Maryland Historical Trust

Maryland Heritage Areas Authority Provides 51 Grants to Heritage Tourism Sites, Activities, and Organizations Across Maryland

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ruffner) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:18:00 +0000

CROWNSVILLE, MD (July 11, 2011) – Fifty-one matching grants totaling $2,298,000 were awarded to Maryland non-profits - including museums, tourism sites, historic preservation, natural resources and educational organizations, as well as local jurisdictions - by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA). These grant funds support heritage tourism projects and activities that expand economic development and tourism-related job creation throughout the state (see full listing in the full release).

MHAA oversees Maryland's system of 12 locally-administered, State-certified Heritage Areas. Heritage Areas are places to experience - see, hear and even taste - the authentic heritage of Maryland in a unique way that cannot be experienced anywhere else. Stories of the people, the land and the waters of Maryland are told in these distinctive places.

"Visitors to Maryland spent over $13 billion each of the last two years, helping to create and save over 134,000 jobs across the state," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "The Maryland Heritage Area Program's targeted investments preserve and enhance the distinctive natural areas, rich culture traditions, and historic sites that so many of our visitors come to enjoy. I congratulate Maryland's 12 Certified Heritage Areas and their heritage tourism partners on these awards that will develop and promote heritage sites and activities, support heritage tourism businesses and organizations across our state, and contribute to a Smart, Green and Growing Maryland."

In Heritage Areas non-profits, governments, businesses and individuals form partnerships to preserve the best of Maryland's historic sites and towns, unspoiled natural landscapes and enduring traditions. These tangible links to both place and the past encourage residents to recognize they have a special piece of the American story to treasure and share with others, and that in doing so they create more livable and economically sustainable communities.

MHAA has invested over $12.8 million dollars into 282 projects throughout Maryland's 12 certified Heritage Areas under the O'Malley-Brown Administration. Even in tough fiscal times, Governor O'Malley has supported funding for this important program knowing that heritage tourism is a proven economic engine and a tool for preserving Maryland's irreplaceable cultural, historic, and natural legacy.

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority is an independent unit in the Executive Branch of government administered by the Maryland Department of Planning. MHAA was formed to help strengthen and revitalize communities by combining heritage tourism and small business development with historic preservation, conservation of cultural traditions, natural resource protection, recreation and marketing of Maryland's unique history, culture and landscapes.

Today, 22 Maryland counties and Baltimore City have a State-certified Heritage Area within their boundaries. Each of Maryland's Certified Heritage Areas is defined by a distinct focus or theme that makes that place or region different from other areas in the state. These distinctive places exhibit tangible evidence of the area's heritage in historic buildings and districts, archaeological sites, museums, parks, and natural landscapes, as well as traditional ways of life revealed in food, music, and art. The "special flavor" of each Heritage Area attracts not only out-of-state visitors, but locals who want to learn more about their heritage and take pride in their community's unique sense of place. Since its inception in 1996, the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority has awarded approximately $24 million in financial assistance and leveraged over $75.7 million in non-state funds for heritage tourism projects and activities statewide.

Click here to learn more about the Maryland Heritage Areas Program and the State's 12 certified Heritage Areas.

Proposed changes to LEED - Preservationists make your voice heard by January 14!

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Kegerise) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 21:04:00 +0000

The United States Green Building Council is accepting public comments on the latest version of the LEED rating system and preservationists have an opportunity to weigh in on these proposed changes. You can read more about the revisions under consideration, their potential impact on historic buildings and find out how to submit your comments by visiting the National Trust for Historic Preservation's website.

Miller's Court, in Baltimore, recieved a LEED Gold rating
and won one of five 2010 Smart Growth Awards from the
Environmental Protection Agency

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used and well-known system for measuring the environmental impacts of buildings and encourages strategies and techniques that reduce water and energy consumption, the use of recycled materials, and the "smart" siting of buildings, among other things. While the historic preservation comunity has been touting the environmental benefits of maintaining and reusing existing buildings for decades, the LEED rating system has helped launch the environmental impacts of buildings into the public consciousness.

All sorts of policies, regulations, and incentives are linked to this system and some places require that all new construction or substantial rehabilitation projects meet LEED Standards. The Sustainable Communities Tax Credit Program, which passed the Maryland General Assembly in 2010, provides an additional 5% credit for historic rehabilitation projects that meet LEED Gold or Platinum (non-LEED rehabilitation projects qualify for a 20% credit; LEED Gold projects qualitfy for 25%).

However, it's not always easy for rehabilitation projects to meet both LEED criteria and historic preservation guidelines. Some believe that LEED undervalues the environmental benefits of reusing existing buildings while others contend that LEED encourages the use of new sustainable products instead of reusing older materials. What do you think?

It's important for the preservation community to share their thoughts on these issues, so take a few minutes to learn about the proposed changes and submit your comments by January 14!

Top Ten List of LEED Credits related to Preservation:

http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/sustainability/leed/leed-2012-scoring.html#top-ten

Technical summary of the proposed LEED credits

www.preservationnation.org/issues/sustainability/leed/leed-2012-scoring.html

Format changes to the LEED scoring system:

www.preservationnation.org/issues/sustainability/leed/structural-technical.html

National Park Service to sponsor Regional Meetings for Chesapeake Bay Partners

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Kegerise) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 19:51:00 +0000

The National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office and its partner Chesapeake Conservancy invite you to attend one of four regional meetings taking place in January, 2011.

Technical and financial assistance from the National Park Service can have a significant impact on the work of state and local governments and non-profit organizations. To be most effective, NPS can't operate in a vacuum . . . we need to ask you about our work, what we can do better, and what we can do for you.

The meeting agenda is simple: NPS will give brief overviews of our work in the Chesapeake region. This includes the Captain John Smith Chesapeake and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trails, the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network, and our work with public access and stewardship opportunities as part of the federal strategy for Bay restoration. Chesapeake Conservancy will share highlights of their recent projects that support these initiatives.

Next, we hope you'll take the lead, sharing your thoughts about how National Park Service projects impact you, how they all interrelate, and how we can move forward together to serve the public.

Finally, we'll share an important new online resource built to help your site staff develop effective interpretive materials. Our new "Interpretive Toolkit" will debut at these regional meetings.

Here are the dates and locations:

January 18 - Watermen's Museum [Yorktown, VA]

January 20 - Susquehanna State Park [Havre de Grace, MD]

January 25 - Kings Landing Park [Huntingtown, MD]

January 27 - Trap Pond State Park [Laurel, DE]

Thanks to all our host sites for generously sharing their space with us for these events.

Meetings begin at 1:00 pm and end at 4:45 pm. There is no registration fee. Register by sending your name, organization, and contact information to emahoney@chesapeakeconservancy.org. Please include your cell phone number or other means of contact in case of inclement weather on the day of the event.

Maryland Heritage Areas Grants Workshops - Register Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ruffner) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 16:12:00 +0000

It's that time of year again!

Are you located in a Certified Heritage Area?

Are you interested in learning more about grants that are available for capital and non-capital projects relating to the preservation of historical, archeological, natural and cultural resources and heritage tourism?

If so, you will want to attend one of four upcoming grant workshops that are being offered by the Maryland Heritage Areas Program. These sessions are an opportunity to learn more about the FY 2012 grant program and the revised grant application forms, and will also provide the chance to ask any questions you may have about the program.

All are welcome to attend. Please register no later than January 5, 2011 with the host of the session you select, as space is limited at some locations. Times, locations and contact information for the four sessions are listed below.

Monday, January 10, 2011, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Poolesville Town Hall, 19721 Beall Street, Poolesville. Call Peggy Erickson at 301-515-0753 to register. Co-sponsored by Heritage Montgomery.

Friday, January 14, 2011, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Chesapeake Exploration Center, 425 Piney Narrows Road, Chester (Kent Island). Call Deborah Divins Davis at 410-763-8967 to register. Co-sponsored by Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Montpelier Mansion, 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel. Call Aaron Marcovitch at 301-887-0777 to register. Co-sponsored by Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, Montpelier Mansion and the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Calvert Library, 850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick. Call Roz Racanello at 301-274-4083 to register. Co-sponsored by the Southern Maryland Heritage Area , St. Mary's County Historic Preservation and the Calvert Library.
Questions? Call Jennifer Ruffner at 410-514-7612.

New Historical Markers along Maryland's Roads

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Kegerise) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 20:53:00 +0000

Old Wallville School Marker Unveiling.
Photo courtesy of David Krankowski

The Maryland Historical Trust, State Highway Administration, and local partners have installed six new and two replacement historical markers along Maryland's roadways, bringing the total number of markers to 822! The markers celebrate a broad scope of Maryland history, including a seventeenth century courthouse, the growth of a colonial port, a fine grade of slate quarried for over two centuries, a rare and early school for the education of African American students, early twentieth century advancements in electric rail transit and transportation, research and development of motor transport, and a legacy of conservation and enhancement of our public lands.

Read about each of the new markers below.

OLD WALLVILLE SCHOOL, CA. 1880-1934

Old Wallville School Marker: Guffrie Smith
(retired Supervisor of Instruction,
member of Friends--and many other roles),
Rose Crunkleton (Calvert County Board of Education),
William Phalen (Board of Education),
Jack Smith (Calvert County Superintendent of Schools),
Sherman Brown (cousin of Regina Brown),
Harry Wedewer (Friends of OWS),
Sen. Mike Miller, Del. Sue Kullen,
Wilson Parran (President, Board of Calvert
County Commissioners).
Photo courtesy of David Krankowski.

The Friends of the Old Wallville School, Inc., proposed a marker to commemorate the last remaining one-room schoolhouse dedicated to African American students in Calvert County.

Location: 1450 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, Calvert County.

Text: OLDEST STANDING ONE-ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS IN CALVERT COUNTY. OFFERED EDUCATION FOR GRADES 1 - 7 IN THE WALLVILLE COMMUNITY. ILLUSTRATES THE SEGREGATED EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES OF THE LATE 19TH AND EARLY 20TH CENTURIES. MOVED IN 2006 TO CURRENT SITE FOR PRESERVATION AND RECONSTRUCTION.

W B & A ELECTRIC RAILROAD, 1908-1935

W B & A Electric Railroad.
Photo courtesy of Steve Hall, SHA

The Delmont Improvement Association, Inc., proposed a marker to commemorate the W B & A Electric Railroad and its profound effect on the growth of Anne Arundel County.

Where: WB&A Road at MD 174 (Donaldson Rd.), Severn, Anne Arundel County.

Text: WB&A ROAD WAS CONSTRUCTED ON THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF THE MAIN LINE OF THE WASHINGTON, BALTIMORE & ANNAPOLIS ELECTRIC RAILROAD. USING THE MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY OF THE TIME, THE HIGH-SPEED LINE PROVIDED PASSENGER AND FREIGHT SERVICE BETWEEN BALTIMORE AND WASHINGTON WITH TWO BRANCHES SERVING ANNAPOLIS. IT WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN THE OPENING OF CAMP MEADE AND TRANSPORTED TROOPS DURING WORLD WAR I.

COURTHOUSE AT MOORE’S LODGE

The Charles County Commissioners unveil the
Courthouse at Moore’s Lodge marker before
a small crowd of guests and onlookers.
Photo courtesy of Crystal N. Hunt,
Charles County Commissioners' Office.

The Charles County Commissioners proposed a marker to commemorate the first courthouse in Charles County, the site of which was located by Dr. Julia King and her archeological team from St. Mary’s College.

Where: US 301 at Springhill Newtown Road, Springhill (south of La Plata), Charles County.

Text: CHARLES COUNTY WAS CREATED BY THE MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN 1658. IN 1674 THE FIRST CHARLES COUNTY COURTHOUSE WAS BUILT NEAR HERE, IN THE AREA KNOWN AS MOORE’S LODGE. A PRISON, ORDINARY (TAVERN), AND RACE TRACK ALSO WERE LOCATED THERE. IN 1727 THE COURTHOUSE WAS MOVED TO PORT TOBACCO AND THE ORIGINAL SITE REVERTED TO AGRICULTURAL USE AS PART OF THE PLANTATION CALLED GREENLAND. IN 1895 THE COUNTY SEAT WAS MOVED TO LA PLATA.

CAMP HOLABIRD

Camp Holabird Marker.
Photo courtesy of Steve Hall, SHA

Dundalk resident Cecil Boblitz, past recipient of a Maryland Historical Trust Preservation Service Award, proposed and provided documentation for the new marker commemorating Camp Holabird and also for the marker dedicated to the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Where: Dundalk Ave. and Holabird Ave., Dundalk, Baltimore County

Text: NAMED FOR QUARTERMASTER GENERAL SAMUEL B. HOLABIRD (1826-1907) AND ESTABLISHED IN 1917 AS THE ARMY’S FIRST MOTOR TRANSPORT TRAINING CENTER AND DEPOT. SUPPLIED WORLD WAR I AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES IN FRANCE WITH DETROIT-MADE VEHICLES. TRAINED THOUSANDS TO DRIVE AND REPAIR AUTOMOBILES AND TRUCKS. BY 1920 A CENTER FOR THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF MILITARY VEHICLES. HERE THE JEEP, A WORLD WAR II ICON, WAS TESTED AND REFINED. HOUSED THE ARMY INTELLIGENCE SCHOOL FROM 1945 UNTIL CLOSURE IN 1972.

CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS, 1933-1942

Civilian Conservation Corps Marker.
Photo courtesy of Steve Hall, SHA

Where: Swallow Falls State Park, Oakland vicinity, Garrett County

Text: A NATIONWIDE PROGRAM ESTABLISHED BY PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT TO PERFORM EMERGENCY NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION WORK ON PUBLIC LANDS. THE CCC EMPLOYED MILLIONS DURING THE DEPRESSION AND SET THE STANDARDS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR STATE AND NATIONAL PARKS AND FORESTS. THE CCC BUILT ROADS, TRAILS, BRIDGES AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES THAT ARE STILL IN USE THROUGHOUT MARYLAND STATE PARKS.

MARSHYHOPE CREEK BRIDGE

Marshyhope Creek Bridge,
photo courtesy of Nancy Kurtz, MHT

Janet Bacorn and the Federalsburg Historical Society proposed a marker for the Marshyhope Creek Bridge, dedicated as part of the town’s Heritage Festival.

Where: MD 315 (E. Central Ave.), southeast side of the bridge, Federalsburg, Caroline County

Marshyhope Creek Bridge Marker:
Back row, from left, Federalsburg Town
Council members Ed Windsor,
Eric Willis and Stephen Bollinger
and State Senator and Town Manager
Richard Colburn;
front row, National Register Coordinator
Nancy Kurtz, Federalsburg Historical Society
President Bart Johnson,
Bridge Sign Project Chair Janet Bacorn,
DelegateAddie Eckardt and
Main Street Manager “Happy” Mayer.

UNTIL IT WAS RENAMED FEDERALSBURG IN 1812, THE COMMUNITY TOOK ITS NAME FROM THE BRIDGE AT THIS CROSSING. THIS 215-FOOT CONCRETE STRUCTURE WAS BUILT IN 1910 BY THE LUTEN BRIDGE COMPANY OF YORK, PA, A FIRM NOTED FOR ITS FILLED SPANDREL ARCH DESIGN. IT WAS BUILT AS PART OF THE NEWLY-FORMED STATE ROADS COMMISSION’S PLAN TO IMPROVE THE HIGHWAY SYSTEM. REPAIRED AND ALTERED AFTER THE FLOOD OF 1935.

PISCATAWAY

The Piscataway Preservation Corporation worked with MHT to replace and revise an early marker commemorating the town.

Where: 2105 Floral Park Rd., Piscataway, Prince George’s County. This marker replaces and updates a missing marker.

Text: NAMED FOR THE LOCAL INDIAN TRIBE. ESTABLISHED IN 1707 AS A PORT BY MARYLAND’S COLONIAL ASSEMBLY AND DESIGNATED A TOBACCO INSPECTION STATION IN 1747. WITH SILTATION OF PISCATAWAY CREEK IN THE 19TH CENTURY, THE TOBACCO INSPECTION POINT WAS TRANSFERRED DOWNSTREAM. THE VILLAGE CONTINUED TO SERVE AS A LOCAL COMMERCIAL CENTER INTO THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY, WITH TAVERNS, STORES, SCHOOLS, RESIDENCES, HOTEL, CHURCH AND TELEGRAPH/POST OFFICE.

PEACH BOTTOM SLATE REGION

The missing Peach Bottom Slate Region marker was replaced and the text updated with assistance from Ruth Anne and Donald Robinson of the Old Line Museum in Delta, PA, David Williams and Daniel Filippelli.

Where: MD 165 north of MD 136, Whiteford, Harford County

A RIDGE OF HIGH QUALITY SLATE RUNNING FROM SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA INTO HARFORD COUNTY, MARYLAND, WAS QUARRIED ON A LIMITED SCALE AS EARLY AS 1734. PRODUCTION INCREASED IN THE 1840S WHEN THE OPENING OF THE SUSQUEHANNA AND TIDEWATER CANAL OFFERED A LINK TO MARKETS, AND SKILLED SLATE WORKERS WERE RECRUITED FROM WALES. RAIL TRANSPORT REPLACED THE CANAL IN 1876. QUARRIES CONTINUED TO OPERATE INTO THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY. PEACH BOTTOM SLATE WAS WIDELY RENOWNED FOR ROOFING.

Southern Maryland's Award-Winning Heritage

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ruffner) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 18:40:00 +0000

The Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium has garnered recognition for its efforts on the part of the region and the state-wide Heritage Areas program.

At the Tourism and Travel Summit in Annapolis on Thursday, November 4th, Roz Racanello, Executive Director of the Heritage Area, accepted an award in the category of Cultural Heritage Tourism.

The Cultural Heritage Tourism Award is given for outstanding investments and contributions in stewardship and development of Maryland's cultural heritage product as well as engagement in regional and statewide tourism initiatives.

Accepting the award, Racanello said, "This award is something I share with the hardworking tourism professionals in our three counties - it's really the partnership with all of them that makes our efforts so much more dynamic."

The Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium received the award for these unique partnerships and also for leadership in the preservation of the region's hertiage sites and stories along with the environmental resources, in order to provide visitors with a sense of history and wonder when they come to Southern Maryland. The Heritage Area has secured more than $1.76 million in grants, has developed award-winning products and has participated in regional marketing intiatives.

The mission of the Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium (SMHAC) is to enhance the economic activity of Southern Maryland through combining quality heritage tourism and small business development with preservation, cultural and natural resource conservation and education. Contact the Consortium at 301-274-4083, or by email.

Photo Caption: Margot Amelia, Hannah Byron, Southern Maryland Heritage Area Director Roz Racanello and Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Christian Johansson, at the Tourism Awards celebration.

National Scenic Byways Program Announces FY 2011 Grant Intention Solicitation

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ruffner) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:28:00 +0000

The National Scenic Byways Program announces the soliciation of grant intent to apply forms for FY 2011 funding, to be submitted by 2 p.m. on January 12, 2011. Guidance and other important materials are available on the Byways Online website at http://www.bywaysonline.org/grants/ .

Applicants should review these resources to ensure applications meet all submission requirements for the FY 2011 grant cycle. They are also asked to work closely with the byway organization that coordinates activities on the relevant byway. These organizations will rank and/or consolidate projects and can therefore have a large impact on the success of the application. In addition, all projects should reflect the priorities outlined in the corridor management plan that the respective byway organization has prepared.

Maryland's FY 2011 Funding Priorities:

Existing state byway desiring to prepare a corridor management plan (note a single corridor planning grant for multiple byways for the state is anticipated);

Projects that are intended to build strong regional partnerships among juridictions, heritage areas, or related state agencies to manage, interpret or market the byway and that are consistent with the Maryland Byawys Market Study; and

Projects that conserve or preserve vulnerable byway related resources through effective partnering with non-governmental organizations (e.g. land trusts, statewide or regional historic preservation organizations, etc.).

Additional priority will be given to those projects that have the greatest potential fo funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) based on the following:

Projects that demonstrate a value-added livability component in addition to its relationship to the byway and the byway traveler; and

Projects that demonstrate that they provide the greatest strategic benefit to the National Scenic Byway Project and/or Maryland's Scenic Byway Program.

A Typical Scenic Byway Funding Cycle - Step by Step:
Preliminary Statement of Interest Submitted by Sponsor January 12, 2011
Comments returned to sponsors/FHWA application available February 2011 (anticipated)
FHWA Applications Due to Maryland State Highway Admin. March 2011 (anticipated)
FHWA Grant Announcements and Funding Availability Fall 2011 (varies greatly)

Eligible applications with complete information will be reviewed by the Scenic Byways Advisory Committee. Applicants with high scoring applications will be notified to submit a final application, located at http://www.bywaysonline.org/grants/ .

Celebrate the Charles Street National Scenic Byway Designation

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ruffner) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 13:50:00 +0000

On October 25, 2010, the City of Baltimore will hold a celebration of the National Scenic Byway Designation of Historic Charles Street. Charles Street is one of the oldest thoroughfares in America, and is the backbone around which Baltimore grew. Charles Street also features the first monument erected in memory of George Washington, completed in 1824.

Maryland's Heritage Areas - Comfortable Driving and Easy Walking

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ruffner) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 15:09:00 +0000

Maryland's Heritage Areas feature prominently in two new national lists, for the 50 Most Comfortable Touring Drives, and Best Walking Cities.

According to a new survey by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and American Byways, 70 percent of Americans are planning to take at least one road trip this fall. American Byways worked with Goodyear to create a list of the 50 Most Comfortable Touring Drives for these fall roadtrippers, and the list includes several Maryland Heritage Areas:

The Baltimore Heritage Area's Historic Charles Street;
The Historic National Road, which passes through the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area and Canal Place Heritage Area; and,
The Journey Through Hallowed Ground, which also passes through the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area.

In addition to its driveablity, the Baltimore Heritage Area also boasts walkability. Baltimore appears in Prevention Magazine's new list of the Best Walking Cities. Listed at number 15, the Baltimore Heritage Area features a three mile Heritage Walk that links 20 historic sites and museums around the city and spans four centuries of American history.

Maryland Heritage Areas Authority Provides 55 Grants to Heritage Tourism Sites, Activities, and Organizations Across Maryland.

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ruffner) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:04:00 +0000

More than $2.6 million awarded by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority
CROWNSVILLE, MD (July 12, 2010) - Maryland non-profit groups, museums, and governments received 55 matching grants totaling $2,617,146 from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) for heritage tourism projects and activities that expand economic development throughout the state (see full listing). Heritage tourism is "traveling to experience the places and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present," as defined by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and "includes historic, cultural and natural resources."

"Targeted investments by Maryland's Heritage Areas Program promote economic growth and job development in our cities and towns by encouraging more people to visit and stay longer while enjoying Maryland's unique historic places, natural landscapes, and distinctive cultural traditions," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "I congratulate our eleven Certified Heritage Areas and their heritage tourism partners on these well-deserved awards. Their efforts boost Maryland's economy, preserve our state's valuable legacy and contribute to a Smart, Green and Growing Maryland."

