"Before William Penn's arrival, Native Americans hunted, fished, and made their homes on the land now known as Pennsylvania. Since its founding as one of the original thirteen colonies in 1681, Pennsylvania has played a central role in the development of this country. The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia in 1776. The Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 served as a turning point in the war to end slavery and preserve the Union. And Pennsylvania has been an important center of U.S. commerce and industry for more than three hundred years. This is a rich and complex heritage - one we need to understand, preserve, and build on."      The Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Plan, 1999    For more information visit the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission

{Old Stone Arch Bridge 1860} Horse drawn carriage crossing the Old Stone Arch Bridge, Lewistown, PA.  circa 1860

 

 

Mifflin County has played an important role in the industrial history of Pennsylvania as the center of transportation networks including the Juniata River Canal, the Pennsylvania Railroad, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The Planning and Development Department plays an important role in identifying historic resources, researching funding opportunities for preservation projects, and managing restoration and preservation grant projects for Mifflin County.

 

{Mifflin County Historic Courthouse} Historic Mifflin County Courthouse

{Stone Arch Bridge July 2006} Old Stone Arch Bridge

{Lewistown Borough Municipal Building} Lewistown Borough Municipal Building

 

 

 

The Mifflin County Historic Courthouse was rededicated on September 19, 2004, the 215^th anniversary of the creation of Mifflin County. Approximately 120 people attended the reception sponsored by the County Commissioners, the Mifflin County Historical Society, the Juniata Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, and DLI. The rededication was the culmination of a six-year process to renovate the Historic Courthouse, which was built in 1843.

 

In 1998, after learning of the roof leaks, the courtroom ceiling deterioration, and water in the basement, the County Board of Commissioners asked the Planning and Development Department to explore ways to renovate the Historic Courthouse. E. Pawlowski Associates was hired to conduct a feasibility study. This report was followed in 1999 with the initiation of a master plan by Hayes Large Architects. Data from these reports were the basis for submission of a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Keystone Historic Preservation grant application. In December 1999, the County was awarded $46,100 for exterior renovations. In 2000, repairs to the roof, exterior tower base, fascia, and columns, as well as exterior painting were completed. The cost for phase one, which included the County’s contribution, totaled $154,129. This phase was completed in 2001.

 

After the completion of phase one, extensive deterioration inside the building still existed. Efforts were made through Senator Jake Corman’s office to secure funds through the capital budget process. The State legislature approved an allocation in 1999, and funds were released in December 2002. The funding was allocated through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), and the County was awarded $926,000 that required an equivalent County match.

 

In 2003, a formal application was submitted to the State for RACP funds that were used for interior renovations. This work included restoring the courtroom, renovating the basement and first and second floors, installing an elevator, replacing the HVAC system, and upgrading the electrical service. The building currently houses the Mifflin County Historical Society, the Juniata Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, and DLI. Throughout the process the Planning and Development Department provided technical and administrative assistance to bring this project to fruition.

 

 

Old Stone Arch Bridge