Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

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The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) is the governmental agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania responsible for the collection, conservation and interpretation of Pennsylvania's historic heritage.

PHMC was established in 1945 to consolidate the functions of the Pennsylvania Historical Commission, the Pennsylvania State Museum and the Pennsylvania State Archives. The commission is responsible for the care of historical manuscripts, public records, and objects of historic interest; museums; archeology; publications; historic sites and properties; historic preservation; geographic names; and the promotion of public interest in Pennsylvania history.

Sites administered by the PHMC include Washington Crossing Historic Park, Eckley Miners' Village, the Anthracite Heritage Museum, Fort Pitt Museum, Conrad Weiser Homestead, Hope Lodge, the Daniel Boone Homestead, the Joseph Priestly House and many others.

In conjunction with the Pennsylvania Heritage Society, PHMC also publishes Pennsylvania Heritage magazine.

[edit] Historical Marker Program

The PHMC administers the Historical Marker Program. Starting in 1914, the Pennsylvania Historical Commission, the predecessor to the PHMC, installed bronze plaques to commemorate significant individuals, events, and landmarks throughout the state. In 1945-46, the design of the signs were modified to make them easier to read by a passing car. The new style remains in use.

The PHMC has posted criteria for inclusion for new markers and accepts marker proposals from the general public.