May 2021

Did you know there are four Blue Star Museums currently open to the public in the Four Rivers Heritage Area? Blue Star Museums offer free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve. The 2021 Blue Star Museums program runs this year from Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 15 until Labor Day on Monday, September 6, making Memorial Day weekend a perfect opportunity to plan a visit. Be sure to check each museum’s website or social media for updated Memorial Day hours as...

The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) has shared some new opportunities for the public to get involved with supporting the arts community as panelists for two programs, the Independent Artist Awards (IAA) and Public Art Across Maryland (PAAM). MSAC is looking for a wide range of geographic representation, so local experts are encouraged to apply! Independent Artist Awards (IAA) By reviewing and scoring applications, IAA panelists help MSAC recognize the achievement of Maryland artists, awarding $2,000, $10,000, and $15,000 awards. This year’s Awards will be focused on the Literary Arts. This is...

Fewer events this week means less you need to choose between! This week it's all about history and research. Learn from fellows and curators about what informs and inspires them, whether it's stories about the Underground Railroad or the complexities of tall case clocks. Click on the event title for more information. Research in the Time of COVID-19: Case Studies from 400 Years of African American History Fellowship Date: Tuesday, May 25 Time: 3:30-5:00 pm Location: Online Host Organizations: Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism and the Legacy of Slavery in...

We're excited to announce a new reopening of another Four Rivers Heritage Area site! Read on for more information. Reopening this weekend The Maryland State House (100 State Circle, Annapolis) is reopening to the public on Saturday, May 21. The Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use and is the only state house ever to have served as the nation's capitol. Don't miss the statues of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, which were unveiled last February. Opening hours are 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The State House is...

Sites are reopening and organizations are returning to in-person activities, but they need your support and assistance to help them welcome back the public. Want to get involved? Here are a few volunteer opportunities to consider, whether your interest is nature, archaeology, or education. Scenic Rivers Land Trust is launching a New Invasive Species Control Program at Bacon Ridge Natural Area (Hawkins Road Trailhead, Crownsville). Volunteers are invited to help on Thursday mornings throughout the summer to work on designated trail sections to remove specified invasive plant species. The work will continue...

[caption id="attachment_29435" align="alignleft" width="319"] Greg Mazella, Wylie and Donna Donaldson, Amelia Chisolm, and C. Jane Cox[/caption] We're delighted to highlight an important initiative shared with us by our friends at Anne Arundel County's Cultural Resources Division as they continue to showcase the importance of preservation and why "This Place Matters." In celebration of Preservation Month, the Anne Arundel County's Cultural Resources team has recently installed the first few of 10 interpretive signs celebrating historic places that matter across the County. This program highlights not just well-known historic buildings, but also seeks to...

With COVID-19 restrictions lifting there are even more in-person events and tour opportunities available, although there are still plenty of virtual lectures on offer. Or, if you're looking for a chance to volunteer within the heritage community, consider participating in the Tanyard/Franklin Cemetery Clean-up Day. Have a great week! Click on the event title for more information. Virtual Lecture – Uncorked! Wine, Objects & Tradition Date: Tuesday, May 18 Time: 7:00 pm Location: Online Host Organization: Historic Annapolis Leslie B. Grigsby, Senior Curator of Ceramics and Glass at Winterthur, presents a celebration of...

Please find below an important update regarding the Non-Profit Economic Development Recovery Grant Program from Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC). Due to programmatic issues, AAEDC delayed the opening of the application period of its Non-Profit Economic Development Recovery Grant Program which was to start on Monday, May 10. New application dates have now been announced! Applications will now open on May 17 at 9:00 a.m. and run until May 28 at 5:00 p.m. The grant aims to support the workforce and operations of non-profit organizations that serve the larger community with a...

Please see below the announcement from our friends at the Maryland Department of Planning seeking nominations for their Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards. We're certain there's a business or organization in our community deserving of a nomination! The Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards celebrate significant achievement by individuals, businesses, organizations, and local governments to support the 12 planning visions adopted by the Maryland General Assembly. The awards promote exemplary work that represents or inspires collaboration, innovation, conservation, community impact, and quality of life. Awards are given in the categories of Leadership and Service, Sustainable Communities, and Preservation/Conservation and will be presented at the...