Since its creation in 1996, the MHAA has enjoyed steady growth, enthusiastic private and public support and a record of achievement. This past March, the MHAA released its strategic plan for 2010-2020, entitled "Charting A Sustainable Course for the Next Decade: 2010 - 2020," to assist the program in meeting the challenge of managing a mature system of state Heritage Areas and sustaining that system over time. This plan lays out goals for the program and its management and specifies timelines and measurements for evaluating its implementation.

Over $10.6 million dollars has been invested into 231 projects throughout Maryland's 11 certified Heritage Areas under the O'Malley-Brown Administration. Even in tough fiscal times, Governor O'Malley included full funding for the heritage areas program in his FY 2011 budget. He successfully defended this important program in the General Assembly session, underscoring the importance of heritage tourism as an economic engine and a tool for preserving Maryland's historical assets.

The Maryland Heritage Areas Program helps communities use heritage tourism to strengthen their economies through the protection, promotion and enhancement of local cultural, historical, and natural resources. Heritage Areas are important partners in Maryland's efforts to encourage smart and sustainable growth by preserving our state's treasured landscapes and investing in heritage tourism destinations that encourage more visitors to these communities.

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority is an independent unit in the Executive Branch of government administered by the Maryland Department of Planning. MHAA was formed to help strengthen and revitalize communities by combining heritage tourism and small business development with historic preservation, conservation of cultural traditions, natural resource protection, recreation, and marketing of Maryland's unique history, culture, and landscapes.

Today, 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City have one of the eleven State-certified Heritage Areas within their boundaries. Each of Maryland's Certified Heritage Areas is defined by a distinct focus or theme that makes that place or region different from other areas in the state. These distinctive places exhibit tangible evidence of the area's heritage in historic buildings and districts, archaeological sites, cultural traditions, and natural landscapes, as well as resources such as museums, parks, and traditional ways of life as revealed in food, music, and art. The "special flavor" of each Heritage Area attracts not only out-of-state visitors, but locals who want to learn more about their heritage and take pride in their community's unique sense of place. Since its inception in 1996, the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority has awarded over $21 million in financial assistance and leveraged approximately $73.5 million in non-state funds for heritage tourism projects and activities statewide.

To learn more about the Maryland Heritage Areas Program and the state's 11 certified Heritage Areas, please visit
http://mht.maryland.gov/heritageareas_program.html.

Maryland Heritage Areas Authority Releases Strategic Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ruffner) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:29:00 +0000

On March 24, 2010, the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority released its Strategic Plan for 2010-2020. The plan, which received extensive public input over the past two years, is designed to assist the Maryland Heritage Areas Program in meeting the challenge of managing a mature system of state Heritage Areas and sustaining that system over time.

“I’m very pleased to release this plan, which provides a vision for heritage tourism development in Maryland and a blueprint for using our resources wisely to support local heritage area efforts in creating distinctive visitor experiences and protecting Maryland’s natural, historic, and cultural resources” remarked Authority Chairman Matthew J. Power.

The plan was unveiled at the Annapolis Maritime Museum’s Oysters on the Half Shell exhibit opening. Development of the exhibit was funded, in part, with Maryland Heritage Areas Program grant funds.

Tourism is a vital contributor to Maryland's diverse economy. In 2008 alone, Maryland tourists generated $1.8 billion in state and local tax revenues and created 146,000 jobs – 95% of which represent small business enterprises. Heritage tourism activities, such as those supported by the Maryland Heritage Areas Program, have been shown to attract visitors who spend more and travel longer, resulting in a more sustained and significant impact on the financial well-being of Maryland communities.

Begun in the spring of 2008, development of the strategic plan was led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Heritage Tourism Program and overseen by an interdisciplinary team of state and local tourism, heritage area, scenic byway, and natural resource conservation representatives. Funding for the plan was provided in part by a National Park Service Preserve America grant. A full version of the plan is available here.

Chief elements of the plan include:

● Statement of Three Focus Areas. The plan cites three categories of Heritage Area activity that will become the principal basis on which the success of the Maryland Heritage Areas Program will be evaluated over the next ten years, including: 1) Developing Heritage Tourism Product; 2.) Building Partnerships; and, 3.) Sustaining Regional Identity.

● Identification of Strategies. The plan identifies strategies in the areas of management, stewardship, heritage tourism marketing and product development, and communication and a proposed schedule for gradual implementation over a ten-year period.

● Program Performance Measures. The plan outlines how the Program will evaluate management effectiveness and program outcomes.

“By setting priorities and providing a focus for the future, the plan helps our many state, local government and non-profit partners to work together effectively while also giving them flexibility to determine and respond to local needs,” said Chairman Power. “The hard work begins now, as we start to implement the plan strategies.”

The Maryland Heritage Areas Program was created in 1996 to help communities use heritage tourism to strengthen their economies through the development, protection, and promotion of cultural, historic and natural resources. The Maryland Heritage Areas Program was recognized with a Preserve America Presidential Award in 2007 and has served as a national model for heritage tourism development. Since the Program’s inception, the MHAA has awarded over $18 million in financial assistance and leveraged approximately $70 million in non-state funds for heritage tourism projects and activities. Today, 23 counties and Baltimore City have Heritage Areas within their boundaries.

Apply Now for Designation as a Preserve America Steward

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Kegerise) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:45:00 +0000

The next quarterly deadline for submitting applications to the Preserve America Stewards program is June 1, 2010. Preserve America Stewards is a federal program which recognizes organizations and agencies that successfully use volunteers to help care for our historic properties. Preserve America Stewards receive a designation letter and certificate of recognition signed by First Lady Michelle Obama.

To date, programs have been recognized for a range of volunteer efforts. Some designated organizations address preservation and interpretation of historic buildings, such as the Oberlin Heritage Center in Ohio, the Friends of ‘Iolani Palace in Hawaii, and Cornerstones Community Partnerships, which works to preserve historic adobe buildings of the Southwest. Several Preserve America Stewards have been recognized for their volunteer archaeological site survey and monitoring, including the Kaibab Vermilion Cliffs Heritage Alliance in Arizona, New Mexico SiteWatch, and Bateaux Below, Inc., which works to preserve shipwrecks in New York’s Lake George. The Thatcher Island Association has been designated for its preservation of the Cape Ann Light Station, and the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County, Indiana, has been recognized for its South Bend Historic City Cemetery Project.

