“Now is the time for action.” With those words, Preservation Maryland Executive Director Nicholas Redding concluded the inaugural Six-to-Fix announcement in the posh and mid-century modern showroom of the Price Modern company of Baltimore.
The October 9th event, which was attended by nearly 200 Preservation Maryland’s supporters, was the kickoff to a year-long effort to proactively engage in six targeted projects across the state. The goal of the new program is simple: select six historic sites around the state that could benefit from the assistance of Preservation Maryland and through a cooperative partnership with the applicant, put that site on a new trajectory towards a better state of preservation.
In operation, of course, this becomes a much more complex effort – as each project is unique in its challenges, resources and potential outcomes. In order to bring clarity and focus, the Preservation Maryland team is crafting concise one-year project plans which will outline a timeline and goals, identify deliverables and include a needs-assessment for each site. With this information in hand, each project will then move to a more public outreach phase, soliciting the help of volunteers to assist with specific, targeted portions of the larger overall project. From graphic design to technical writing, architectural assistance or legal work – each project will require a different skill set.
Tony Azola, President of the Preservation Maryland Board, explained, “What’s really great about this program is that we have an opportunity to engage our members and supporters in meaningful volunteer work. It’s an all-hands-on-deck moment for this organization – and something I think we will all be very proud of for many years to come.”
The status of each project will be updated often on Preservation Maryland’s social media platforms and our new website, which will launch this month. With Six-to-Fix in mind, the site’s developers at Younts Design created a unique landing page for the program – complete with opportunities to learn more, get involved and take action for a project – not to mention many opportunities to also financially support the program.
At an approximate cost of $15,000 in staff time, expenses and other expenses per Six-to-Fix project, generating financial support for the program will also be an important aspect of the new effort and one that Director of Development Doug Harbit is eager to start. Harbit explained, “I’ve been involved with preservation for nearly my entire career – and the idea for Six-To-Fix fills me with tremendous hope. These projects are important and I’m looking forward to working with our donors to fill the gap to adequately fund this program.”
Antietam Battlefield: A Cleanup Campaign
THE “FINAL ATTACK” ON NON-NATIVE INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES
Partners: National Park Service; Save Historic Antietam Foundation
The Fix: Organize a large-scale clean-up day
Baltimore’s Historic Storefronts
HELPING A CITY HEAL ITS PHYSICAL WOUNDS
Partners: Baltimore Heritage
The Fix: Support the restoration of North Avenue historic storefronts
Dorchester County: High Tides of Change
IDENTIFYING OUR HISTORIC RESOURCES BEFORE THE WATER RISES
Partners: Dorchester County; Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area; Maryland Historical Trust
The Fix: Survey threatened coastal historic and cultural resources
Glenn Dale Hospital: Breathing New Life into Old Buildings
PRESSING PLAY ON A STALLED PROJECT
Partners: Glenn Dale Citizens’ Association; the Lincoln-Vista Civic Association; Glenwood Park Civic Association
The Fix: By organizing stakeholders, implement past preservation plans
Holly Hall: The Grand Dame of Elkton
A CITY RALLIES TO SAVE ONE OF ITS OWN
Partners: City of Elkton
The Fix: Focus expertise on creating a preservation and reuse plan for Holly Hall
Pleasant View: From Civil War to Civil Rights
PRESERVING PLEASANT VIEW’S AFRICAN-AMERICAN STORY
Partners: Pleasant View Historic Association
The Fix: Provide preservation, architecture and engineering expertise to preserve this complex
To keep up with the latest news on the status of these projects and how you can get involved and make a difference, be sure to visit our recently re-designed website at: sixtofix.org.