An aerial view of the historic Mifflin property, including parcels extending along the scenic Susquehanna River.
Written by: Kaelyn Kobosko
Heritage is not just history—it is the foundation of identity, community and a thriving future. Preserving historic landscapes in the Chesapeake Bay watershed not only protects the past, but fosters sustainable economic growth along with environmental conservation. The Chesapeake Conservation Partnership recognizes how land protection and the preservation of heritage go hand in hand, as both are needed to protect the region’s cultural treasures for generations to come.
A shining example of the commitment to heritage is the preservation of the Mifflin House and Farm, a once-endangered historic site that played a role in the Underground Railroad and the Civil War. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA), as well as other key partners, this site is being restored and reimagined as a discovery center & heritage park combining learning, tourism and community engagement. The success of securing the Mifflin property underscores the power of partnership in protecting irreplaceable heritage while bolstering the local economy and strengthening regional identity.
Wrightsville, PA. Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Winnie Okello, P.E., look out of a window in the attic of the historic Mifflin Farmhouse. February 6, 2025.
The Chesapeake Conservation Partnership is dedicated to protecting the region’s most treasured landscapes from development, threatening their heritage and scenic beauty that shapes cultural identity, rules tourism and strengthens the economy. Pennsylvania hosts seven of the nation’s 62 designated National Heritage Areas (NHAs), which is more than any other state. Pennsylvania also has 12 state-designated Heritage Areas, including six of the NHAs, one of which is SNHA, helping to ensure that Pennsylvania’s landscapes continue to tell stories of national significance.
Heritage Areas do more than just preserve history but also have the potential to benefit local economies by driving tourism and creating jobs. A study by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania found that in 2014 alone, over 25,700 jobs were supported across the state, and visitors spent 7.5 million days and nights exploring the state’s 12 Heritage Areas. This includes injecting $2 billion into local businesses such as hotels, restaurants and shops that all benefit from revenue generated from an influx of tourists. Historic sites such as the Mifflin House and Farm play an important role in bringing in tourists. Every new historic site that opens up to the public presents an opportunity to preserve history while stimulating economic growth.
Speakers Mark Platts, President of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, and Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, worked together with many partners to plan for the future of the site.
The SNHA is developing a Discovery Center and Heritage Park at the Mifflin House and Farm that will offer visitors a journey through history, culture and the natural beauty of the Susquehanna River Region. This includes interactive exhibits and interpretive displays that will bring stories to life. A museum will also feature a 400-year collection of Susquehanna River art and a gateway visitor center in the site’s Pennsylvania bank barn will offer educational opportunities for visitors to learn about the history of Lancaster and York Counties. To ensure historically accurate storytelling, SNHA CEO Mark Platts has announced the creation of an Underground Railroad Workgroup of local historians and experts to shape the exhibit. Investing in the historic preservation of the Mifflin House and Farm not only safeguards cultural heritage but also attracts heritage tourism for those eager to explore historic sites in the watershed.
The Mifflin House and Farm is a testament to what strong partnerships can make possible. Collaborations formed between local governments, non-profit organizations, community members and private donors are working to protect these landscapes. Spanning multiple counties, the partnerships strengthen communities and foster a sense of identity while they work toward a common goal.
The teamwork in action on the Mifflin House and Farm from PA DCNR, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, the National Park Service, The Conservation Fund, Preservation Pennsylvania, York County organizations and dedicated private donors protected 79 acres of farmland, woodlands and historic structures, reinforcing SHNA’s commitment to safeguarding Lancaster and York County’s unique heritage. This collaboration not only saved an invaluable piece of history but also created a lasting space for education, recreation, tourism and community engagement.
As this project is ever-evolving, updates on progress can be accessed on the SNHA website. While the site opens to the public for initial tours in spring 2025, there is much more to come. Part of the property has been designated for future development, with plans for a hotel or restaurant. There are also efforts underway to secure national recognition in the National Register of Historic Places in the future.
The Mifflin House and Farm represents more than a preserved historic site—it is a living legacy of Pennsylvania’s deep-rooted history, cultural heritage and commitment to conservation. The success of the preservation and development of the Mifflin House and Farm serves as an inspirational model for other communities within the watershed that are looking to balance heritage preservation with strengthening local economies and communities, demonstrating that safeguarding our past can help build a stronger future.
Image credit:
- Commonwealth Media Services
- Commonwealth Media Services
- Open Tours LLC
Lightning Update is a regular communication of the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect positions of the Partnership or member organizations.
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Support for the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership is provided by:
National Park Service Chesapeake
EPA Chesapeake Bay Program
USDA Forest Service
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Virginia Outdoors Foundation
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Chesapeake Conservancy
The Chesapeake Conservation Partnership is co-convened by:
