Briggs announces state funding for Washington Memorial Heritage
Rep. Tim Briggs June 23, 2025 | 10:12 AM
State Rep. Tim Briggs announced that Washington Memorial Heritage has been awarded a $100,000 Keystone Historic Preservation Grant from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission to support the restoration of a historic structure located within his legislative district.
The grant will fund the replacement of the roof on the Cloister of the Colonies, a unique U-shaped structure that surrounds the Memorial to the Mothers of the Nation on the Washington Memorial Chapel campus. The roof, which has endured more than a century of exposure to the elements, has significantly deteriorated and is in urgent need of restoration. The Chapel campus remains open to the public 365 days a year and is one of the region's most visited historic sites.
“This investment by PHMC reflects our commitment to preserving the places that tell Pennsylvania’s story,” Briggs said. “The Cloister of the Colonies is a cherished landmark that draws thousands of visitors annually and holds deep significance for our community and our nation’s history. I’m proud to see state funding support its restoration in time for the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026.”
The $100,000 grant is part of the PHMC’s 2024–2025 round of Keystone Historic Preservation funding. In total, the agency awarded just over $2 million to support 37 projects across 15 counties, selected from a pool of 114 competitive applications. These grants help preserve historic sites and contribute to community revitalization efforts statewide. All projects receiving funding require a 50/50 cash match, ensuring local investment in preservation.
Funded through the Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund—which receives revenue from the state’s realty transfer tax—the program has supported more than 1,000 historic preservation projects across the Commonwealth. Grants may be used for planning or construction activities at properties listed in, or eligible for listing in, the National Register of Historic Places.
As the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of its founding in 2026, the preservation of Pennsylvania’s cultural and historic resources remains a top priority. More information on the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant program is available at www.phmc.pa.gov.
Briggs represents the 149th Legislative District, which is comprised of Bridgeport, West Conshohocken, Upper Merion and parts of Lower Merion in Montgomery County.
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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net
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