Historic districts in Pennsylvania
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| Historic districts in Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|
| Name | Historic districts in Pennsylvania |
| Caption | Independence Hall, part of a National Historic Landmark District in Philadelphia |
| Location | Pennsylvania, United States |
| Built | Various |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architecture | Colonial, Georgian, Federal, Victorian, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Industrial |
| Added | Various |
Historic districts in Pennsylvania comprise concentrated areas of historic buildings, sites, structures, and landscapes recognized for their association with events, persons, architectural significance, or archeological value. Many districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are designated under the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and municipal historic preservation ordinances. Concentrations occur in cities such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg, as well as in smaller communities like Gettysburg, Lancaster, and Stroudsburg.
Overview and Definition
Historic districts are defined by documentation prepared for the National Park Service and state preservation bodies like the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, identifying contributing and noncontributing resources within mapped boundaries. Designations reference criteria established in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and rely on surveys by organizations such as the Historic American Buildings Survey and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Districts range from urban cores like Old City and the Strip District of Pittsburgh to rural ensembles like the Brandywine Battlefield environs and the Chadds Ford Historic District.
Historical Development and Preservation Laws
Early preservation efforts in Pennsylvania trace to campaigns to save sites associated with the American Revolution and figures such as Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. The state's preservation framework evolved after passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and creation of the National Register of Historic Places, supplemented by the Pennsylvania History Code and local ordinances in municipalities such as Philadelphia City Council and Allegheny County. Key conservation moments include designation of Independence National Historical Park and landmark listings like Independence Hall, advocacy by the Preservation Pennsylvania organization, and federal programmatic protection through the Historic Preservation Fund.
Notable Historic Districts by Region
Northeastern Pennsylvania contains districts like Bethlehem's Historic District and the Wilkes-Barre Historic District; the Lehigh Valley features the Allentown Historic District and Nazareth Borough Historic District. Central Pennsylvania includes Harrisburg Historic District and the State College Historic District near Pennsylvania State University. Southeastern Pennsylvania houses high concentrations: Philadelphia Historic Districts including Society Hill, Rittenhouse Square, and Old City; nearby Valley Forge National Historical Park and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority-served districts. Southwestern Pennsylvania features Pittsburgh Historic Districts such as Allegheny West, the Manchester Historic District, and the Homestead Historic District near Homestead. Western Pennsylvania includes Erie Historic District and the Greensburg Historic District. South-central sites include Gettysburg National Military Park, Carlisle Historic District, and the Lancaster Historic District.
Architectural Styles and Periods Represented
Pennsylvania districts display architectural sequences from Colonial and Georgian architecture exemplified by Independence Hall to Federal architecture as seen in many Harrisburg townhouses. The state exhibits Greek Revival architecture in civic buildings and Gothic Revival architecture in ecclesiastical complexes like those in Chester County, while Italianate architecture and Second Empire architecture appear in Bronzeville-era commercial strips. Late 19th- and early 20th-century examples include Queen Anne architecture residential districts, Beaux-Arts architecture municipal halls, and industrial complexes tied to Anthracite Coal Region mining and the Steel Industry in Pittsburgh, including mill neighborhoods such as Braddock and the Carrie Blast Furnaces-area sites.
National and State Register Designations
Many Pennsylvania districts hold listing on the National Register of Historic Places or are designated as National Historic Landmarks such as Independence National Historical Park and Valley Forge National Historical Park. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission administers state-level recognition and works with local entities to implement Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act reviews for federal undertakings. Municipal historic preservation commissions in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh enforce design guidelines and review demolition permits, while organizations such as Preservation Pennsylvania and the National Trust for Historic Preservation provide advocacy and grant assistance.
Tourism, Education, and Community Impact
Historic districts drive heritage tourism in destinations including Philadelphia, Gettysburg, and Valley Forge, bolstering institutions like the Independence Seaport Museum and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Educational partnerships between districts and universities such as University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Pennsylvania State University foster research, conservation training, and public history programs. Economic revitalization efforts in neighborhoods like Old Allegheny City and Manchester leverage tax incentives such as the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program, while cultural initiatives engage local groups including the Association for Preservation Technology International and the Historic Pennsylvania Churches Committee.