At its July 12 2018 meeting, the Maryland Heritage Area Authority awarded 114 projects a total of $ 4,998,892 to 114 in FY19 Capital and non- Capital grants. Grants awarded from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) fund historic preservation, natural resource protection, and educational programs in 13 designated Heritage Areas. Grant funds support heritage tourism projects and activities that expand economic development and tourism-related job creation in 21 counties and the city of Baltimore.
Ten projects in the Stories of the Chesapeake, the heritage area for Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties received a total of $439,000 in grants that leverage $934,455. In addition to the local heritage area management grant of $ 50, 550, local projects include:
Adkins Arboretum will receive two totaling $34,950 for the construction of the south meadow viewing platform and installation of viewing binoculars on the platform. The grants will also fund a new trail map that reflects the addition of the viewing platform.
Caroline County Council of the Arts will receive $62500 to purchase the Hardee House from the Town of Denton so it can remain the home of the Fiber Arts Council of the Eastern Shore (FACES).
Beginning in late summer the historic Tug Delaware will be removed from the water using the marine railway at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to undergo a two year restoration project. The restoration will take place in full view of the visitors to the museum and will provide opportunities for classes, internships, and apprentices. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will receive $80000 towards this effort.
In 2017, the Friends of Wye Mills contracted a millwright to access the building and mill and to prioritize renovations to the Wye Ghrist Mill. Wye Mills will receive $20000 to implement the recommendations to correct water in the crawl space, restoration to water wheel, and other renovations necessary to continue grinding at Wye Mills.
Kennard Alumni Association, Inc. will receive $20000 to create an African American History Museum exhibit chronicling African American life on the Shore
Kent County Arts Council will receive $100,000 for the renovation of the 1790 building that serve as its headquarters on Spring Ave. in Chestertown. After renovation, the building will include gallery, performance spaces, an artistry in residence program, and ultimately a center for arts, humanities, and cultural interpretation in the region.
Queen Anne’s Historical Society will receive $21000 to install an HVAC system in the historic Tucker House. The HVAC system will improve the climate in the structure and better protect the unique collections found in Tucker House.
Talbot County will receive $50000 to create master plan for a park development and interpretive plan for the Douglas and Tuckahoe storylines at the Frederick Douglas Park on the Tuckahoe.
Congratulations to the recipients of the FY19 grants.
It’s not too early to begin planning for the FY20 MHAA grants. Applications and instructions are generally released in early January with a local due date of late February. Plan to attend the Stories of the Chesapeake Grants Workshop schedule for the fall of 2018.
# # # #
~ Stories of the Chesapeake