Marking Pennsylvania History

Making Your Marker

Before the historical markers for Bessie Smith and Ethel Waters are cast in aluminum - and these are among the newest of the markers approved for casting - there is rigorous review process.

You can go to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission website to learn how to submit nominations which are due, every year, by December 15.

The competition is sure to be stiff - more than one hundred markers are proposed every year - but the 1,900 markers around the Commonwealth have been growing at a steady rate, thanks to nominations from people like you.

Most markers are cast, installed and dedicated within a year of their approval. In many cases, community groups or cultural institutions "adopt" a marker and pick up some of the costs for casting and installation. PHMC pays no more than half of the costs.

That brings us back to Bessie Smith, whose marker has been approved but not yet cast or installed. Any takers for the Empress of the Blues?

- Kenneth FInkel, Executive Director of WHYY's Arts & Culture Service

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