In 2016, thanks to the support of our loyal donors, Preservation Maryland dramatically expanded the operations and impact of the organization. We rose to meet a series of new and dynamic challenges and held true to our commitment to defend and preserve Maryland’s irreplaceable history and heritage. To read more about the year, please download our Annual Report.
Preservation Maryland annual report, 2016.
WINTER
Briefly, our year began with grassroots organizing in Cumberland in an attempt to preserve the historic Rolling Mill neighborhood. Sadly after a strong community campaign and a partnership with the Institute for Justice, demolition was all that municipal leaders could see.
In February, Preservation Maryland braved the cold rain of Annapolis to host Maryland History Advocacy Day. The result? The re-authorization of Maryland’s historic rehab tax credit. And in March, our staff and the Maryland Historical Trust represented Maryland at National Historic Preservation Advocacy Day in Washington, DC.
SPRING
Later in Spring, we consulted with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development regarding Project C.O.R.E., a state-led plan to demolish thousands of vacant historic structures in Baltimore City. While some demolitions will proceed, our involvement helped make millions of dollars available for rehabilitation, too.
Each May, Preservation Maryland celebrates Preservation Month with our Best of Maryland awards! And this year’s location at the Annapolis Maritime Museum was the best-attended awards events we’ve held – with over 200 folks silhouetted against the waters of the Chesapeake.
SUMMER
On the move again in July, we set up shop in Frederick to host our professional development conference. The two learning tracks were held at the Delaplaine Arts Center and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.
JULY 30, 2016
Ellicott City, the charming historic district along the Patapsco River in Howard County was hit by a devastating storm and flood that threatened to destroy some of the City’s treasured historic buildings. With funds raised directly after the disaster, Preservation Maryland – with the help from community and corporate sponsors – opened a staffed field office to provide direct technical assistance. This works is on-going.
FALL
Reaching the milestone in September, the Heritage Fund grants – a partnership program of Preservation Maryland and the Maryland Historical Trust – have surpassed the distribution of over $1 million dollars since the program’s inception in 1997. All told, the grants have resulted in over $17 million worth of complete projects.
By October, we were prepared to announce our new Six-to-Fix project roster at our annual reveal event. This program has resulted in hundreds of thousands of grant dollars, volunteer hours and donated services – all in just our first year of operation.