Frank Dittenhafer and his firm work alongside the nonprofit to fulfill the local landscape from various perspectives.
It was only a couple of years ago that activists and organizations around Pennsylvania were fighting to save the Mifflin House—a pivotal stop on the Underground Railroad during the 1800’s—from being replaced by warehouses.
Now, as one of its endeavors, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area is working to transform the Mifflin House and its surrounding 87-acre property into a fully experiential cultural landmark, complete with a discovery center, trails, historic exhibitions, and much more.
“Working with many partners, we’re knitting together a vision that addresses important stories of underserved populations and small communities while contributing to the economic development and cultural health of this part of York County.”
Susquehanna National Heritage Area: What it means for York County
U.S. Congress designated the Susquehanna National Heritage Area in 2019 as the country’s 55th National Heritage Area.
According to the National Park Service, National Heritage Areas are “places where historic, cultural, and natural resources combine to form cohesive, nationally important landscapes.”
In partnership with local, state, and national organizations, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area works to invigorate cultural and natural resources in York and Lancaster counties.
In his involvement with the nonprofit organization, Dittenhafer has seen it grow in recent years, including with the management of the all-electric-powered historic wood boat Chief Uncas River Discovery Tours as well as the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center. The forthcoming Susquehanna Discovery Center and multi-faceted heritage-focused venues and experiences on the surrounding acreage only add to the excitement.
Designing a future that honors the past
In addition to Dittenhafer’s individual involvement on the Susquehanna National Heritage Area board over the last six years, Dittenhafer’s Architectural firm has provided pro-bono design work for the organization.
Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects contributed conceptual design and vision planning work for the 87-acre property that includes plans for the Susquehanna Discovery Center, Underground Railroad Site (also known as the Mifflin House), Civil War Battlefield, Heritage Trails, River Park along the Mason-Dixon Trail, two barns that will be sensitively renovated and adaptively reused, and a future hospitality business development site. The design incorporates a site main entrance for visitor parking and various pedestrian access points.
The site is situated between the current U.S. Route 30 and the Historic Lincoln Highway, and neighbors the Susquehanna River. With the history of a Civil War battle, Underground Railroad stop, and indigenous roots on the land, this preservation and development by the Susquehanna National Heritage Area balances the past with the future while weaving together the stories of a community.
‘Just the beginning’
Susquehanna National Heritage Area has plans to move its headquarters to the future Susquehanna Discovery Center and Heritage Park from its existing location at the Zimmerman Center at Long Level Road.
Along with the Susquehanna National Heritage Area headquarters, the Zimmerman Center’s art collection will also relocate. This may include other privately owned paintings, drawings, and River Art, possibly in a separate gallery building for exhibitions to be located on the SNHA Discovery Center Campus.
In the meantime, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area will continue its steadfast stewardship of the local region through its other endeavors: the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, River Discovery Tours, and more.
“This is just the beginning,” says Dittenhafer. “To be involved with this organization, to lead it the last two years, and to be part of making progress towards an even more exciting future, it doesn't get any better than that.”
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Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects took on the Architecture, Interior Design, & Overall Project Management for the new Bedford Elementary School, and the outcome is impactful.