelphia Intervention Fund – a Preservation Pennsylvania grant program funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts – this handbook was reprinted in its entirety as a National Trust for Historic Preservation Information series publication.
Image: Cover, Crisis Handbook Guide to Community Action
