Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia

06/13/2026

BREAKING NEWS! From the Inquirer…

“President Donald Trump’s administration must restore the remaining missing displays to the President’s House Site in time for July 4, a federal judge in Massachusetts ruled Friday evening. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley’s decision, which came three weeks ahead of the United States’ roaring celebrations for its 250th birthday, temporarily blocks the National Park Service from removing or altering content at parks across the country and gives the agency 21 days to restore any exhibits that had been removed or changed.”

Read on! Inquirer gift link:

A ruling by a federal judge in Massachusetts Friday evening gives the federal government 21 days to restore any dismantled or altered content at national parks, including in Philadelphia.

06/12/2026

Just designated! Today, the Philadelphia Historical Commission added the former National Bank of Olney to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Place as a standout Art Deco landmarks.

Constructed in 1927–1928, the cast-stone bank building reflects a period of neighborhood growth and investment while remaining a distinctive architectural presence along the corridor.

06/12/2026

Tomorrow's Phila. Historical Commission hearing regarding the Boyd has been POSTPONED till Friday July 10. We appreciate everybody's support, but please don't appear tomorrow in person or virtually, unless you are there for a different Agenda item. If you previously shared our request to appear, please share this post, too! 2025 photo, James Fennell

06/08/2026

Founded in 1862 during the American Civil War, the Union League of Philadelphia was established to support the preservation of the Union, the Constitution, and the policies of Abraham Lincoln.

Its clubhouse is an architectural landmark in its own right, combining a grand Second Empire building designed by John Fraser with a later Beaux Arts addition by renowned architect Horace Trumbauer.

Explore this institution and its historic home during Philly’s Historic Social Clubs Unveiled on Sunday!

06/06/2026

The bridge, designed by the esteemed French-born Philadelphia architect Paul Philippe Cret, may have newfound importance, but a rescue isn’t on the way anytime soon. 🔗: https://ebx.sh/o1NRnV

06/05/2026

This Pride Month, we celebrate the places, stories, and people that make up Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ history.

As explored in our Summer 2025 Extant feature, "Stories of Pride That Won’t Be Erased," preserving LGBTQ+ history requires more than saving buildings. It means documenting communities, supporting archives, commemorating pivotal events, and ensuring that the stories of LGBTQ+ Philadelphians remain visible in our public memory.

At a time when these histories are being removed, challenged, or overlooked, preservation remains a powerful tool for ensuring that these stories endure.
LGBTQ+ history is Philadelphia history. Read more:

Through archives, markers, art, and activism, members of Philadelphia’s LGBTQIA+ community are still fighting to preserve their stories and their place in American life

06/03/2026

UPDATE: Today’s Philadelphia City Council Rules Committee hearing DID NOT include Bill No 251030, which would amend the historic preservation ordinance. The bill sponsor, CM Squilla, surprised the room by announcing he would hold the bill for further deliberation.

Thank you to the numerous preservation supporters who attended the meeting and planned to speak in opposition! It goes a long way to demonstrate the importance of our historic built environment.

We look forward to continued conversations about ways to improve, not weaken, the city’s preservation program and hope that will include a citywide resource survey, tiered historic districts, and other preservation incentives.

Bill No. 251030 will be heard by City Council’s Rules Committee on June 3 at 2 PM. While revised, the bill still introduces major changes that would weaken protections for historic buildings and neighborhoods, allowing alterations during the nomination process, adding procedural barriers, and limiting future reconsideration.

This hearing will determine whether the bill moves forward to a full City Council vote.

We need your help. Contact your Councilmember, sign up to testify, and make your voice heard. Learn more: https://conta.cc/49GIevj

06/01/2026

Please join us in celebrating 10 years of Paul Steinke’s leadership! Since becoming Executive Director in 2016, the Alliance has expanded its advocacy, educational programming, and community partnerships, ensuring that preservation remains a vital part of conversations about planning, development, and neighborhood identity.

Paul’s connection to the Alliance dates back to 1996 when he served as a founding member of our Board of Directors. Over the past three decades, he has been a steadfast champion for the places, stories, and communities that make the Greater Philadelphia region special.

Thank you, Paul, for your many years of leadership and dedication!

06/01/2026

Founded in 1889, The Racquet Club of Philadelphia has long been a center for athletics, social life, and tradition. The clubhouse is home to an extraordinary collection of historic sporting spaces, including the nation’s first indoor above-grade swimming pool and one of the few places in the world where court tennis, the medieval predecessor to modern tennis, is still played today.
Blending historic architecture with active club life, the Racquet Club continues to preserve traditions that have nearly disappeared elsewhere.

Explore this remarkable space during Philly’s Historic Social Clubs Unveiled on June 14: https://preservationalliance.givecloud.co/product/26D41FC/phillys-historic-social-clubs-unveiled-on-june-14

05/29/2026

Don't miss this original living history production for the Poquessing Trail of History on June 6!