Preserve America Grant - Pennsylvania Civil War and Underground Railroad Project

Civil War Trails Initiative

Living history interpreters funded by a Preserve American grant from the National Park Service.

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

As part of the Civil War Trails Initiative, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission was awarded a Preserve America grant in the amount of $80,000 to increase the visibility of Underground Railroad and Civil War resources in five Preserve America communities (Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, York and Carlisle, Pennsylvania). In addition to installing interpretive and way-finding signage, the grant supported the use of costumed interpreters to bring to life and put into context the area's historic built environments, physical and cultural geography, and the era's major military events. The interpretive pedestals, or story stops, complement the actors as they tell the stories of everyday life in war time and stories of African Americans in defense of the commonwealth.

The Preserve America Grant Program consisted of two parts: grants and community designations. Grant funds from the Historic Preservation Fund were awarded from 2006 to 2009. Although not currently funded, the program is authorized in legislation. Community designations recognize localities that support preservation efforts through heritage tourism, education, and historic preservation planning. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation manages that designation process.