To be designated, applicants must demonstrate that their programs:
• provide volunteers with opportunities to contribute in direct and tangible ways to the preservation, protection, and promotion of historic properties;
• address an otherwise unfilled need in heritage preservation through the use of volunteer efforts; and
• demonstrate innovative and creative use of volunteer assistance in areas such as youth involvement, volunteer training, public education, and public/private partnerships.

Non-profit organizations, government entities (federal, state, local, or tribal), and businesses are eligible to seek designation for their programs.

Preserve America Stewards is administered by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the Department of the Interior. An application form and further information is available at http://www.preserveamerica.gov/.

Tobacco Barn Summit Rescheduled - April 30, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Kegerise) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:29:00 +0000

The Maryland Historical Trust, Preservation Maryland, and a number of local and regional partners will host the second Southern Maryland Tobacco Barns Summit on Friday April 30, 2010 at King's Landing Park in Huntingtown, Maryland.

Click here to download a flyer about the summit

Click here to Register for this FREE Event

In 2004, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the Tobacco Barns of Southern Maryland to its list of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. As a result of this listing, a coalition of representatives from the National Trust, the Maryland Historical Trust, the Southern Maryland Heritage Areas Consortium, and Anne Arundel, Prince George's and St. Mary's counties was formed to support barn owners in their efforts to preserve, rehabilitate, and reuse these significant landmarks that are now often abandoned and deteriorating due to the significant decline in tobacco cultivation.

The 2010 Tobacco Barns Summit is a follow up to the initial gathering held on November 15, 2004, and will continue the discussion on how to best promote barn reuse and promote agricultural land preservation. The summit will feature:

•Presentation on the history of tobacco barns

•tobaco barn reuse success stories

•showcase of available resources for tobacco barns

•discussion and brainstorming on future strategies

Click here to download the 2004 Tobacco Barns Summit Report

Click here to Register for this FREE Event

King’s Landing Park
3255 King’s Landing Road
Huntingtown, MD 20639
410-535-2348

Click here for a map to King's Landing Park

National Recreational Trail Grants Available - Applications Due July 1, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Kegerise) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:18:00 +0000

Each year Maryland is apportioned National Recreational Trails Program funds through the Federal Surface Transportation Equity Act for disbursement to qualifying projects. These funds, administered by the Maryland State Highway Administration, have made it possible for communities across the State to develop, improve and maintain trails in order to provide access to Maryland’s awesome natural and recreational resources.

We are always looking for eligible projects, and invite you to consider applying for National Recreational Trails Program funds for your recreational trail projects. To learn more about eligible project types and program criteria, as well as accessing a digital application, visit the following website: http://www.marylandroads.com <http://www.marylandroads.com//> . Scroll down to the “Recreational Trails Program” under “Environment and Community”.

Also, please be advised that this is an 80/20 percent reimbursement program, and not a grant program. Awarded funds will be used to reimburse sponsors for 80 percent of the expenditures incurred; invoicing is done on a monthly basis once construction or purchase of materials/equipment is started. The funds are limited and therefore awarded to the most qualified projects in an amount not to exceed $30,000 per project. Eligible projects include:

Maintenance and restoration of existing trails;
Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages for recreation and transportation oriented trails
Purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment;
Construction of new recreational trials;
Acquisition of easement and fee simple title to property for recreational trail purposes;
Implementation of interpretive/educational programs to promote intrinsic qualities, alternative transportation, safety, and environmental protection, as those objectives relate to the use of recreational trails.

Applications for this year’s funds are being accepted until July 1, 2010. Please submit to:

Recreational Trails Program

Office of Environmental Design

State Highway Administration

707 North Calvert Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Awards will be made subject to Maryland's receipt of its fiscal year 2011 Federal Fund allocation for the program. Thank you for your interest in the National Recreational Trails Program.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Terry Maxwell at mailto:tmaxwell@sha.state.md.us.

Terry Maxwell
Maryland Scenic Byways/Recreational Trails
Office of Environmental Design
State Highway Administration
707 N Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-545-8637 (p)
410-209-5003 (f)

MHT Non-Capital and Museum Assistance Grant Deadline is March 31, 2010!

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Kegerise) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:16:00 +0000

Don’t break your pencil in despair or throw out your draft. Call MHT staff to ask questions or get advice about your application that is due on March 31, 2010 (postmarked). While FY2011 funding remains unsettled, MHT’s Office of Preservation Planning and Museums staff await your call or email.

Non-capital Assistance: Nicole Diehlmann, Ndiehlmann@mdp.state.md.us or 410-514-7625

Museum Advancement Assistance: Mary Alexander, Malexander@mpd.state.md.us or 410-514-7622

Capital: This program is unfunded for FY2011.

Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Kegerise) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:56:00 +0000

Six Counties and More Than 50 Properties Featured on 2010 Tour

The annual Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage (MHGP) returns this spring over four consecutive weekends from Sunday, April 25 through Sunday, May 16, 2010. A Maryland tradition for seventy-three years, the MHGP offers visitors the opportunity to explore some of Maryland's most fascinating and noteworthy properties.

The 2010 tour includes 57 private homes, gardens, farms, churches and historic sites across six Maryland counties --

Baltimore City: Guilford (Sunday, April 25);
Baltimore County (Saturday, May 1);
Montgomery County (Sunday, May 2);
Charles County (Saturday, May 8);
Talbot County (Saturday, May 15);
Cecil County (Sunday, May 16).

The annual spring tours are a central component of the MHGP’s efforts to cultivate awareness of Maryland’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, from historic to contemporary settings. Each year, proceeds from the tour support designated preservation projects in each host community. To date, the Pilgrimage has raised well over a million dollars for the preservation and restoration of architecturally significant properties throughout the State of Maryland while entertaining and informing many thousands of tour-goers.

