Keystone Marker Trust

The Keystone Marker Trust is a nonprofit organization established to preserve, interpret, and recreate the historical Keystone Markers of Pennsylvania. These markers, which were originally developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Highways in the early 20th century, serve as significant cultural symbols that mark towns, boroughs, and various points of interest throughout the Commonwealth.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the Keystone Marker Trust includes the following key initiatives:

• Restoration and Preservation: The Trust focuses on restoring existing Keystone Markers that have fallen into disrepair and preserving those that remain intact. This is part of a broader effort to maintain Pennsylvania's unique historical narrative.

• Educational Programs: The organization aims to create educational tools, such as an "Adopt-a-Marker" program, to engage schools and communities in local history projects centered around these markers.

• Community Involvement: The Trust encourages collaboration with municipalities, historical societies, and civic groups to highlight local heritage and development efforts. This involvement helps foster community pride and a sense of place.

• Replicating Markers: The Trust is working on creating new patterns that allow communities to replicate historical signs and poles, ensuring that the markers can continue to be a part of Pennsylvania's landscape and history.

Historical Significance

The Keystone Markers, characterized by their distinctive blue and yellow colors, were designed to enhance travel and navigation across Pennsylvania during the "Good Roads Movement" of the 1920s. They not only indicate the names and distances to towns but also reflect the history and character of the localities they represent. At one time, thousands of these markers existed, but a significant number have been lost over the years, prompting preservation efforts.

In 2011, Preservation Pennsylvania listed Keystone Markers among the state's most endangered resources, highlighting the urgency of the Trust's mission. Approximately 600 of the original markers are believed to still exist, making preservation efforts crucial for maintaining Pennsylvania's historical landscape.

Current Activities

Among the Trust's current activities are:

• Building an interactive online database of all historic and current Keystone Markers.

• Establishing partnerships with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to ensure that restored and new markers meet contemporary safety standards.

• Developing a revolving loan and grant fund to assist municipalities and organizations in their marker restoration efforts.

Conclusion

The Keystone Marker Trust plays a vital role in preserving Pennsylvania's cultural heritage through its commitment to these iconic markers. By combining restoration efforts with educational initiatives and community engagement, the Trust contributes to a deeper appreciation of the state's history and identity.