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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 1937 a two-story addition to the store added a nursery, children’s shoe shop, slipper shop, two Trousseaux rooms, a fitting and alteration room, and a shop for nurse and maid uniforms. There were over a dozen consulting rooms.
Mary Sachs enlisted the Harrisburg architectural firm of Lawrie and Green to design her new store which was executed in the Renaissance Revival- style, one and a half stories in height at the time, and opened in 1932 with 21 departments. View Store Images
On February 11, 1931, a fire destroyed the Mary Sachs store that she acquired in 1920. Mary decided to rebuild in the same location and posted a letter to her customers promoting her new store. She was well known for informative and enticing newspaper advertisements as well as other marketing innovations.
Beginning in 1925, she traveled at least once a year to Europe with one of her sisters, Hannah or Yetta, to observe the latest trends in fashion. She also made weekly trips to New York to visit clothing manufacturers. Her decision not to deal with Harrisburg salesmen assured her customers that their dress would always be unique.
In 1920, Mary Sachs acquired the former Judge Weiss Mansion next door at 208 N. 3rd Street to expand her store.
In 1918 Mary announced her departure from William B. Schleisner Store in order to go into business for herself by opening a women’s clothing store.
Harry and Leon Lowengard, publishers of the Courier Press, took a chance with Mary Sachs and rented her the first floor of the Lowengard Building at 210 N. 3rd Street for her first store in 1918. With sales of over $200,000 in its first year, the shop quickly became one of Harrisburg’s premier retail locations.
Mary worked at the William B. Schleisner Store from 1910 to1918. The store was located on the NW corner of N. 3rd and Strawberry Streets.
Mary Sachs first worked at Kaufman’s Department Store on the southwest corner of S. 2nd and Market Streets on Market Square.
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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