Executive Director’s Message
Written by Larry Tise in the From the Executive Director category and the Winter 1987 issue Topics in this article:With the passage of legislation in 1981, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania joined nearly three dozen states which have subscribed to the “sunset review process,” a careful and systematic evaluation of certain state agencies. Pennsylvania’s sunset legislation created an ongoing process for the review of seventy-six specific state agencies for a four year period, between 1983 and 1987. Unless found to be worthwhile, agencies will be terminated.
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is included in this critical review by impartial observers. In fact, many individuals and offices have lent their expertise and experience throughout the initial phases of the complex evaluation procedure. To help each agency’s staff determine the effectiveness and efficiency of its programs and services, a report, prepared by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, evaluates the agency’s management and performance. And every staff member is conscientiously examining his or her programs, as well as the myriad ways in which they are carried out to serve our broad audience.
Throughout the rigorous appraisal program, there are a number of questions which we must answer honestly and fully. Is the agency’s operation in the public interest? Is there a demonstrated need for the agency’s continued existence? Has the public participated in the agency’s decision-making process?
I am pleased to note that the public’s interest has always been treated first and foremost, and that the agency strives daily to make our public services and outreach programs as far-reaching and as effective as possible. It should come as no surprise that many historical and cultural organizations were contacted by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee during the audit of the Commission. To carry that further, many visitors to our historic sites and museums making up Pennsylvania’s “Trail of History” were also queried. Since we have always encouraged public participation in our multifaceted programs, we welcome this crucial input.
The history of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is illustrious, reaffirming the staffs, as well as the public’s, commitment to not only the accurate interpretation of more than three centuries of history and culture, but the generous sharing of that knowledge. As we take part in this sunset review process, we pause – even if only momentarily – to examine the various ways in which we have nurtured our diverse constituency. Since the creation of the Pennsylvania Historical Commission in 1913, to which the present-day Commission traces its origins, the Commonwealth’s heritage has been painstakingly preserved for future generations of teachers and professors, historians, students and scholars, archaeologists, historical architects, genealogists, preservationists, city planners, archivists, curators and, of course, the general public.
We are confident that, so long as the public requires our many outreach programs and services, we will be able to satisfy those needs in an efficient and effective manner. And we trust that, given the continuing support of government leaders and friends, the sun shall never set on the many public history programs offered to the people of Pennsylvania.
Larry E. Tise
Executive Director
