The Historic Harrisburg Association (HHA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable and educational organization that advocates for the restoration, preservation, and proper stewardship of historic neighborhoods and landmarks throughout the Capital Region to enable current and future generations to retain and celebrate Harrisburg’s rich history. HHA collaborates with civic organizations, neighborhood groups, and government agencies to fulfill its mission to “promote historic preservation, urban revitalization, and smart growth.” HHA achieves its mission through:
HHA engages constituencies to advocate for the importance of historic preservation as a key mechanism for urban revitalization, economic development, neighborhood improvement, and tourism enhancement.
HHA offers multi-faceted education and outreach programs that include free and low-cost lectures, seminars, workshops, guided walking tours and informational exhibits.
HHA works closely with the City of Harrisburg and its citizens, property owners, and neighborhood groups to ensure that Harrisburg’s historic districts and architectural landmarks are preserved in keeping with Federal and municipal guidelines.
HHA operates the Historic Harrisburg Resource Center to support the needs of the Association and the surrounding community, serving as a central location to coordinate and deliver mission-oriented services.
HHA was established in 1973 in response to two major events:
The aftermath of these events revealed the lack of knowledge and appreciation of the cultural, economic, and historical importance of local communities and landmarks, prompting the formation of HHA to serve as the voice of historic preservation moving forward. More than 40 years later, HHA continues to serve as the voice of historic preservation, contributing to the vitality of the Capital Region.
In 2019, when it was decided at the United Methodist Church Conference that ten historic churches would be consolidated and sold, Historic Harrisburg Association advocated to keep several churches open, provided a meeting space for the congregations and other concerned community members and promoted appropriate adaptive reuse as a means to save the structures.
Elegant Progressions event was established in conjunction with the Kindney Foundation of Central PA for the purpose “of restoring and staining lives in our community and the life of our community.”
Historic Harrisburg Association created the Preservation Awards to give recognition to the individuals, organizations, businesses, properties, landmarks and other entities for significant historic preservation achievements
HHA Supported Nominating the Mount Pleasant National Register Historic District in 1985
Passage of US Tax Reform Act of 1976 Enables Tax Credits for Historic Preservation.
First Municipal Historic District is established in Harrisburg.
First Candlelight House Tour is held, Sunday, Dec. 9, 1973, a tradition that has continued on the second Sunday in December ever since and has become the oldest and largest tour of its kind attracting over 1,200 people a year to Harrisburg’s historic structures
The Harrisburg store celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1968. Weeks later, the business was sold to Hess’ Department Store.
Mary Sachs died on June 24, 1960. She was 72. On the following day, the Mary Sachs Shop and the 212 Man’s Shop closed in observance of her death. An advertisement read, “It is with profound sorrow that we make known the passing of Our Beloved Founder Mary Sachs.” Mary’s sister Hannah Sachs Cantor became president of the Mary Sachs Shop and the 212 Man’s Shop. Her sister Yetta Sachs Carpenter served as Secretary/Treasurer and continued to manage the Lancaster store, which was under her care since 1927.
Membership unlocks the buildings, people, and stories of the past, through our events and educational series, while simultaneously supporting our charitable mission of historic preservation.
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