Maryland Heritage Areas Authority Awards Matching Grants Totaling $489,500 to Local Heritage Organizations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 12, 2019

Annapolis, MD: Four Rivers: The Heritage Area of Annapolis, London Town & South County joins the Hogan Administration in announcing 8 new grants totaling $489,500 to local Annapolis and Anne Arundel County non-profit organizations by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA). The 8 local grants are among 109 matching grants totaling $5 million that were awarded to Maryland non-profits, local jurisdictions and other heritage tourism organizations including museums, and historic preservation, natural resources, cultural, and educational organizations. These grant funds support heritage tourism projects, historic preservation, natural resource protection and educational programs and activities that expand economic development and tourism-related job creation. MHAA oversees Maryland’s system of 13 locally-administered, State-certified Heritage Areas, which are places to experience – see, hear and even taste – the authentic heritage of Maryland in a unique way that cannot be experienced anywhere else.

“Four Rivers is thrilled to bring this unprecedented level of state heritage areas funding to important heritage tourism projects that will enrich the cultural experiences of visitors and tourists alike for years to come.” – stated Carol Benson, the Executive Director.

These grants, given for the last 22 years, produce economic activity in areas that contribute to Maryland’s cultural heritage. By supporting capital projects and educational activities, the grants stimulate interest in Maryland culture from residents and visitors. “Heritage tourism is one of the building blocks of our overall tourism strategy in Maryland,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “By preserving these historic, natural, and cultural treasures, we attract visitors to our state, and ensure that these unique communities continue to grow and thrive well into the future.” Funded projects in the Four Rivers Heritage Area include:

• Non-Capital grant to Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park, Inc., for “‘Our Changing Waterfront’ – Exhibit Fabrication and Installation,” $50,000
• Non-Capital Grant to Anne Arundel County, in partnership with ALTSCHA, Inc., for “Boundary Amendment Study for ALTSCHA,” $50,000
• Capital grant to Captain Avery Museum, for “A Vision for Visitation,” $23,000
• Non-Capital grant to Historic Annapolis, Inc., for “History of Annapolis Exhibit: Design Documentation Completion,” $24,000
• Capital grant to London Town Foundation, for “Southern Side Enhancement: Horticulture Complex Design,” $94,000
• Capital Grant to Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, for “East Iconic Façade Repair and Improvements,” $100,000
• Non-Capital Grant to Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, for “Sellman-Kirkpatrick-Howitt House: Museum Exhibit Planning – Phase I,” $48,500

In addition, Four Rivers received a Management grant for $100,000, making a total of $489,500 in MHAA funding to the Four Rivers Heritage Area for FY20, for projects totaling more than $1.5 million. The Management grant to the Four Rivers Heritage Area supports activities such as the annual mini-grants program, the annual heritage awards, regional interpreter training, networking meetings for site directors and managers, educational workshops, online resources, and new collaborative initiatives.

For more information, visit the Four Rivers website at www.chesapeakecrossroads.org, or contact Executive Director, Carol Benson, at 410-222-1805.

Click Here for Press Release: FY20 MHAA Grants to Four Rivers