PHILIPSBURG – Citizens in Philipsburg will join thousands of individuals across the country to celebrate National Preservation Month this May. “This Place Matters!” is the theme of the month-long celebration sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Since the National Trust for Historic Preservation created Preservation Week in 1971 to spotlight grassroots preservation efforts in America, it has grown into an annual celebration observed by small towns and big cities with events ranging from architectural and historic tours and award ceremonies, to fundraising events, educational programs and heritage travel opportunities. Due to its overwhelming popularity, in 2005, the National Trust for Historic Preservation extended the celebration to the entire month of May and declared it Preservation Month to provide an even longer opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country’s cities and states and enable more Americans to become involved in the growing preservation movement.
The Moshannon Valley kicked off Preservation Month with the annual awards presentation by the Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation, on April 30, at the newly renovated Philips Hotel in downtown Philipsburg. In line with the theme “This Place Matters” the Philipsburg Main Street Program awarded its Sandra Dewey Martin award for Historic Preservation to Jackie and Paul Mostyn, for their restoration and preservation of Jackie’s Vintage Hairloom. They also awarded the storefront renovation award to J. Wesley Swartout for his renovation of the Schoonover building, specifically his storefronts on West Pine Street. If you haven’t seen them, you should go! You can learn more about these buildings by downloading our self-guided walking tours of both historic downtown Philipsburg and the historic neighborhoods that surround it. Visit here.
There will be other activities here in Philipsburg to celebrate Preservation Month 2009 including the following. The Philipsburg Main Street Program and the Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership will be having a “Business After Hours” event on May 12 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at CNB Bank in downtown Philipsburg. Registration is free. Prior registration is appreciated; RSVP to the MVEDP at 342-2260 or mainst@philipsburgpa.org. On May 25 the Simler House will be open from 12 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the corner of Second and Laurel Streets. The Simler House is the oldest standing structure in Philipsburg. Also on May 25, the Union “Old Mud” Church on Presqueisle Street will be open from 2 a.m. to 4 p.m.The Union Church was built in 1820 as a school, meeting place, and church.
Or just make a statement about a place that matters to you! Download a “This Place Matters” sign and take your picture next to a place that matters to you. Email them to www.PhilipsburgPA.org and we will post them on our Facebook page “Philipsburg Main Street” or upload them at the National Trust’s website to find out how or to learn more about National Preservation Month click here.
The Philipsburg Main Street Program is an accredited Main Street Program through the National Trust’s Main Street Center. The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, nine regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.