About The Pennsylvania Coalition of Independent Museums
The Pennsylvania Coalition of Independent Museums (PCIM) was founded in 1996 to increase the amount of grant funding for the Pennsylvania History and Grant Program administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). Museum leaders in the Commonwealth formed PCIM, a 501(c)(6), dues-paying organization. With these dues, the PCIM leadership retained Mark Singel, former Lieutenant Governor and Acting Governor of the Commonwealth, to serve as their lobbyist. By working with members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, PCIM and their lobbyist had quadrupled the amount of money recommended for this grant program when the FY1996-1997 budget passed. This allowed PHMC to offer a General Operating Support grant for the first time to eligible museums and also began the Technical Assistance Grant Program in coordination with PFMHO.
Since 1996, PCIM has ensured that the Pennsylvania History and Museum Grant program continues to thrive. Mark Singel and his firm, The Winter Group, still serves as the lobbyist for that grant program. In addition to this worthy cause, PCIM members also:
- Are part of a team with its own lobbyist, who is a public affairs specialist, that works toward common goals
- Have access to elected and administrative officials
- Assist in developing Commonwealth policy on museum issues and funding
- Explore possibilities for new grant funding for museums
- Are advocates for existing and new funding sources
- Receive special funding initiatives earmarked for PCIM members.
Richard Burkert, Executive Director of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association and former PFMHO president, founded PCIM and still serves as its chairman. PFMHO, a PCIM member, conducts the administrative and membership duties for the organization.
For more information, you may contact Richard Burkert at 814-539-1889 or you may contact Deborah Filipi at 717-909-6905.
Press release: Pennsylvania Museums Battered by Budget 3/17/09
Members of PCIM
American Helicopter Museum
American Swedish Historical Museum
AACA Museum, Inc. (Antique Automobile Club Association Museum)
Atwater Kent Museum of Philadelphia
Chester County Historical Society
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
Fallingwater
Fort Ligonier
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Hershey Gardens
The Hershey Story
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
Independence Seaport Museum
James Buchanan’s Wheatland/The James Buchanan Foundation
John Bartram Association/Bartram's Garden
Johnstown Area Heritage Association
Lancaster Heritage Center
Morris Arboretum
National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors
National Canal Museum
North Museum of Natural History and Science
Packwood House Museum
Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks
Philadelphia Zoo
Rosenbach Museum and Library
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum Trust, Inc.
Scott Arboretum
Tyler Arboretum
Wagner Free Institute of Science
West Overton Museums
