Pennsylvania Recognizes 11 People and Places with New Historical Markers

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The site of the nation's first volunteer fire company and the man known as the father of modern bee-keeping are among the 11 people and places to be recognized with new state historical markers approved by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, or PHMC. The new markers join nearly 2,200 other markers that dot the state.

The familiar, blue-with-gold-lettering signs tell the story of people and events, from Maurice K. Goddard, founder of Pennsylvania's system of state parks, to the Railroad Shopmen's strike of 1922 in Altoona to Quaker abolitionist and Underground Railroad activist Eusebius Barnard of Chester County.

"State historical markers serve to inform people of the fascinating history of our state," said PHMC Executive Director Barbara Franco. "Travelers seek out the markers and often use them as an opportunity to learn more about the subjects that they tell about."

The plaques are nominated by the general public and approved by the commission on an annual basis. Once approved, local communities plan public ceremonies to unveil the markers.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Historical Marker Program, visit www.phmc.state.pa.us. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  

Media contact: Kirk Wilson, 717-783-9882

Editor's Note: The original version of this news release misidentified the location of the Daniel J. Flood marker. It is corrected below.

The following is a list of the newly approved state historical markers, starting with the name and location of each marker:

Railroad Shopmen's Strike of 1922, Blair County, Altoona, 400,000 skilled workers organized a strike to protest efforts of the Pennsylvania Railroad to reduce union gains achieved during the first World War. This bitter struggle led to the Railway Labor Act of 1926, recognizing workers' rights to organize.

Eusebius Barnard, Chester County, Pocopson Township, was a Quaker abolitionist active with the Underground Railroad.  He, both his wives and his children advocated public opposition to slavery and support for women's suffrage.

Maurice K. Goddard, Dauphin County, Harrisburg, established Pennsylvania's modern state park system.  He led the expansion of the state's environmental protection programs, and was a steadfast advocate for conservation of natural resources who served the administrations of five Pennsylvania governors.

Strasburg Railroad, Lancaster County, Strasburg, the oldest American railroad operating under its original charter, it continues to carry countless modern passengers back in time. It is a model for the recreational railroad industry worldwide. Its innovations in heritage tourism have brought millions of dollars to the region.

Daniel J. Flood, Luzerne County, Wilkes-Barre, was a career public servant and U.S. Congressman from northeastern Pennsylvania who channeled billions of federal dollars into the anthracite region. He was instrumental in securing passage of and securing appropriations for Medicare, Appalachian economic development, the Model City Program, the military and nuclear armament, and the Mine Health and Safety Act.

Arthur Lee Hall, Philadelphia, was an award-winning African American dancer, choreographer, and director. He was influential in connecting African Americans with their heritage through dance and use of African drums. He affected vast cultural change, infusing African dance, drumming, and culture into the fabric of American life.

Herman Herzog, Philadelphia, was a noted American landscape painter. Considered part of the Hudson River School, his landscapes depicted a pastoral setting where human beings and nature coexist peacefully.

Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, is among the nation's oldest historical societies.  Its collections are nationally significant, and it is one of the principal centers for historical research.  It is second only to the Library of Congress for material relating to the country's founding.

Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth, Philadelphia, is recognized the "father of modern beekeeping," His patented hive substantially increased honey production, and his beekeeping manual revolutionized the bee industry worldwide.

Philadelphia Chinatown, Philadelphia, was established by a wave of Chinese immigrants seeking opportunity and refuge in the 1870s and 80s.  It is the state's only Chinatown. Still a vibrant ethnic community today, identified by characteristic architecture and culture, it remains a destination for Asian immigrants.

Union Fire Company, Philadelphia, was the nation's first volunteer fire company, founded in 1736.  It has served as a model today's fire companies and for volunteerism in general.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission