how to get involved

Whether or not you call yourself a preservationist, there are lots of ways you can help acknowledge, preserve and protect old places and the stories they tell about our shared histories.

♦   One of the most obvious: donate and/or become a member. You'll support the work of saving historic places, receive our newsletters, qualify for discounts on events such as the Statewide Conference on Heritage, and other member benefits. Visit the Give/Join page.

♦   Follow us on social media. Facebook will put our updates in your newsfeed, Instagram will highlight great places to explore, and Twitter is for news alerts, especially during our events.

♦   Sign up for our monthly e-news for alerts about grant funding, events and calls to action that will help save places or advance policy.

♦   Shop or eat at a local legacy business (family-owned for at least three generations or more than 50 years old). Share on social media with #legacylovepa.

♦   Nominate a person or project for the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Awards. The call for nominations generally opens in the fall.

♦   Submit a session proposal for the Statewide Conference on Heritage. Join us at the conference itself for three days of tours, workshops, educational sessions and networking in a community of caring and passionate preservationists.

♦   Connect with your local preservation advocacy organization or historical society (see our Partners page for some possible resources.)

♦   If you can plan a COVID-friendly way to gather, talk to the neighbors about what places are important in your community. Check out the Neighborhood Toolkit from PennPraxis at the University of Pennsylvania.

♦   It's true what they say: Preservation happens locally. Do your civic duty. Invite a neighbor and attend your local government commission meetings. Speak up in support of landmarks you love. Vote.

♦   Round up some friends and plan a heart-bombing for a place you love. The National Trust for Historic Places has advice on how to plan one. Share on social media with #preservationpalove and #Iheartsavingplaces

Pennsylvania At Risk

Since 1992, Preservation Pennsylvania has published the Pennsylvania At Risk list to draw statewide attention to the plight of Pennsylvania’s historic resources; promote and support local action to protect historic properties; and encourage funding and legislation that supports preservation activities.

Each year, a committee chooses the list from nominations submitted by groups and individuals. Nominations are evaluated by several criteria, including historic significance, the extent of the threat and the community’s commitment to preserving the resource.

Find out more, see what a positive difference At Risk listing can make, or submit a nomination on the Pennsylvania At Risk page.

Pennsylvania historic preservation Awards

The awards honor the commonwealth's preservation best practices and innovation. Award categories recognize achievement in restoration, rehabilitation, communication, advocacy, education and more. The awards are presented at a ceremony during the statewide conference and offer an opportunity for the preservation community to come together to be uplifted and inspired.

Submit a nomination (free with membership) or attend the awards and cheer.  Visit the Awards page for more information.

Pennsylvania statewide conference on heritage

Each summer, preservationists from across the commonwealth gather in one place for tours, workshops, educational sessions, and networking. It's an opportunity to share ideas, experiences, and resources. Participate by submitting a session proposal, becoming a sponsor, or attending the conference.

Visit the Conference page for more information.