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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Robert F. Matzie |
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Old Economy Village named to list of endangered historic places
HARRISBURG, May 19 – State Rep. Robert F. Matzie, D-Allegheny/Beaver, said today that National Trust for Historic Preservation has named America's state parks and state-owned historic places to its 2010 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.
Matzie said the annual list highlights important examples of the nation's architectural, cultural and natural heritage that are at risk for destruction or irreparable damage.
In its news release, the trust specifically names Old Economy Village as an example of the threat caused by budget cuts to historic sites and state park systems:
In Pennsylvania, a drastic 37 percent budget cut forced the closure of Old Economy Village—an exceptionally well-preserved religious colony constructed between 1824 and 1830 and the Commonwealth's first historic site—along with 11 other sites that will close to the public. With Pennsylvania's next budget projected to be even more severe, the future of Pennsylvania's historic resources is in jeopardy.
"Preservation Pennsylvania nominated Old Economy Village for inclusion on this list and I, in a continued effort to create awareness about the site's importance, drafted a letter requesting that it be included on the list," Matzie said. "Due to the plight of state parks and historic sites across the country, the response from the National Trust for Historic Preservation was to include all of these nominations as one category on the list. I am so pleased that the trust is bringing attention to the issues faced by Old Economy Village and similar sites across the country."
Matzie said due to the efforts of the Friends of Old Economy volunteer group, the site remains open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday through October and for special occasions.
For more information about the states and historic sites facing budget cuts across the country, residents can visit www.PreservationNation.org/11Most.
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