About Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
Pennsylvania Architectural Field Guide

This website has been created by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission's Bureau for Historic Preservation to provide a general background on the architectural types and styles prevalent in our state. This guide provides information about styles with coordinating photos and lists of identifying features to aid in the evaluation, understanding and appreciation of historic buildings. This website represents more than two years of staff effort, however the resulting field guide is by no means a definitive and exhaustive product. We welcome your input and hope you will share photographs which portray the depth and diversity of Pennsylvania’s architectural history.
IHBC NewsBlog
IHBC Context 183 Wellbeing and Heritage published
The issue explores issues at the intersection of heritage and wellbeing.
SAVE celebrates 50 years of campaigning 1975-2025
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has announced events across the country to celebrate bringing new life to remarkable buildings.
IHBC Annual School 2025 - Shrewsbury 12-14 June
Themed Heritage in Context – Value: Plan: Change, join in-person or online.
200th Anniversary Celebration of the Modern Railway Planned
The Stockton & Darlington Railway opened on September 27, 1825.
Competence Framework Launched for Sustainability in the Built Environment
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Edge have jointly published the framework.
Historic England Launches Wellbeing Strategy for Heritage
Whether through visiting, volunteering, learning or creative practice, engaging with heritage can strengthen confidence, resilience, hope and social connections.
National Trust for Canada’s Review of 2024
Great Saves & Worst Losses Highlighted
IHBC's SelfStarter Website Undergoes Refresh
New updates and resources for emerging conservation professionals.
‘Behind the Scenes’ podcast on St. Pauls Cathedral Published
Experience the inside track on one of the world’s best known places of worship and visitor attractions.
National Audit Office (NAO) says Government building maintenance backlog is at least £49 billion
The public spending watchdog will need to consider the best way to manage its assets to bring property condition to a satisfactory level.