Hughesville, MD – On July 13, the Moore Administration announced $466,500 to the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area, with $5 million awarded statewide. The Executive Director and the Board of Directors are pleased that these grants to Southern Maryland reflect substantial growth in the heritage area and the heritage area’s historical significance on a state and national level. Seven organizations received grants for their projects that preserve and enhance the heritage of the region, providing innovative tourism and educational experiences.
Historic Sotterley Inc. – $90,000.00
• Historic Sotterley Manor House Restoration
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum – $83,000.00
• Patterson Gardens and Grounds Restoration
Middleham and St. Peter’s Parish – $47,500.00
• Accessing the Diverse History of Southern Maryland
St. Mary’s College of Maryland Foundation, Inc. – $47,500.00
• Uncovering the Enslaved at the Chiles Homesite, Charles County Maryland
The Friends of Point Lookout Inc. – $8,500.00
• The Interpretation of Civil War Point Lookout
Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland – $100,000.00
• FY24 Management Grant
Working Out Wonders Foundation, Inc. – $90,000.00
• Carroll Farmhouse and Cemetery Preservation Project
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The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area is both a state and national heritage area. This organization is the heritage tourism entity for Southern Maryland with a mission to enhance the region through innovative heritage tourism experiences, comprehensive cultural and natural resource conservation, and excellence in educational opportunities. To learn more about the Southern Maryland National Heritage area, visit our website.
The Governor’s Press Release is below.
Governor Moore Announces $5 Million in Heritage Project Grants Through the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced 100 matching grants totaling $5 million awarded to Maryland nonprofits, local jurisdictions, and other heritage tourism organizations by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. Grant funds support heritage tourism projects and activities that attract visitors and expand economic development and tourism-related jobs throughout Maryland.
“Heritage tourism boosts local economies, connects people to their past, and elevates them in the present,” said Gov. Moore. “My administration is proud to support a diverse offering of place-based experiences and new partnerships as we work to enrich the lives of Maryland residents and visitors.”
The Maryland Heritage Areas Program provides $2.4 billion in annual economic impact. Maryland Heritage Areas Authority grants generate $319.8 million in state and local taxes and supports 33,815 full- and part-time jobs annually. Organizations receiving grant awards include museums, parks, historic sites, educational organizations, and other entities that steward and celebrate the unique cultural and natural resources located within one of Maryland’s 13 certified heritage areas, a program that is locally administered and overseen by the authority.
“Since its creation in 1996, the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority has awarded more than $68 million dollars in grants and helped leverage more than $1.65 billion in non-state funding for heritage tourism projects and activities in Maryland’s 13 certified heritage areas,” said Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Rebecca Flora, AICP. “These grants encourage investment in Maryland’s economy and help bring an appreciation of Maryland’s long history and rich culture to people both inside and outside of our beautiful state.”
From Maryland’s Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay coastal areas to the unspoiled scenery of Maryland’s mountains, Maryland’s heritage areas contribute to the state’s economy by preserving and enhancing the places that attract local and out-of-state tourists. Heritage areas foster broad public-private partnerships to preserve and enhance Maryland’s historic sites and towns, unspoiled natural landscapes, diverse stories, and enduring traditions. All Maryland counties and Baltimore City have at least part of a state-certified heritage area within their boundaries.
The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority is an independent unit of government chaired by the Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Rebecca Flora and is administered by the Maryland Historical Trust. A full economic impact study can be found at mht.maryland.gov/heritageareas_impact.shtml.
To learn more about the Maryland Heritage Areas Program and the state’s certified heritage areas, please visit mht.maryland.gov/heritageareas.shtml.
