The past few months have not been kind to historic preservation. When the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania finally adopted the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 budget, much was made of the impact that funding cuts would have on the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission (PHMC), which saw a cut of 37%. The publicity surrounding these cuts largely centered on the impact it would have to the State Museum of Pennsylvania and state historic sites around the commonwealth - including the total elimination of all funds for maintenance and upkeep of the 23 state-owned historic sites and museums. What was lost in many of the news reports was the redirection of the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Funding to the General Fund. The result of this was a complete elimination of the vital Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program, which has helped fund over 500 preservation projects during the past 15 years. In a recent editorial published in the Philadelphia Inquirer, former PHMC executive director Brent D. Glass noted that the funding cuts will have far-reaching implications and that these cuts "have ensured that the commonwealth will lose its preeminent national position as a steward of America's heritage." Historic buildings tell stories, and without the historic buildings, these stories will be lost.
How has the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program affected York County? These historic properties all benefited from the preservation funding program: Hanover Junction Railroad Station, Barnet Bobb Log House, A.M. Grove General Store at MA & PA Railroad, Cross Mill, Farquhar Park Bandstand, Howard Tunnel, Salem Square Civil War Monument, and the William Goodridge House.
In other words, York's rich heritage has been preserved with the help of Keystone preservation funds.
Further PHMC cuts have eliminated the Project Grant Program, which also provided funding for historic preservation, and resulted in substantial reductions to the General Operating Support Grant Program, which has a huge impact on Preservation Pennsylvania, a statewide non-profit organization.
Things don't look any better at the national level, either. The White House Budget Request sent to Congress earlier this week includes a proposal to eliminate the Save America's Treasures program. The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.preservationnation.org) recently blogged about the pending cuts, stating that "Not since the 1980's has there been such an assault on the programs that protect America's heritage." According to the National Trust, the Save America's Treasures program is the nation's only bricks-and mortar grant program, saving over 700 of the country's most significant places. The budget proposal also involves a 25% reduction in the Historic Preservation Fund, which has not been receiving its full funding allotment anyway. Also slated to be cut from the budget is funding for the Preserve America program (preservation education and outreach) and a 50% reduction in funding for National Heritage Areas.
Interestingly, the funding for many of these preservation programs does not come from tax dollars. Rather, it comes from revenue from offshore oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf.
So what can be done? In his editorial, Glass wrote that "only a grassroots campaign can overcome" these cuts. If you appreciate historic buildings, if you think there is value in preserving the past, then support the efforts of the local organizations which largely rely on grassroots efforts and contributions from individuals.
Historic York (www.historicyork.org) is York County's only countywide non-profit organization dedicated to historic preservation. The organization has helped save such local treasures as the Billmeyer House, Cookes House, Willis House, Kirk House, and Farquhar Park Bandstand, and is owner of the historic Schultz House.
Preservation Pennsylvania (www.preservationpa.org) is a statewide organization providing advocacy, education, and assistance for historic preservation. The organization administers the Preservation Fund of Pennsylvania and publishes the annual Pennsylvania At Risk report.
And the York County Heritage Trust (www.yorkheritage.org) is the owner and operator of several museums and important historic buildings including the General Horatio Gates House, Golden Plough Tavern, Bobb Log House, and Bonham House.
A lot of nonprofit organizations are struggling right now, just trying to stay afloat. The decrease in corporate sponsorships, decline in individual giving, and reduction or elimination of grants and government funding has resulted in a triple-whammy for historic and preservation organizations. Reach out to them and ask how you can help. Give time or money or both. Help preserve historic buildings and sites for future generations to enjoy. Your children and grandchildren will thank you!
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