Southern Maryland Heritage Sites Gain Maryland Heritage Grants

The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area announced that seven heritage tourism organizations in the region have been awarded Maryland Heritage Grants totaling $368,675 through the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) for fiscal year 2026. These funds will support restoration projects, workforce development, and public education initiatives, including the Piscataway Conoy Indigenous Peoples Festival, to preserve the region’s unique history and boost economic growth.

Funding for Historic Preservation and Cultural Education
The Maryland Heritage Grants will support a range of projects across Southern Maryland, a region known for its significant historical contributions, including the nation’s first law establishing religious freedom and the first person of African descent to participate in an American legislature. The grants will be distributed to:

• Calvert Marine Museum Society, Inc.
• Historic Sotterley, Inc.
• Preservation Maryland
• Society for the Restoration of Port Tobacco, Inc.
• The Official Piscataway Conoy Tribe of Maryland, Inc.
• Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland

These organizations will use the funds to restore historic sites, enhance public access to cultural narratives, and promote heritage tourism, which supports local economies and job creation. “From the first law establishing religious freedom, to the first person of African descent participating in an American legislature, to the enduring legacy of our region’s Indigenous Peoples, Southern Maryland holds an exceptional place in our nation’s history,” said Lucille Walker, executive director of the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area. “These grants are the echo of voices past and the promise that everyone’s stories will be heard, honored, and held for generations to come”.

Economic Impact of Maryland Heritage Grants
The MHAA, a state program, generates significant economic benefits, contributing $319.8 million in state and local taxes annually and supporting 33,815 jobs across Maryland’s 13 heritage areas, which cover parts of every county and Baltimore City. For every $1 invested in Maryland’s Heritage Areas, a $7 return is generated, making the Maryland Heritage Grants a vital tool for economic development. “The FY26 Maryland Heritage Areas Authority grant awards represent more than funding — they’re investments in Maryland’s identity, vitality, and future,” said Nicholas Redding, President and CEO of Preservation Maryland.

Specific Projects Supported by Maryland Heritage Grants
Among the funded initiatives, the Piscataway Conoy Indigenous Peoples Festival will receive support to showcase Indigenous traditions. “We, the Piscataway Conoy, are extremely grateful for this grant as it will provide support for our Indigenous Peoples Festival to the residents of the region, state, and nation,” said Chairman Francis Gray, Chair of the Piscataway Conoy Tribal Council. The festival aims to highlight the enduring presence of Indigenous communities.

The Society for the Restoration of Port Tobacco, Inc., will use its grant to repair the historic Port Tobacco Courthouse and Village. “Since the pandemic, traffic to the Historic Port Tobacco Village has slowed down, and we have been unable to afford much-needed repairs,” said Joyce Edelen of the Society. “This grant makes it possible to repair our beloved Port Tobacco Courthouse and Village”.

Historic Sotterley, Inc., will advance preservation efforts with its grant. “We are so grateful to the Maryland Heritage Area Authority for making this important project possible for Historic Sotterley,” said Nancy Easterling, former executive director.

The Calvert Marine Museum Society, Inc., will support a project to document the history of the Patuxent River. “This grant will provide critical funding to enable ‘Patuxent: An Encyclopedic Pictorial History of Maryland’s Forgotten River’ to be placed in libraries, historical societies, and museums,” said Dr. Ralph Eshelman, author and historian.

Looking Ahead
The Maryland Heritage Grants underscore the state’s commitment to preserving its cultural landscapes. “This significant investment in our region’s heritage is not only a tribute to the stories that shaped us, but is a catalyst for the future we are building together,” said Craig Sewell, Interim Chair of the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area. A full list of FY26 grants is available at https://mht.maryland.gov. For more information on the Maryland Heritage Areas Program, visit https://mht.maryland.gov/Pages/MHAA/heritage-areas.aspx.

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