Overview:

Historic homes, barns, bridges and other structures give Lancaster County a distinctive character – one that appeals to residents and visitors alike. The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County recognizes historic structures when they qualify for the Preservation Trust Historic Plaque Program.

Program purpose:

To recognize historically and architecturally significant structures in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, as well as to encourage the preservation of the county's rich history.

Criteria for Evaluation:

Buildings, structures, sites, districts, and objects may be considered for listing on the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County’s Historic Sites Register if they possess significance in Lancaster County history, architecture, and culture.  In addition, sites should possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association.  Sites are evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Significant Historical Events: Site that are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history;
2. Significant Historical Persons: Sites that are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past;
3. Architectural Significance: Sites that embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or that represent the work of master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.

Integrity:

In order to qualify for the listing on the Lancaster County Historic Sites Register, a property must retain the essential physical features that enable it to convey its historic identity and/or character and therefore its significance.  Integrity is the authenticity of the property’s identity and significance and is evidenced by the survival of physical characteristics that existed during the property’s historic period.

NOTE: The sites of historic events, such as a battlefield or the location of the demolished structure, are typically not eligible for a Site Marker.  These properties my qualify for a state historical marker.  Visit: https://www.phmc.pa.gov/Preservation/Historical-Markers/Pages/default.aspx for more information.

Ordinarily cemeteries, birthplaces, or graves of historical figures, or properties owned by religious institutions or used for religious purposes will not be considered unless their significance is primarily architectural, of artistic distinction of historical importance, or are the only sites existing for historical figures of outstanding importance.  Likewise, structures that have been moved from their original locations will be considered only if their significance is primarily architectural or if they are the only known site relating to a person of outstanding historical importance.  Properties that have achieved significance within the past fifty years shall not be considered eligible for a Site Marker unless they are of exceptional historical and/or architectural importance according to the standards developed for the National Register of Historic Places.

Ordinarily structures that have been substantially altered during the past fifty years will not be considered for a Site Marker.  Alterations may include additions, installation of inappropriate exterior surface materials, sandblasting or other abrasive cleaning, or removal of significant architectural features.  The level of integrity will be evaluated by the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County.

Cost:

$500 covers cost of plaque and a donation to the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County. A non-refundable deposit of $50 must be made at the time of application. This deposit will be applied against the total $500 due upon acceptance into the Lancaster County Historic Sites Registry. Installation is the plaque purchaser’s responsibility.