Save Old Economy Village

Old Economy Village, the third and final home of the Harmony Society in Beaver County, is one of the most important historical sites in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Old Economy documents the history of German settlement in western Pennsylvania and the diverse religious traditions of early American life. In 1966, Old Economy Village was designated a National Historic Landmark, a rare honor given to less than 3 percent of properties listed on the larger National Register of Historic Places.

But now the first Commonwealth-owned historic site is in imminent danger. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, citing budget cuts, has cut staffing from 15 to six, virtually forcing the site's closing. Without sufficient funding, the historic site will no longer be able to open for public tours, school programs and special events. In short, a vital component of Pennsylvanias historical education will be lost.

We the undersigned respectfully petition the Rendell administration and state legislature to restore funding sufficient to permit Old Economy Village and other affected sites to continue to provide educational programming for the people of the Commonwealth and its visitors from throughout the nation and world.