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Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture Announces $1 Million In Funding for Preservation Projects

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ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC) announces $1 million in available funds for African American preservation projects throughout the state of Maryland. The goal of the African American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHPP) is to identify and preserve buildings, communities, and sites of historical and cultural importance to the African American experience in Maryland. This year, the competitive annual program is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Since its inception, it has distributed nearly $10,000,000 to 115 preservation projects throughout Maryland (see map below). AAHPP is supported through an annual appropriation from the Maryland General Assembly and is administered as a joint partnership of the MCAAHC and the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT).

“The Commission’s primary function is to protect and preserve Black history in Maryland,” said Chanel Compton, MCAAHC Executive Director. “I am pleased that the State of Maryland has committed nearly $10 million in funding over the last 10 years to support 115 projects around the state. This ensures that future generations experience and learn from such valuable resources.”

Grant awards range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and local jurisdictions. Business entities and individuals may also apply for program grants when seeking funds for a preservation or development project that serves a high public purpose. Eligible projects include acquisition, construction, capital improvement, and certain predevelopment costs for African American heritage properties. Program guidelines and grant applications may be obtained from the Maryland Historical TrustThe deadline is 11:59 pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2020.

“The preservation of Maryland’s historic black landmarks is a vital service provided by the Commission,” said Rev. Dr. Tamara England Wilson, MCAAHC Chair. “I am proud to say that we are connecting Marylanders to the resources they need to protect and preserve Maryland’s rich African American history and culture.”

MHT Map of Preservation Projects

mcaahc cmap


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