Historic Resources in Maryland’s State Parks
One of the top reasons people visit Maryland’s State Parks is for the historic resources! The Maryland Department of Natural Resources stewards more of the state’s historic and architectural resources than any other entity. Preservation Maryland will work to help identify, document, and prioritize the needs of these resources in the face of a limited budget and large project backlog.
THE PROBLEM
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources stewards more of the state’s historic and architectural resources than any other entity. There is also the reality of time and budget when working to fully address the needs of these important pieces of Maryland history.
THE FIX
Preservation Maryland will work with our partners to help identify, document, and prioritize the needs of these resources in the face of a limited budget and large project backlog.
War Correspondent’s Memorial at South Mountain Battlefield State Park. Flickr user lcm1863.
HISTORY & SIGNIFICANCE
The historic resources held in Maryland’s State Parks are found in every corner of Maryland and cover a wide variety of types of historic sites. The stories these sites tell are just as diverse as their locations and frames, tracing the whole of Maryland’s rich history. Historic sites in State Parks are not just stately mansions and military installations, they are also farms and more common family homes each with a compelling backstory.
THREAT & GOALS
While there are many sites still in use in State Parks either as interpretive sites open to the public, as support buildings to the parks or as part of the Resident Curatorship Program, there are many historic sites that do not have active uses and are in need of creative solutions to help ensure their long-term preservation. Preservation Maryland will help to identify historic sites around State Parks, document sites, and determine a priority of need to help guide preservation efforts.
Updates
AUGUST 2018
Visitors of Hispanic descent are one of the fastest growing and biggest user groups to Maryland’s state parks! Preservation Maryland is partnering with Maryland State Park’s Es Mi Parque program to provide brief park histories in both English and Spanish.
MARCH 2018
As part of a year-long initiative to support the historic resources within Maryland State Parks, Preservation Maryland has teamed up with the Department of Natural Resources to document some of those most historic and unique properties in the State Parks. Recently, a team went to the Hornbaker House at Fort Frederick State Park.
FEBRUARY 2018
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is conducting a statewide public survey to help set their priorities in land acquisition, conservation, and recreation — there are several questions related to the maintenance and interpretation of historic sites so it’s a great opportunity to show how important Maryland history is to you.
Can we count on you?
Preservation Maryland isn’t just preserving the past – we’re investing in our future. In just the past year we’ve invested heavily in our work and refused to accept the mounting challenges as a reason to retreat or hold our position. You are making it all possible.