Saving historic schools

==Insights==
That unique architecture that once greeted excited school children is now threatened by years of wear and tear; prejudice against older construction and its perceived limitations; misinterpretation of state education policies, and unabated commercial development. Community activists, preservationists, parents, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PH&MC), the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and residents are banding together to save our historic schools.
The PH&MC is focusing on preserving the state’s oldest schools under its new preservation theme: “Educate Yourself about Preservation: Pennsylvania’s Historic Schools.” The school preservation program website offers guidance on organizing and conducting an historic schools advocacy plan. In the near future, the site will offer guidelines for school rehabilitation and new construction, technical assistance, and other tools to advance your community’s school preservation efforts. For more on preserving the state’s historic schools: http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bhp/schools.asp?secid=25
The effort complements an ongoing statewide survey of such buildings. Buildings of interest were constructed between 1920 and 1969, may still be in use, adapted to other uses, vacant, or housing any grade levels K-12.
The PH&MC can help to identify historic schools in your community. Contact Carol Lee at (717) 783-9918 or at calee@state.pa.us. The PH&MC Bureau for Historic Preservation is located at Commonwealth Keystone Building, Second Floor, 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0093. For more on the historic twentieth century public schools survey and other preservation efforts: http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bhp/news/overview.asp?secid=25
Schools are reflective of a community’s pride and the evolution of educational policy. Four distinct periods of social and cultural trends are relevant in examining our state’s policies:
• 1682-1818: Colonial & Early National Pennsylvania
• 1818-1867: The Rise of the Common School System
• 1867-1930: The Long Progressive Era
• 1930-1969: From the Great Depression to District Reorganization
Access a Brief History of Education Policy in the Keystone State: http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bhp/schools.asp?secid=25#history
==Links==
* Wellness
* Education
* Schools