“This year’s tour features so many unique and vastly different types of properties,” says Mary M. Meyer, Chairman, Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage. “From stately, historic Georgian revival homes in Guilford (Baltimore City) and waterfront homes with extensive habitat conservation features (Talbot County), to seldom seen historic treasures like Josiah Henson Site - formerly called the “Riley Farm/Uncle Tom’s Cabin” (Montgomery County) and Mt. Harmon Plantation (Cecil County), one of the few remaining colonial era Plantations open to the public, visitors will surely delight in the many charms that led to Maryland being called ‘America in Miniature’," she adds.

For more information, tour details and tickets, please visit http://www.mhgp.org/ or call 410-821-6933, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, or send email to mhgp@aol.com.

Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage (MHGP), a non-profit organization, is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of architecturally significant properties in the State of Maryland. The Pilgrimage has remained constant with this purpose, since its formation in 1930.

Deadline Extended: MHAA Multi-Heritage Area Grants

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ruffner) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:33:00 +0000

Realizing that the record breaking snowfall(s) prevented many people from getting into their offices, we are extending the deadline for submission of Multi-Heritage Area Grants from February 12 to FEBRUARY 19, 2010.

The project grant application and instructions are available here.

If there are questions, please don't hesitate to contact Richard Hughes or Jen Ruffner - e-mail might be best if we are unable to get into the office, as we can check that from home (provided the electricity doesn't go out!).

Richard Hughes
Administrator
Maryland Heritage Areas Program
Maryland Historical Trust
Department of Planning
100 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032
Tel. (410) 514-7685
Fax (410) 514-7678
E-mail: rhughes@mdp.state.md.us
Website: http://mht.maryland.gov/

Jennifer Ruffner
Assistant Administrator
Maryland Heritage Areas Program
Maryland Historical Trust
Department of Planning
100 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032
Tel. (410) 514-7612
Fax (410) 514-7678
E-mail: jruffner@mdp.state.md.us
Website: http://mht.maryland.gov/

Maryland Heritage Areas Project Grant Deadlines

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ruffner) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:53:00 +0000

If you are planning to apply for a Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) Project Grant for FY 2011, we have posted each heritage area's grant deadline and submission information here. Applicants should remember that all submissions (except for multi-heritage area projects) must be submitted first to your local heritage area and not directly to MHAA. Please also note that many heritage areas ask for an Intention to Apply form before a full proposal is submitted, so check to see what your heritage area requires.

The MHAA Project Grant application and instructions are available here.

Don't forget that all applicants must also have completed a profile with the Maryland Cultural Data Project before they submit their grant application.

Ruppersberger and Sarbanes Send Staff to Historic Preservation Caucus Briefing

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Hughes) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:03:00 +0000

On Thursday, January 21st, the Congressional Historic Preservation Caucus hosted nearly 60 House and Senate staffers at an educational session entitled “Hot Topics in Historic Preservation” in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill. This briefing on the national historic preservation program was sponsored by the History Channel and a coalition of preservation partners including the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the National Park Service, the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Action, and the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions.

The purpose of this educational session was to familiarize staff with components of the national historic preservation program including the National Register of Historic Places, Save America’s Treasures grants, Preserve America, and State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, as well as inform staff about key contemporary aspects of preservation, including sustainability, the history and use of the Historic Preservation Fund, and how preservation is a vital economic and community development tool and strategy.

Representatives of Maryland’s Congressional delegation included Ann Jacobs of Congressman Ruppersberger’s staff and Jim Notter and Helena Mastrogianis of Congressman Sarbanes’ staff.

The Historic Preservation Caucus, chaired by Representatives Russ Carnahan (D-MO) and Michael Turner (R-OH), serves as a forum for Members to discuss ways to protect and revitalize America's historic places and structures. In the 111th Congress the Caucus will focus on historic preservation's important role in sustainable economic development and neighborhood revitalization. Three members of the Maryland Congressional delegation are members of the Caucus including Representatives Elijah Cummings, John Sarbanes, and Chris Van Hollen.

Sustainable Communities Lobby Day in Annapolis - January 27, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Kegerise) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:42:00 +0000

Sustainable Communities Lobby Day in Annapolis

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Open to All Marylanders Concerned About the Future of Housing, Transportation Options, the Environment, and Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change

WHAT:

The members of the Governor's Smart Growth Subcabinet are holding an event to launch the State's Sustainable Communities Initiative of 2010.

WHEN:

Wednesday, January 27, 2010
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:

Miller Conference West
Miller Senate Office Building
11 Bladen St.
Annapolis, MD 21401

Please RSVP to Roz Hamlett at rhamlett@mdp.state.md.us.

Maryland has been at the forefront of many policy innovations to improve access to affordable housing, create more transportation options and lower costs, while investing in cities, protecting the environment, and mitigating the effects of climate change.

INVITED SPEAKERS:

Richard E. Hall, Secretary, MD Dept. of Planning & Chair of Smart Growth Subcabinet

Raymond A. Skinner, Secretary, MD Dept. of Housing & Community Development

Beverley K. Swaim-Staley, Secretary, MD Dept. of Transportation

Christian S. Johansson, Secretary, MD Dept. of Business & Economic Development

Dru Schmidt-Perkins, Executive Director, 1000 Friends of Maryland

Kim Coble, Maryland Executive Director, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Contacts

Roz Hamlett, rhamlett@mdp.state.md.us

Andy Ratner, aratner@mdp.state.md.us

John Coleman, jcoleman@mdp.state.md.us

Congressman Sarbanes Supports Historic Preservation Funding

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Hughes) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:30:00 +0000

For the first time, the federal Historic Preservation Caucus co-chairs coordinated a Dear Colleague letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director, Peter Orszag, requesting funding for the nation’s core historic preservation programs in the President’s fiscal year 2011 Budget, due for release in early February. The letter requested $50 million for State Historic Preservation Offices, $5 million for a digitization/survey competitive grant program for SHPOs, $20 million for Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, $30 million for Save Americas Treasures and $10 million for Preserve America. Twenty-eight members of the House Historic Preservation Caucus signed-on, including Maryland Congressman John Sarbanes.

