HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) invites individuals, public agencies and private organizations to nominate historic properties, people or events possessing statewide or national significance for PHMC's State Historical Marker Program. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 1.

The State Historical Marker Program helps communities throughout Pennsylvania recognize, preserve and promote their history for the education and enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. Since 1914, PHMC has been marking Pennsylvania history, first with bronze plaques and later with the more than 2,600 familiar blue and gold markers that dot streets and highways. The cast aluminum markers tell the stories of Native Americans and early settlers, government and politics, athletes, entertainers, artists, struggles for freedom and equality, factories and businesses, and a multitude of other topics.

Historical markers chronicle the state's notable people, places, and events. Markers approved in 2011 include the nation's first County Agricultural Extension Office in Bedford County, the skeleton of the Marshall's Creek mastodon discovered in a peat bog in Monroe County in 1968 (newly restored and now on exhibit in a refurbished paleontology gallery at The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg), and the Pine Grove Furnace Prisoner of War Interrogation Camp in Cumberland County.

One of the PHMC's most visible public history initiatives, the marker program brings together nominators, PHMC representatives and local residents together to dedicate and celebrate the installation of each new marker with a public ceremony.

For more information on the marker program or to download a nomination form, visit www.phmc.state.pa.us and click on Public Programs and then Pennsylvania Historical Marker Program.

Costs of marker fabrication and installation is the responsibility of the applicant. The approximate cost, including shipping, for the larger roadside marker is $1,850; the smaller city-type is approximately $1,400. Nominators or sponsoring organizations are asked to carefully consider these expenses before submitting an application.

The application deadline is Dec. 1. Send completed nominations to: Historical Marker Program, Bureau for Historic Preservation, PHMC, 400 North St., 2nd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120.  

Inquiries about submitting nominations for 2012 or the marker program in general should be directed to Karen Galle, program coordinator, at the same address; by e-mail at kgalle@pa.gov; or by telephone at 717-705-4266.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. More information is available at www.phmc.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Howard Pollman, 717-705-8639

SOURCE Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission