Pedestals exhibit history of city
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
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From the Broad Street Market to the Zembo Shrine Temple, Harrisburg's history comes alive on 113 exhibit pedestals mounted on sidewalks throughout the city.
The attractive interpretative panels are one component of the marvelous Harrisburg History Project commissioned by Mayor Stephen R. Reed to educate residents and visitors about the prominent places, people and events that helped shaped the city, state and nation of today.
Featuring vintage photographs, narrative and graphics, the pedestals' panels spotlight the history of buildings and streetscapes that remain or may have vanished or been altered. In most cases, the pedestals are across the street from the subject and often set at an odd angle, a placement that allows viewers to step into history, literally.
"We positioned the pedestal at the location where the original photograph was taken," Reed said. "You can be looking at an 1880s photograph of such and such a location, and we placed the pedestal exactly where that photograph was taken in 1880. You can stand there and gaze at [the subject] to see what it looks like today or what's in its place."
After he was sworn in as mayor Jan. 4, 1982, Reed set his sights on preserving and promoting Harrisburg's heritage. Harrisburg is "extraordinarily rich in history," Reed said in a recent interview. "There are people, places and events in Harrisburg that helped shape the Colonies and the new nation and the evolution of America since and yet it's a story that most people don't know. History tells you about the town that exists today.
"History is not the past. It's really the present. If you want to know about present day America and the society in which we live, you need to know the history of our country. The same is true of local communities. If you want to understand the Harrisburg that exists in 2004 and have a pretty good idea of what it is capable of being in subsequent years, you need to know your history."
A town's history also is a marketable commodity, Reed said. "It's good economic development. When you identify that history, make it accessible to the public, you are enhancing tourism. Tourism is the second biggest industry in both the state and in this region."
In addition to the pedestals, nine eye-level "you are here" locator maps with a key to historic buildings and city sights are now in place.
The Harrisburg History Project has its roots in the Harrisburg City Archives established by Reed. "We now have a repository of Harrisburg-related memorabilia and historical items that can be stored and produced for public exhibit," he said.
The city archives was one source tapped by Jeb Stuart, the city's special projects coordinator, as he researched photographs and information for the pedestals and for a related display in the atrium of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City Government Center. He also tapped the resources of the Pennsylvania State Archives, The Historical Society of Dauphin County and the Historic Harrisburg Association.
Stuart began his research in 2001. To organize the pedestal project, the city was divided into districts that correspond to those in the city's walking tour brochures, Stuart said. The pedestals, directory map posts, walking tour brochures and the signs pointing the way to city sights, such as The National Civil War Museum, are color coordinated as part of a wayside signage initiative to make travel for visitors more pleasant. "The intent was to try to pull it all together," Stuart said.
Stuart wrote the draft narratives and Reed, drawing upon his resources, added supplemental material.
The surface of the exhibit panels is 18-by-24-inches, Stuart said. Three pedestals have 24-by-36-inch panels because the subject matter is more detailed, such as the Capitol complex pedestal at Walnut and Aberdeen streets. The pedestals, produced by GS Images of Hagerstown, Md., have been placed over the past year.
Reed said the pedestals "are highly durable in all weather and they are essentially maintenance free other than you have to wipe off the top for any dust or debris." Revenue from the hotel tax has paid for the pedestals, but donations to the history project will be accepted from individuals or businesses. "If anybody wants to contribute, we are happy to have it," he said.
Cornerstone recalls the area's rich history and offers ways to savor it in the present. Write to Mary O. Bradley, Features Department, The Patriot-News, P.O. Box 2265, Harrisburg, PA 17105, or e-mail
mbradley@patriot-news.com