February 2021

The following was shared with us by the Maryland Transportation Authority and the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration on behalf of the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study. We encourage our partners and supporters to get involved by attending a public hearing and providing public comments on the project. Public comments are currently being accepted through May 10, 2021. Your input will have an impact on the future of mobility in one of the most important corridors of Anne Arundel County. The Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the...

We hope you enjoy these events from our partners. There's a lot to choose from this week to keep you busy through this last week of February! Click on the event title for more information. Equity and Justice in Employment Procedures Date: Tuesday, February 23 Time: 9:00 am Location: Online Host Organization: Maryland State Arts Council Join MSAC’s Executive Director, Ken Skrzesz and your fellow colleagues across the state on Tuesday mornings! Ken is joined by special guests Michael Ross, Executive Director and Stephanie Ybarra, Artistic Director of Baltimore Center Stage to share...

Are you a heritage organization trying to recover from the impact of COVID-19? Or a frequent visitor to local museums who can provide feedback on your experience? Help our partners by taking a survey to support their strategic planning efforts. COVID-19 Impacts on Maryland's Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage Organizations The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) and the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) want to hear from organizations doing historical, natural and cultural heritage-related work around the state. To date, how has your organization been impacted by COVID-19 and the resulting changes to...

The Shuttered Venue Operator Grant from SBA, providing emergency assistance for eligible venues affected by the COVID pandemic, is still not yet accepting applications. However, we believe the demand will be high once the application portal is open and would like our partners to be as prepared as possible to secure funding if eligible. In a past post, we provided you with Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Information, including eligibility requirements and links to an FAQ sheet and informational webinar. Here is a list of recommendations provided directly by Americans for the...

Black History Month continues in the Four Rivers Heritage Area. From the Visionary Genius of Frederick Douglass to the Voices of the Enslaved, don't miss these special events, and more, from our partners this week. Click on the event title for more information. Webinar - The Bay Act: Current, Past, and Future Date: Tuesday, February 16 Time: 6:30 pm Location: Online Host Organization: Chesapeake Bay Foundation The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, enacted more than 30 years ago, was designed to curb nutrient and sediment pollution to the Chesapeake Bay through sound land-use practices...

Do you ever wonder how the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) reviews and selects grants for funding? Here's your chance to get involved in the process! The program is seeking panelists to review grant applications. MHAA has a few open spots on the FY 2022 grant review panel and will also accept nominations for future grant review cycles on a rolling basis. Panelists will have a unique opportunity to learn about and support Maryland’s historic, natural and cultural heritage, get an inside look into our grant review process, and gain insight...

Do you need a last-minute gift for Valentine's Day? Look no further than the online stores of our heritage partners. They offer a wide variety of gifts to make sure you find just the right thing for your special someone. Plus, you'll be supporting the important mission of a local nonprofit organization (their websites are quoted here). What's not to love? Annapolis Maritime Museum - Shop for home decor, apparel, books, and more. Your purchase helps support Annapolis Maritime Museum to educate youth and adults about the Annapolis area’s rich maritime...

Valentine's Day is Sunday! Celebrate early by enjoying events from our partners about everything from art to sweets, and even the history of chocolate. Black History Month also continues with a special discussion about the statues of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass at the Maryland State House. Click on the event title for more information. Webinar - Problem Solving Through the Creative Process Date: Tuesday, February 9 Time: 9:00 am Location: Online Host Organization: Maryland State Arts Council Join MSAC’s Executive Director, Ken Skrzesz and your fellow colleagues across the state on Tuesday...

Take note! The forthcoming Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant offered through the US Small Business Administration provides emergency assistance for eligible venues affected by the COVID pandemic. Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. Eligible entities include: Live venue operators or promoters Theatrical producers Live performing arts organization operators Relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria Motion picture theater operators Talent representatives, and Each business entity owned by an...