More than $3.1 million awarded State-wide by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority
CROWNSVILLE, Md. (Aug. 15, 2008)—Non-profit groups, museums, and governments across Maryland received 58 grants totaling over $3.1 million from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) for projects and activities that support economic development through heritage tourism. Of the total amount, seven grants totaling $370,800 were awarded for projects in southern Maryland.
Heritage tourism is defined as “traveling to experience the places and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. It includes historic, cultural and natural resources" (National Trust for Historic Preservation).
Since 1996, the MHAA has certified eleven Heritage Areas located across Maryland. Historic buildings, sites, and districts; distinctive natural landscapes; museums; parks; and other arts and cultural resources located in Certified Heritage Areas, are eligible to receive MHAA grants for capital and non-capital projects. MHAA capital project grants support the acquisition, development, and restoration of heritage sites and structures. Non-capital project grants support the development of interpretive exhibits and signage, events, performances, and festivals. Additionally, MHAA grants provide operating support for the eleven locally-managed Certified Heritage Areas, and marketing assistance for heritage sites and activities.
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 in 1996 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.
Summary of Southern Maryland-based Projects Receiving Grants:
Project Title: Heritage Area Operating Assistance
Recipient: Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland
Grant Award: $47,500
Project Title: Indian Head Heritage Rail Trail Development
Recipient: Board of County Commissioners for Charles County, Public Facilities/Parks Division
Grant Award: $100,000
Project Title: Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Historic Park Enhancement
Recipient: Board of Commissioners for St. Mary’s County
Grant Award: $92,500
Project Title: Railcar Dolores Restoration Phase II
Recipient: Board of Commissioners of Calvert County, Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum
Grant Award: $27,000
Project Title: Calvert Marine Museum Orientation Video
Recipient: Calvert Marine Museum Society, Inc.
Grant Award: $10,000
Project Title: Rehabilitation of Burch House
Recipient: Society for Port Tobacco, Inc.
Grant Award: $43,800
Project Title: “The Battle of St. Leonard Creek” War of 1812 Exhibition
Recipient: Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum – Maryland Historical Trust
Grant Award: $50,000