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Commission advances historic-resources survey, archiving and fall ghost tour fundraising
Summary
Commissioners heard updates that a county parcel list and state consultant will support a windshield-style historic-resources survey with geo-tagged uploads into a state app; the group also discussed archiving backlogs, urgent volunteer needs for scanning, a budget shortfall tied to a Slate Hill path project, and plans for a Ghost Tour on Oct. 17 to raise funds.
At the July 8 meeting the commission reviewed progress on the township historic-resources documentation project and several operational items that affect preservation work and programming.
Joe (speaker 2) reported that township staff (Dan) provided a parcel list to the state and that Shelby will lead in-field documentation, using an app to upload geographic data and photos so that Jeff (speaker 3) and others can enter information directly. The approach will use a windshield survey to handle a large number of houses and then refine dates and details during fieldwork.
Chair (speaker 1) confirmed the county parcel list will likely err on the side of including more houses rather than fewer so the team can pare entries later. Commissioners debated whether to extend the survey beyond the 1940s; Joe said PA SHPO guidance typically extends to about 1945 after World War II, but the commission may decide the timeframe for its next round.
On archiving, the commission said its volunteer who had managed scanning (Dom) is undergoing radiation treatment and the group urgently needs scanning help. Chair described creating fillable property PDFs and preparing procedures to enter materials into the PastPerfect collections system so future commissions have accessible research files.
Members also discussed a funding shortfall on the Slate Hill path project. The commission requested $8,000 from the township this year but currently has $5,500; members said they will use available budget funds and pursue Community Foundation and township negotiations to cover the remaining cost.
Separately, commission members confirmed ghost-tour planning for Oct. 17 (rain date Oct. 18) with ticket-price and sponsorship options to raise funds; proposed ticket pricing was $15 for adults and free for children 10 and under, and organizers plan early higher-price sponsorship slots that include program recognition.
Next steps: Shelby and Jeff will continue field documentation; commissioners will seek scanning volunteers and finalize ghost-tour fundraising plans; budget follow-up will occur as the township budget process approaches.
