At 50 mph, they are inconspicuous blue blurs streaking past the passenger side window. But from another perspective, some 2,500 blue historical markers positioned along Pennsylvania roadways tell the Commonwealth’s story and its place in the union of American states.

With the recent approval of 36 new cast-aluminum markers, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission intends to expand and rethink its telling of the state’s story. Last December, a review of the language on some of the state’s historical markers prompted a reissuing of the signs. Those expected to be installed next year, including seven in southwestern Pennsylvania, were expected to reflect the new approach to cultural sensitivity.

Interest in documenting Pennsylvania history appears to be growing. Ninety-one marker nominations were submitted by local sponsors, nearly double the nominations in 2021. The regional additions to the marker system are expected to spotlight some of our greatest hits.