Search:
 

Whats new

Join the Virtual Earth Day Celebrations

What is Earth Day? It’s an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection and to flood the world with hope, optimism and action. This year is particularly significant because Earth Day is marking its 50th anniversary! The theme for Earth Day 2020 is climate action. The enormous challenge, but also the vast opportunities, of action on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary. Here are some of the ways our local partners and environmental organizations...

Read More

Explore Environmental Preservation Sites Online

With the support of our local partners and associations, Four Rivers is dedicated to preserving the attractions, locations, cultures, and stories of the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants, both past and present. The confluence of the Chesapeake Bay to the east and the area’s numerous creeks and four rivers—Severn, South, Rhode, and West—defined the area’s natural and man-made landscape and shaped the lives of those who settled along its shores.   Because of the connection between heritage and stewardship, some of our sites make environmental preservation an important focus of their...

Read More
Research
Apr 20 2020

Online Resources for Researching Local History

If staying home has left you with some extra time on your hands, maybe now’s the perfect time to undertake that research project you've been pondering for a while.  Every researcher contributes in their own way to deepening the knowledge of our heritage community. Whether you’re exploring your family’s past or delving into local history, here are some online tools and resources that can aid you in your task. Maryland State Archives Maryland State Archives has a wide variety of digital resources available for researchers. These resources include digital publications, special collections,...

Read More
Kunta Kinte Alex Haley Memorial 1
Apr 17 2020

Virtual Visits to Local African American Heritage Sites

Four Rivers strives to preserve and share the attractions, locations, and stories that portray the history of African American Marylanders. Their legacy and struggle have been documented and preserved here in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, allowing for visitors to experience their plight, learn about many important community members, and relive the stories that abound in our county. Even if you can’t visit in person at the moment, a number of important sites, exhibits, and memorials can be visited virtually!    Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center The Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center...

Read More

MHAA Offers COVID-19 Emergency Operating Grant Opportunity

We are pleased to share that the MHAA COVID-19 Emergency Operating Grants for Nonprofits are now open.  The guidelines are below for your reference. Nonprofit heritage tourism organizations located within the boundaries of Four Rivers Heritage Area (or the boundaries of any of Maryland's Certified Heritage Areas) that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis are eligible to apply for Emergency Grants of up to $20,000.  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with all applications received by the first of each month considered as a group.  The first deadline...

Read More

The “Golden Age” of Annapolis Goes Virtual

Annapolis is famous for its colonial charm and historic houses. At the time of its so-called “Golden Age,” from the late 1750s to 1776, Annapolis was described as the “genteelest town in North America.” To this day, our downtown is home to a greater density of original 18th-century buildings than any other U.S. city, making it a wonder of colonial architecture. Many of these homes are available for tours, including the mansions of three signers of the Declaration of Independence - Samuel Chase, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, and William Paca.   Although...

Read More

Tour Local Online Art Exhibits

In a previous blog post, we discussed the important contributions artists and arts organizations make to our heritage community, and the necessity of showing them our support. Although currently closed to the public, many of our partners are now offering virtual tours of their exhibits. Now’s the perfect time to discover, or rediscover, what’s on offer in our Annapolis galleries! Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts Take the Digital Gallery Tour of Unnatural Causes: Art of a Critical Nature. Maryland Hall has created a blog along with a complimentary video tour of...

Read More

Opportunities to Volunteer from Home

While staying at home, are you still interested in supporting historically significant research projects or other heritage-related initiatives? Below are some organizations looking for volunteers. One opportunity even provides a modest compensation. The Lost Towns Project Volunteer from home to preserve local history. The Lost Towns Project, in conjunction with Anne Arundel County, is seeking volunteers to assist with transcribing oral history interviews which document the African American experience in the county, especially during the time of segregation. Volunteers should have a computer with audio and an internet connection; we will provide...

Read More

Reflection: Why We Think Historic Sites Will Survive COVID-19

This weekend, many will be observing Easter, which represents a celebration of rebirth. In a way, our heritage sites will also experience a "rebirth" when they are able to open again to the public. Yesterday in our blog post, Webinar Notes: Historic Sites and COVID-19, we outlined some of the ways that historic sites can currently adapt to present circumstances while also preparing for the future. In keeping with this weekend’s theme of hope, our staff brainstormed some ideas we wanted to share, about the reasons we believe historic sites are...

Read More

Webinar Notes: Historic Sites and COVID-19

As we discussed in a previous blog post on COVID-19 Webinars for Nonprofits, webinars are an easy way to stay informed and educated while working from home. Four Rivers staff recently participated in an American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) Webinar on “Historic Sites and COVID-19,” which included a discussion about the unique challenges the coronavirus pandemic poses for historic sites across the county. Speakers offered ideas about how historic sites can best fulfill their mission, support their staff and volunteers, and serve their communities during our present...

Read More