At a ceremony during the spring business meeting of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) held in Annapolis, Maryland, on Wednesday, May 18, 2005, St. Mary’s County received a certificate signed by Mrs. Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States and Honorary Chair of the Preserve America initiative, designating Maryland’s Mother County as a Preserve America Community.
"To be recognized among the many communities nationwide for preserving our history and utilizing our cultural resources to inspire and educate our future generations is truly an honor," said Thomas F. McKay, President, Board of County Commissioners. "Everyone who continues to work towards achievements in this area should be very proud of this designation by the White House."
Other Maryland communities recognized at the May 18, 2005 ceremony include Annapolis, Cumberland, Dorchester County, Oakland, Snow Hill, and Worcester County. Communities designated through the program receive national recognition for their efforts, including listing in a government web-based directory to showcase preservation and heritage tourism efforts and eligibility for proposed Preserve America grants that are currently being considered by Congress.
The ACHP, an independent federal agency, promotes the preservation, enhancement, and productive use of the nation’s historic resources and advises the President and Congress on national historic preservation policy and plays a key role in carrying out the Administration’s Preserve America initiative. Visit www.achp.gov for more information.