Let the Lamp of History Light the Way: Thoughts on the Inauguration of a New Governor

01/17/2023
By Dana Cohen

Preservation News: State of Md. Announces $15M for Redevelopment of Former Military Base in Washington Co.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has announced the second recipient of the State of Maryland’s Catalytic Revitalization Tax Credit, designed to rehabilitate formerly government-owned properties for economic and community development purposes. The redevelopment of Fort Ritchie in Washington County will receive a state tax credit worth up to $15 million for the comprehensive redevelopment and reuse at the historic site of the former military base.

12/23/2022
By Preservation Maryland

Major Federal Legislation Championed by Preservation Maryland Heads to President Biden

BALTIMORE (December 22, 2022) – After nearly two years of dedicated advocacy, Preservation Maryland and its national program, The Campaign for Historic Trades, is pleased to announce that the Frederick Jobs and Historic Preservation Training Center Land Acquisition Act was included in the recently passed year-end government spending bill and is expected to be immediately signed into law by President Biden. The legislation was sponsored by Senators Cardin and Van Hollen and by Congressman Trone in the House of Representatives.

The legislation, which was initially drafted by Preservation Maryland advocacy staff, provides the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Training Center, located in Frederick, Maryland, with the congressional authority to acquire up to 20 acres to build out a fully functioning center for historic trades training. The vastly increased footprint will also permit the Center to expand and host more trainees in Frederick and around the nation.

In addition to leading the advocacy effort, Preservation Maryland President and CEO Nicholas Redding also testified before Congress in November of 2021 in support of its passage, alongside leading preservation and conservationists. Redding’s testimony before a congressional committee was a first in the organization’s history.

While a simple bill, its passage in one congress was anything but certain. Common sense preservation legislation often languishes, as leading national preservation groups know all too well. Fortunately, Preservation Maryland’s persistence coupled with tremendous congressional sponsorship in Maryland Senators Cardin and Van Hollen and Congressmen Trone and their respective staff, led to its passage in the 117^th Congress.

Nicholas Redding, Preservation Maryland President, and CEO, explained,

“Tackling federal legislation is perhaps the most complex advocacy goal for a statewide organization – it’s a task that confounds even the most sophisticated national organizations – so for Preservation Maryland to take the lead on this effort and see it through in one Congress is something to be celebrated.” Redding continued, “This legislation isn’t just about buying land – it’s about investing in our communities and building a workforce equal to the opportunity before us.”

With passage secured, the next phase of the complex project begins. Fortunately, the property has been identified and is owned by the City of Frederick, which is both a willing seller and partner. As the project develops, Preservation Maryland will update its followers and partners on opportunities to get engaged and supportive of the work ahead.

A special thank you to our partner the Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) and its superintendent Moss Rudley for their continued partnership.

Support our Winning Advocacy

Support the Campaign for Historic Trades

12/19/2022
By Dana Cohen

Maryland’s Preliminary FY24 Budget Recommends Replenishing Program Open Space

The State of Maryland recently announced the preliminary FY24 budget, including $102 million to fully replenish Program Open Space, eight years ahead of schedule to accelerate land conservation projects. Although still preliminary, Preservation Maryland is pleased to see support for a program we have long championed through our advocacy work and our Smart Growth program.

Let the Lamp of History Light the Way: Thoughts on the Inauguration of a New Governor

01/18/2023
By Nicholas A. Redding

“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” – Maya Angelou

Today, citizens from across Maryland, representing every background, race, creed, and culture will assemble in Annapolis to witness the inauguration of a new governor. Westley Watende Omari Moore will ascend the steps of Maryland’s iconic statehouse to take the oath of office on a bible once owned by Frederick Douglas.

Frederick Douglass’ bible. Courtesy National Park Service.

Every aspect of the inauguration has been purposely and carefully imbued with a sense of history – from the bible owned by a Maryland born American icon to the man who will become governor himself – who will be forever remembered as the first Black man to hold that office. Inaugurations are moments where history is what we’re both recognizing and making.

However, the acknowledgment, appreciation, and elevation of history need not stop once the inauguration concludes. If anything, this moment should remind all who value the power of history that we are engaged in critical work and in Governor Wes Moore and his new administration we have an opportunity for partnership to put history at the heart of what our new governor calls the Maryland Decade.

We can use history – and our communities, museums, and open spaces – as backdrops to explain from where we sprang and where we could go. We can use the upcoming 250^th anniversary of American independence as a moment to stop and reflect on the changing definition of freedom and what it will mean for generations yet unknown. We can use historic places and communities to help address some of Maryland’s most intractable challenges – from creating affordable housing to holding the line on the carbon warming our globe.

Indigenous Chicone-style structure with brick plantation house, Handsell (Dorchester County), in background.

Perhaps most importantly, we can use history and historic places to bring Marylanders together. A comprehensive study recently conducted by the organization More in Common found that,

“A clear majority of Americans want American history to be taught in ways that include both the inspiring and the shameful and that allows students to learn from the past without feeling guilty or disempowered by the actions of prior generations.”

Given Governor Moore’s emphasis on leaving no one behind – we should endeavor to explore, interpret, and preserve history that leaves no one behind in the dusty footnotes of our past. And, while elevating untold stories, we should also bring modern Marylanders from every walk of life along in our exploration of the past in a way that allows us to learn and grow together. As Maya Angelou so eloquently explained, history “cannot be unlived” – but if together we face our past with courage, need not be “lived again.”

Harriet Tubman Historic Marker in Dorchester County

As historians, preservationists, community activists and those who appreciate our past, this is our charge and our moment to rededicate ourselves to Maryland history at a time when history is being made all around us.

Nicholas A. Redding · Executive Director

Nicholas A. Redding is Preservation Maryland’s Executive Director and between announcing major organizational updates, he often blogs about Maryland and Civil War history.

Meet Our Team

Preservation Maryland