Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia

Don't miss this original living history production for the Poquessing Trail of History on June 6!

Take action to protect Philadelphia’s historic preservation ordinance before the Rules Committee hearing next Wednesday, June 3! Use our new advocacy toolkit for talking points, contact information for City Council, and instructions for signing up to testify in opposition to Bill No. 251030.
Take action now:https://preservationalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Action-Center-for-Bill-No-251030.pdf

Bill No. 251030 will be heard by City Council’s Rules Committee on June 3 at 2 PM. While revised, the bill still introduces major changes that would weaken protections for historic buildings and neighborhoods, allowing alterations during the nomination process, adding procedural barriers, and limiting future reconsideration.

This hearing will determine whether the bill moves forward to a full City Council vote.

We need your help. Contact your Councilmember, sign up to testify, and make your voice heard. Learn more: https://conta.cc/49GIevj

We’re one week away from the 2026 Preservation Achievement Awards! These Grand Jury Award winners show what’s possible when preservation is done with care, craft, and deep respect for history.

Be part of the celebration on Wednesday, June 3, from 4:30–8:00 PM at Vie.

Tickets are still on sale:
https://preservationalliance.givecloud.co/paa-2026-ticket-purchases-jghhtssc9

Tucked along South Camac Street, long known as Philadelphia’s “Street of Clubs,” two institutions helped shape the city’s artistic and cultural life while creating space for generations of artists to gather, work, and exchange ideas.

Founded in 1860, The Philadelphia Sketch Club is the oldest continuously operating artists’ organization in the United States. Generations of artists passed through its doors, while its remarkable archives preserve more than a century and a half of American artistic life.

Just steps away, The Plastic Club was established in 1897 by women artists seeking opportunities and community at a time when many existing clubs excluded them. More than a century later, both clubs remain active centers for creativity, conversation, and cultural life in Philadelphia.

Explore these historic spaces during Philly’s Historic Social Clubs Unveiled on June 14: https://preservationalliance.givecloud.co/product/26D41FC/phillys-historic-social-clubs-unveiled-on-june-14

The Hiester House is one of Montgomery County’s earliest and most architecturally significant Pennsylvania German houses, constructed of Flemish-bond brick with glazed headers on all four sides. In 2012, an easement was donated to protect the property in perpetuity.

The owners undertook a meticulous five-year restoration to return the house to its 18th-century appearance as closely as possible. Working with specialists in historic carpentry, masonry, paint analysis, archaeology, and timber framing, they restored distinctive features including five-plate stoves, stone sinks, historic flooring patterns, and rare decorative finishes, like hand-painted blue polka dots in the best parlor.

Read more about the careful, research-driven project in the Spring issue of Extant: https://mydigitalpublication.com/article/Restoration+Role+Model/5139925/863478/article.html