The Historic Preservation Caucus brings together members of Congress who understand the value of America's historic places as definers of our national character. Its members support and encourage the preservation and thoughtful economic development in their states, districts, and Indian reservations as a matter of national policy.

The Caucus, chaired by Representatives Russ Carnahan (D-MO) and Michael Turner (R-OH) now numbers 166 -- up from a 120 high-member-mark at the end of the last Congress. The growth of the Historic Preservation Caucus is an excellent opportunity for grassroots advocates. These members of Congress have stepped up to say they support us. Three members of the Maryland Congressional delegation have joined the Caucus including Representatives Elijah Cummings, John Sarbanes, and Chris Van Hollen.

Click here to read the text of the Dear Colleague letter.

Maryland Heritage Areas Program Grant Workshops - Register Now!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ruffner) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:43:00 +0000

Are you located in a Certified Heritage Area?

Are you interested in learning more about grants that are available for capital and non-capital projects relating to the preservation of historical, archeological, natural and cultural resources?

If so, you will want to attend one of four upcoming grant workshops that are being offered by the Maryland Heritage Areas Program. These sessions are an opportunity to learn more about the FY 2011 grant program and the revised grant application forms, and will also provide the chance to ask any questions you may have about the program.

All are welcome to attend. Please register no later than January 25, 2010 with the host of the session you select, as space is limited at some locations. Times, locations and contact information for the four sessions are listed below.

Wednesday, January 27, 10 a.m., B & O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore. www.borail.org. Call Shauntee Daniels at 443-984-2369 to sign up.

Friday, January 29, 10 a.m., Chesapeake College Cambridge Center, 416 Race Street, Cambridge. www.chesapeake.edu/cambridge/. Call Linda Cashman at 410-228-1000 to sign up. This session will also include a tutorial on the Maryland Cultural Data Project.

Monday, February 1, 10 a.m., Heritage Center Complex, 2664 Riva Road, Annapolis, Chesapeake Room, 2nd floor. Call 410-222-1805 to sign up.

Wednesday, February 3, 10 a.m., The Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street, Hyattsville, Prangley Room, 2nd floor. Call 301-887-0777 to sign up.

Questions? Call 410-514-7612.

Maryland Historical Trust has joined the Coalition for Full Funding

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Kegerise) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:23:00 +0000

The Maryland Historical Trust has joined the Coalition for Full Funding of the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). The Coalition is a diverse group of national, regional, state, and local organizations that believe full funding of the HPF should be the preservation community's top priority.

It is easy to join – just visit http://www.fullyfundhpf.org/ - to participate in this national grassroots effort.

To learn more about the Historic Preservation Fund and its impact in Maryland, Click Here

The HPF provides funding for the Maryland Historical Trust and other State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO) across the country. These funds are matched by the state and are used to support activities including implementation of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), administration of federal historic rehabilitation tax credits, nomination of resources to the National Register of Historic Places, development and implementation of state historic preservation plans, and the provision of technical assistance to local government and community organizations, the private sector, and federal agencies.

In addition, the HPF provides funding for Maryland’s Certified Local Government Subgrant Program which supports local government research, survey, planning and educational activities involving architectural, archeological or cultural resources.

The historic preservation movement has kept its promise to enhance, enrich, and inspire the American nation by preserving historic places of local, state, and national significance. Today, the recognized value of historic preservation as a green building practice, an essential element in the creation of sustainable communities, and a job generator makes this approach to growth more important than ever.

Full funding for the HPF is critical for the success of preservation efforts across the state. Please consider joining us in this national grassroots effort. Go to http://www.fullyfundhpf.org/ to join the Coalition and learn more about the HPF and the programs it supports.

Southern Maryland Tobacco Barn Summit

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Kegerise) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:01:00 +0000

**Rescheduled to February 14, 2010**

The Maryland Historical Trust, Preservation Maryland, and a number of local and regional partners will host the second Southern Maryland Tobacco Barns Summit on Sunday February 14, 2010 from 1:00PM-4:00PM at the Calvert Library in Prince Frederick, Calvert County.

In 2004, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the Tobacco Barns of Southern Maryland to its list of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. As a result of this listing, a coalition of representatives from the National Trust, the Maryland Historical Trust, the Southern Maryland Heritage Areas Consortium, and Anne Arundel, Prince George's and St. Mary's counties was formed to support barn owners in their efforts to preserve, rehabilitate, and reuse these significant landmarks that are now often abandoned and deteriorating due to the significant decline in tobacco cultivation.

The 2010 Tobacco Barns Summit is a follow up to the initial gathering heldon November 15, 2004, and will continue the discussion on how to best promote barn reuse and promote agricultural land preservation. The summit will feature:

Presentation on the history of tobacco barns
tobaco barn reuse success stories
showcase of available resources for tobacco barns
discussion and brainstorming on future strategies

Click here to download the 2004 Tobacco Barns Summit Report

No reservations are necessary.

Calvert Library
MD Route 4 across from the Hospital
850 Cosley Way
Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Click here for a map to the Calvert Library

(410)535-0291 or (301)855-1862
http://www.calvert.lib.md.us/

Maryland Traditions Apprenticeship Grants

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Kegerise) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:48:00 +0000

Application deadline is January 20, 2010!

The Maryland Traditions Apprenticeship Awards Program welcomes applications for apprenticeships in all forms of Maryland’s traditional expressive culture. The master artist and apprentice must both be residents of Maryland.

Maryland Traditions is a program of the Maryland State Arts Council. Its mission is to discover, share and sustain our living traditions. Maryland Traditions receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts Folk Arts Infrastructure Initiative.

Click here to download the grant application

Click here for more information on the Maryland Folklife Program and Maryland Traditions.