Preservation Maryland

One of the most popular community engagement activities in Smart Growth is the Main Street Program. In 1998, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development created a comprehensive downtown revitalization program called Main Street Maryland. For more than 20 years, this program has improved the economy, appearance, and image of Maryland’s downtown districts.

In the second blog post of the Maryland road trip series, travel experts Jeff and Diane navigate nature in Frederick County. Their approach was to be outside as much as possible, seeking out trails, rails and different parts of history, preservation and adaptive reuse that they did not see or explore deeply on their first go round the state. The other part was trying not to pack too much into a one-day adventure, but slow down a bit to enjoy. So off they went!

Amazon’s “Prime Day” has arrived, but at Preservation Maryland, we’re advocating for shopping local and supporting the small businesses that make your community unique! While Prime Day may boast deals and one-day-shipping, it’s a great opportunity to instead support local businesses and economies after an incredibly challenging year for retailers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Not sure where to shop locally this year? Staff at Preservation Maryland have compiled their favorite places to shop, eat, and play in their neighborhoods. From coffee roasters in Savannah to fabric shops in Baltimore, we’ve got you covered! So take a scroll through our ultimate guide to shopping small this Prime Day, and consider making a local purchase!

In this edition of the Preservation Playlist, we’re rewinding the track all the way back to the 1930s.

Did you know that June is Black Music Appreciation Month? In 1979, under President Jimmy Carter, the month of June was dedicated to celebrating and appreciating the work of Black musicians in the United States. While Black Music Appreciation Month began in the1970s, Black musicians have made major strides in the music industry throughout all of U.S. history.