Additional Information
HISTORY
The Broad Street Market (Market), established in 1860, is renowned as one of the oldest continuously-operated market house in the United States. Located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, it offers a diverse array of locally-grown and organic produce, meats, baked goods, and freshly prepared meals from dozens of vendors. The market, occupying three city blocks between Third and Sixth streets, was a vital source of food during the Civil War and has remained a cornerstone of the community ever since. Over the years, it has undergone transformations including restoration efforts and a shift to community management, while maintaining its historic charm and cultural significance. Today, the Broad Street Market continues to thrive as a bustling hub for fresh food, diverse vendors, and community gatherings, reflecting its rich history and commitment to growth and inclusivity.
BROAD STREET MARKET ALLIANCE MISSION STATEMENT
- To preserve the architectural and historic character and the function of the Broad Street Market as an urban, public market serving the City of Harrisburg and the surrounding region;
- To make accessible a wide variety of produce, meat, fish, bakery and dairy products, and other raw and prepared foods, brought to the market in the center of the City of Harrisburg, which is currently a food desert as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, primarily by local farmers, growers, producers and chefs, which products shall include both healthy and affordable options;
- To maintain an environment that recognizes and celebrates the diversity of the citizens of the City of Harrisburg and fosters their social and economic interaction;
- To educate the customers of the market and the residents of the City of Harrisburg, with the global need to re-connect people to the land and the production of their food;
- To provide a venue for a limited number of non-food vendors to sell locally produced, hand-made, artisanal goods and crafts and thereby improve entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for residents of the City of Harrisburg and the region.
- To implement this mission and these purposes while preserving the financial viability and achieving the financial self-sufficiency of the Broad Street Market.
MARKET MANAGEMENT
The BSMA employs staff to oversee the general operations of the Market. Staff have the discretion to make decisions that are in the best interest of the Market in order to achieve the mission and strategic plan of the BSMA.
The BSMA's general office is situated on the mezzanine floor of the building at 1233 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102. Staff are generally on-site during Market business hours.
OVERSIGHT
The BSMA Board of Directors supports Market staff by developing a long-range strategic plan that outlines goals for the general functionality and wellbeing of the Market. Staff regularly meet with the Board to provide updates on the general management of the Market.
The Board consists of seven (7) elected board members, one (1) representative from Friends of the Market, two (2) Harrisburg city council appointees, one (1) City of Harrisburg engineer, one (1) City of Harrisburg Community Development Director, two (2) vendor representatives elected by Broad Street Market vendors, and one (1) vendor representative elected by the Board of Directors. Currently, the Board meets at 5:30 pm the second Wednesday of each month at the Historic Harrisburg Association located 1230 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17102.