Boscola Announces $100,000 State Grant to Restore Historic Easton House with Ties to American Revolution

Boscola Announces $100,000 State Grant to Restore Historic Easton House with Ties to American Revolution

June 12, 2026

BETHLEHEM (June 12, 2026) - - Senator Lisa Boscola announced today that the City of Easton has been awarded a $100,000 Keystone Historic Preservation Grant by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) for the rehabilitation and restoration of the Hooper House, which was owned by Colonel Robert Lettis Hooper Jr., who served as the deputy quartermaster general during the American Revolution and served as the colonel's headquarters during his tenure.

"As America is on the verge of celebrating the 250th Anniversary of our Independence, it is so fitting that the state will be collaborating with the City of Easton on bringing the Hooper House, which served as Colonel Hooper's headquarters during the Revolutionary War, back to life," Senator Boscola stated. "Restoring it as another educational landmark for future generations to learn about the important role Easton played in our country's independence will be a tremendous asset for the City of Easton and the Lehigh Valley."

The PHMC Keystone Construction grant will allow the City to rehabilitate and restore the structure, located at the corner of Fifth and Northampton Streets in the historic Downtown District. Despite its rich history, the Hooper House has been unoccupied for decades and, in 2012, was deemed blighted by the City. The project consists of repointing the Hooper House as it is not weatherized, and repairing the roof and windows.

"There is no doubt that the Hooper House is important to the Easton's history," Boscola added. "It is vital for our communities to have the tools to preserve historic landmarks across the state and PHMC continues to work collaboratively with local governments in achieving this. The Hooper House project embodies the spirit of historic preservation and promises to deliver lasting benefits to our community and beyond."

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) announced on Thursday just over $2.2 million in Keystone Historic Preservation grants to 38 historical organizations, museums, and local governments across 19 counties. Grants were highly competitive as only 38 of 115 were funded. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $25,000 for planning grants, and $5,000 to $100,000 for construction projects. All grants require a 50/50 cash match and were awarded through a rigorous selection process.

Keystone Historic Preservation Grants provide funding to support projects that identify, preserve, promote, and protect historic and archaeological resources in Pennsylvania for both the benefit of the public and the revitalization of communities. Funding also supports municipal planning initiatives that focus on historic resources or may be used to meet building or community specific planning goals. The program also supports construction activities at resources listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

The funding source for these grants is through the Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund, which is supported annually from a portion of the state realty transfer tax revenue.

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