MEDIA RELEASE
December 18, 2017
Hughesville, MD – The Executive Director and the Board of Directors of the Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium are pleased to announce the Mini Grant Awards for 2017! In keeping with the mission of the Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium, this granting opportunity is focused on preserving the heritage of Southern Maryland through innovative tourism, excellence in cultural and natural resource conservation, and unique educational opportunities.
The Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium had its greatest response to the Mini Grant Program to date, with over $50,000 in grant requests. This program has a current cap of $15,000 for Mini Grant awards. Of the many excellent proposals received, the SMHAC Board of Directors selected the following organizations and programs to receive the 2017 Grant Awards:
Calvert County
The Arts Council of Calvert County
- For the creation of the “Barn Quilt Trail” project with the goal of preserving and protecting the barns and craftsmanship of primitive arts in Southern Maryland.
Friends of Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
- In support of the “2018 Speaker Series” which serves as an avenue for topics and speakers not always included in the regional dialogue.
Chesapeake Beach and Railway Museum
- For the critical need of a comprehensive “Museum Interpretive Plan” that will address how best to engage and attract visitors to this unique historical site.
Charles County
The Piscataway – Conoy Tribe of Maryland
- For the implementation of a segment of the “Through Piscataway Eyes” Master Plan, with a focus on a “Traditional Native Arts Display” at the Charles County Visitor Center.
- For the program “The Culinary Story of Mount Aventine and Southern Maryland Cuisine” including culinary demonstration events featuring original recipes, and interpretation of how the use of the kitchen has evolved over two centuries.
St. Mary’s County
The Unified Committee for Afro-American Contribution
- For the project “United States Colored Troops Interpretive Center Display” which will include research and documentation of African American life, history and culture.
- In support of the “Common Ground, Connected Heritage Program” which builds on the Descendants Project, a program initiated to document the shared history of all Americans.
Each of the programs selected for an award will enhance the Southern Maryland experience for our visitors, residents, educators and businesses. An Award Ceremony is planned for February 2018.
