Whats new

In the latest video from our "Story Project," Pamela Browne, longtime volunteer and now Executive Director of the Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center, Inc., shares her story about what drew her here, starting with her father's attendance as a high school student. The Legacy Center is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Wiley H. Bates High School, formerly (1932 to 1966) the only high school for African Americans in Anne Arundel County. It is a unique cultural arts and heritage center displaying historical documents and collections that preserve...

Our partners have been hard at work planning a wide variety of offerings that are entertaining and educational. Here's what's happening in the Four Rivers Heritage Area this week, including a new Maryland Day 2020 event. Click on the event title for more information. Learning at London Town: The Fabric of Life Dates: Wednesday, October 14, 1:00-3:00 pm & Saturday, October 17 10:00 am -12:00 pm Location: Historic London Town House and Gardens, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater Host Organization: Historic London Town House and Gardens Experience the fabrics of colonial life – woolens,...

One new way to support our heritage partners is to go shopping! The following organizations have recently launched online stores. There's no better time to buy local. Historic Annapolis Museum Store A popular Annapolis gift shop is now virtual. Shop the HA Museum Store Online to find a captivating mix of merchandise that ties to Chesapeake Bay heritage with nautical and historic gifts. Now you can browse a marvelous selection of boat models, tableware, vintage-inspired jewelry, crab-inspired gifts, books and home décor. Proceeds benefit Historic Annapolis and their mission to preserve and protect...

Looking for a way to volunteer and support the local heritage community for home? Here's a new opportunity! The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is seeking panelists to review to review 2021 Heritage Award nominations. Heritage Awards recognize long-term achievement in traditional arts, or community-based living cultural traditions handed down by example or word of mouth. Awards annually recognize one recipient in each of three categories: Person/People, Place, and Tradition. Serving as a panelist is a great opportunity to support the traditional arts while also learning about MSAC granting processes. What does a...

The Pathways Grant Program provides support for projects at historical organizations throughout the state of Maryland. The goal is to build the long-term resiliency and efficacy of museums, historic sites, and other organizations that make up Maryland’s heritage community. This grant program is administered by Maryland Center for History and Culture. Eligibility: Eligible applicants will steward and interpret locally based, historically significant sites and landscapes; museum and library collections; and/or educational assets as a core part of their mission activities. Eligible applicants will be incorporated, non-profit organizations in good standing with the...

Get outside and enjoy some beautiful fall weather on a historic walking tour, or stay in with a virtual lecture. This week, we've got you covered with a variety of events. Click on the event title for more information. Colonial Cocktails: Fish House Punch & Mint Julep Date: Tuesday, October 6 Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Location: Historic London Town House and Gardens, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater Host Organization: Historic London Town House and Gardens If you missed last month's Colonial Cocktails because it was sold out, now's your chance to experience Fish House Punch...

The Forever Maryland Foundation, in partnership with the State of Maryland is now accepting applications for the annual Keep Maryland Beautiful grants program. Four different grants are being offered to help volunteer and nonprofit groups, communities, and land trusts support environmental education projects, litter removal, citizen stewardship, and solve natural resource issues in urban and rural areas. The Keep Maryland Beautiful grants will be offered in two categories: Environmental Education, Community Initiatives and Cleanup Grants (for community groups, local governments, and nonprofits) Citizen Stewardship Grant - Up to $5,000 is awarded to schools, nonprofits, and other community...

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) provides science-based knowledge to meet the environmental challenges of the 21st century. This new video is part of the Four Ri vers Heritage Area's "Story Project," funded by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. Hear the story of Steve Myers and Dave Norman, who volunteer at SERC, as both educators and citizen scientists who are helping to preserve and restore the Chesapeake Bay. SERC leads research on coastal ecosystems—where the land meets the sea—to inform real-world decisions for wise policies, best business practices, and a sustainable...

Fall is always a  busy time for conferences. Though we'll miss the opportunity to connect with our colleagues in-person this year, moving events online means it's easier for all of us to participate in, and benefit from, these key discussions in our field. Small Museum Association Webinars Theme: "Museums Respond to Crisis" Instead of an Annual Conference, this year the Small Museum Association will be holding a series of monthly webinars around their theme, "Museums Respond to Crisis." The next webinar, Budgeting in Times of Crises and Uncertainty, is Thursday, October 1, from 1:00-2:00...