Each year the American Hiking Society leads and organizing special events for National Trail Day! It’s a great day to explore Maryland’s natural and historic landmarks – often connected through trails and byways. Read on for great trails through the Old Line State:
For over 20 years, the Heritage Fund grant program has provided vital funds for preservation projects across the state – it is a stable source of funding needed by Maryland’s cultural organizations now more than ever. This most recent round, awarded in the midst of a global pandemic and civic unrest, will grant nearly $50,000 for needed repairs, research, and project planning in communities large and small – all stewards of authentic Maryland history.
Harford County was recently designated a Certified Local Government by the National Park Service and the Maryland Historical Trust recognizing the County’s commitment to local preservation and equally as importantly, opening the county to new preservation funding programs.
The following is a curated list of resources for Maryland preservationists. It includes studies, reports, one-pagers and information relevant to the work of preservation.
The most recent and most comprehensive report ever conducted on the value of Maryland’s rehabilitation tax credit program offers tremendous insight into the economic power of these tax credits: Heritage Tax Credits: Maryland’s Own Stimulus to Renovate Buildings for Productive Use and Create Jobs, an $8.53 Return on Every State Dollar Invested (March, 2009)
This report suggests beyond economic impact, there are also powerful environmental benefits to restoring and rehabilitating historic structures: The Environmental and Energy Conservation Benefits of the Maryland Historic Tax Credit Program, Part 2 (March, 2009)
Maryland’s Heritage Area’s program has been held up as a standard to which all states should strive. This report reinforces the economic value of heritage tourism in the Old Line State: Investing in Our Communities: Maryland’s Heritage Areas Program (2003)
Preservation economist, Donovan Rypkema, made the case for preservation’s positive impact on Maryland’s prosperity. Measures include job creation, property values, heritage tourism, economics development, and smart growth and sustainability among others: The Value of Historic Preservation in Maryland (1999)
Tied with walking, visitors list visiting historic sites as one of their favorite activities at our State Parks system. The economic value of that interest is surveyed in this report by the State Parks system: Maryland State Parks Economic Impact & Visitor Study (2010)
An Economic Analysis of Maryland’s outdoor economy is massive – supporting tens of thousands of jobs and bringing millions of tourists to the state yearly. Preserved landscapes, towns and cities only enhance this vibrant sector of the state economy: Value of Maryland’s Outdoor Recreation Economy (2012)
Across the Potomac, Virginia’s state rehabilitation tax credit is just as robust – the only difference is that Virginia has invested more in their program – with incredible results: Virginia’s Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program (December, 2007)
Colorado has invested big in their heritage economy – and the results are staggering! Learn how and why the Colorado preservation story has been such a success: The Economic Power of Heritage and Place: How Historic Preservation is Building a Sustainable Future in Colorado (2011)
Preserved battlefields not only protect the memory of those who fought and died to save a nation – but they also are economic engines: Blue, Gray & Green: The Economics of Battlefield Preservation (2013)
This report by the office of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) offers a glimpse into the world of preservation funding and suggests opportunities for organizations looking to take advantage of incentives and grants: A Guide to Historic Preservation, Arts & Cultural Institutions, & Tourism Funding Opportunities and Incentives: How to Navigate the Funding Process (2015)
Program Open Spaces has preserved more land in Maryland than any other program – and has put nearly every Marylander within 15 minutes of publically accessible parkland or public open space. Learn more about why this program matters: The Case for Open Space in Maryland (2014)
The following one-page position pieces were prepared by Preservation Maryland for the 2016 legislative session on key legislative priorities:
Preservation Maryland’s toolkit for anyone looking to become an effective advocate for places that matter: Preservation Maryland 2015 Advocacy Toolkit (2015)
Whether a project requires a restoration carpenter, skilled bricklayer or talented mason, PreserveList is a project of Preservation Maryland that helps to connect historic property owners with preservation contractors.