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    PA Historical and Museum Commission Releases Master Plan for Washington Crossing Historic Park

    July 14, 2014
    PA Historical and Museum Commission Releases Master Plan for Washington Crossing Historic Park

    ​News for Immediate Release

    July 14, 2014

    Harrisburg - The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) today released the master plan for Washington Crossing Historic Park. The master plan focuses on land management, identifying the best and highest use of the parkland and defining physical improvements that will support the vitality and long-term sustainability of the park.

    The plan and the recommendations were developed with the following guiding principles:

    1. Modifications and activities within the park shall promote PHMC values and vision through:
      1. Environmentally sustainable land use.
      2. Building uses compatible with existing historic construction and natural environment.
      3. Appropriate partnerships to assure economic sustainability.
    3. Core areas shall enhance the interpretive and educational mission and surrounding areas shall protect critical viewsheds.
    4. PHMC encourages active park use by other entities, consistent with PHMC’s mission, objectives and protective guidelines.
    5. Building alterations/additions shall enhance PHMC’s interpretive mission and shall be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties.
    6. PHMC shall undertake or work with others to adopt a new strategic plan for financial sustainability through collaboration, partnership and fundraising.

    The plan was prepared by Marianna Thomas Architects, Philadelphia, in association with Toole Recreation Planning, Doylestown and Viridian Landscape Studio, Philadelphia. It involved over 700 stakeholders including park users, elected officials, local businesses, park neighbors, other historic organizations and interested citizens.

    The full plan, including an executive summary, background, recommendations and next steps, is available online at www.phmc.state.pa.us.

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, one of 25 historic sites and museums along the Pennsylvania Trails of History®, is administered by PHMC in partnership with the Friends of Washington Crossing Park.

    The park, established by the commonwealth in 1917, commemorates Gen. George Washington leading his troops across the icy river for a surprise attack on Hessian troops at Trenton, N.J., on December 25, 1776. The victory reinvigorated American forces. Since its creation the park has grown to encompass 500 acres and more than 40 buildings.

    The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

    Visit the PHMC online at: www.phmc.state.pa.us.

    Media contact: Howard Pollman, 717-705-8639

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