Become a Member
Who We Are
Since 1966, the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County has focused on the preservation and protection of historically significant buildings and places throughout the county. Buildings and places that contribute to Lancaster's rich architectural heritage and character.
Our very first mission used the phrase, "To preserve and maintain, in their early dignity and beauty, as nearly as may be feasible, historic sites, buildings and objects in Lancaster County..."
What an honor and privilege it is to help preserve dignity and beauty! We are the only county-wide, nonprofit organization dedicated solely to preserving architectural heritage, and we can't do it alone.
In Where We Lived, Jack Larkin writes, "Like people, houses are created, live, and grow old. Like us, they eventually disappear. Houses that survive to be studied, explored, and admired by distant generations should be regarded as emissaries from another time, as gateways into our past."
Your Membership Supports
We actively partner with companies/organizations and engage municipalities and individuals to make preservation relevant. We accomplish this with a multi-pronged approach:
- ADVOCATE for preservation best practices
- ASSIST municipalities with development of preservation language
- PARTNER with local historical societies
- PLACE easements on historic properties
- IDENTIFY, RECORD, and DIGITIZE survey information on buildings with historic and architectural significance
- PROMOTE adaptive reuse as an alternative to demolition
- ENCOURAGE new designs to be compatible with existing structures
- INCREASE awareness through community-based programs and events
Member Benefits
- Access to more than 15,000 surveys in HPT’s archives
- Invitations to events and programs at a special membership price
- Percentage discount on select merchandise
- Subscription to member-only newsletter
- Special access opportunities to Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess House
Contact Us
Open by appointment M-F, 10a-4p
Call 717.291.5861