Stop and smell the roses and read the historical markers

06-29-2003

Experts expect a record number of Americans to take to the highways this summer. Many journeys will be on interstates, but eventually all will end on local roads that pass roadside markers offering insight into people or events that have gone before. Although they are easy to speed by, stopping to read these historical tablets can be a cure for the boredom of long car trips.

Generally a combination of local color and all-but-forgotten facts, roadside markers are usually historical, often trivial, sometimes gossipy and occasionally involving rhymes and riddles.

Some plaques commemorate places where notable people slept or spoke. Others call attention to significant firsts, battles fought or local disasters. Perhaps someone born nearby went on to great things. You might be following a trail laid down by pioneers or crossing a tiny headstream that will eventually lead to a mighty river.

The essential message is always the same: Something about this place makes it slightly more extraordinary than the rest of the surrounding landscape. That's why roadside markers often reveal as much about those who put them up as the events they chronicle.

Some states post advance notice to alert drivers that they are approaching a historical marker. But most stand alone, imploring passers-by to stop, read and reflect. The moments taken to do so are often well spent.

Pennsylvanians have been erecting historical markers virtually as long as they've been building roads. Between 1914 and 1933, the Pennsylvania Historical Commission, predecessor to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, used bronze plaques to commemorate significant individuals, events and landmarks throughout the state. As cars drove faster, these plaques became difficult to read. So after World War II, the newly created PHMC developed the modern historical marker.

In September 1946, the PHMC dedicated its first historical markers on U.S. Route 22, 14 miles east of Harrisburg. It called attention to the Hanover Resolves, the earliest decree for independence in the state.

Since then, more than 1,900 blue-and-gold markers have been erected throughout the state, highlighting people, places, and events significant in Pennsylvania and national history. They range from William Penn's country home, to the bloody Homestead Strike of 1892, to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the nation's first superhighway.

More than 100 markers are located in Allegheny County; more than a dozen in the Downtown area.

New markers appear each year, nominated by any person or organization in the state. Nominations are reviewed by a panel of independent experts from across the state and approved by PHMC commissioners in April. Nine criteria must be met, including that the person, event or site has had a meaningful impact on a state or national level.

Once a nomination has been approved, the marker text is prepared and an appropriate dedication date and ceremony set. Markers cost between $1,100 and $1,300 to erect, and while small matching grants are available, nominators should be prepared to assume the costs.

If you'd like to know what markers you'll be passing on your vacation drive, visit the PHMC Web site, www.phmc.state.pa.us. There's the complete list of historical markers, searchable by subject, county or specific location. You'll also find details and an application form for nominating a new marker, as well as information about the state's museums and historical attractions.

Or check out "Guide to the State Historical Markers of Pennsylvania," by George R. Beyer. Revised in 2000, it includes more than1,800 historical markers along with maps and illustrations. The guide costs $15.95 and can be ordered on the Web site or by calling 1-800-747-7790.

If you'll be vacationing in the state this summer and are interested in checking out the local historical and cultural attractions, you can search through two other recently launched Pennsylvania-oriented Web sites: www.explorePahistory.com and www.Patreasurechest.com.

The first was produced under the auspices of WITF, the Harrisburg area public television and radio station; the second by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Both sites were created by Oakland-based Ripple Effects Interactive. The 5-year-old firm has also organized interactive sites for the Department of Tourism (www.experiencePA.com), the X-Games (www.extremePA.com) and a local golf course guide (www.playandstayinPA.com).

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