WELLSBORO RECEIVES HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGNATION
On September 14, the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Board reviewed and unanimously approved the application for the Borough of Wellsboro’s nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, which is the federal government’s official list of historic properties worthy of preservation. Wellsboro’s Historic District encompasses an area that includes over 600 properties.

Listing on the National Register provides recognition of a property or area’s historic importance and assures a protective review of federal projects that might adversely affect the historic character of the designated area.

A listing on the National Register does not mean that limitations will be placed on the properties within the Historic District by the Federal government. Any restrictions would come from local government zoning ordinances. Properties included in a historical district are given priority in receiving grant dollars available through various funding sources.

Property owners may receive matching funds for improvements; churches can receive funding for restoration work. Grants are a 50% match, and are available to business property owners and public entities only. Certain federal investment tax credits for rehabilitation and other provisions may apply as well.

In 1998, representatives from the Tioga County Commissioners, Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce, Tioga County Historical Society, Sweet Foundation, Wellsboro Foundation Inc., Wellsboro Borough Council, and other interested parties decided to pursue the possibility of having a portion of the community designated a Historic District.

Consultant Sheilah Prevost inventoried the properties and began the first phases of the application process. David Taylor, of Taylor & Taylor Associates of Brookville, PA continued work to complete the application and presented it to the Historic Preservation Board. Following approval of the application he stated, “The Wellsboro Historic District is among Pennsylvania’s architectural gems, and clearly deserves to be protected to the maximum extent. When the State’s Historic Preservation Board reviewed the nomination, they were impressed with the breadth and quality of Wellsboro’s architecture, and with the partnerships that exist to protect the quality of life in this special community.”

In addition to the local agencies partnering in this effort, support was also received from State Representative Matthew E. Baker, State Senator Joseph Scarnati, and Congressman John E. Peterson. They along with several area business representatives wrote letters in support of the nomination.

For further details on Wellsboro’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places, please contact Mary Worthington, Executive Director of the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce, 114 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901 or phone 570-724-1926

Photos of some buildings that contribute to the historic value of Wellsboro