Project 61 – 6th Annual R. C. Reed Architecture Lecture

Project 61 – What Was It? What Effect Did It Have on Carlisle? This talk will describe the beautification and restoration project in downtown Carlisle.

In 1961, civic leaders proposed a plan, named Project 61, to enhance the appearance of businesses in downtown Carlisle. They decided to use a colonial theme to unify buildings’ appearances on High and Hanover Streets. Richard C. Reed drew architectural facades for 58 buildings from among 122 that were considered for the project. Historian David L. Smith, recently Interim Executive Director at the Cumberland County Historical Society, will share what he has learned about this project using the original 1961 photographs, Reed’s drawings, and current-day photos of the buildings.