The "Ghost Rivers" project, which used blue thermoplastic lines to illustrate the pathway of Sumwalt Run underneath Remington and Charles Village, was a previous recipient of funding from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. Photo by Public Mechancis.
The "Ghost Rivers" project, which used blue thermoplastic lines to illustrate the pathway of Sumwalt Run underneath Remington and Charles Village, was a previous recipient of funding from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. Photo by Public Mechancis.

Maryland will fund more than $4.6 million worth of heritage-related, place-based projects across the state in an effort to support local economic growth.

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority will provide 91 matching grant awards to these projects.

“History is an active force for promoting economic development and building strength in our communities,” Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement. “Projects funded through our Heritage Grant Awards will make Maryland more competitive, support a diverse array of new partnerships, and enrich the lives of thousands of people.” 

All 24 Maryland jurisdictions will receive grants. Among the recipients are eight projects in Baltimore City, totaling $409,150 worth of grants.

The Baltimore recipients, grant amounts, and projects include:

  • Opera Baltimore – $50,000 for “Voices in Solidarity: Baltimore Black and Jewish Operatic History”
  • Baltimore Heritage Area Association, Inc. – $100,000 for “FY 2026 Management Grant”
  • Baltimore Heritage Area Association, Inc. – $25,000 for “FY 2026 Block Grant”
  • Baltimore Museum of Industry, Inc. – $40,000 for “Echoes From the Key Bridge”
  • Civic Works, Inc. – $50,000 for “Developing Clifton’s American Story”
  • Maryland Zoological Society, Inc. – $50,000 for “Anchoring Baltimore for 150 Years: The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore”
  • Poe Baltimore, Inc. – $44,150 for “Revolution & Remembrance: Baltimore’s Patriots and the Poe Family”
  • The B&O Railroad Museum, Inc. – $50,000 for “Interpretation of the Mount Clare B&O Passenger Car Works”

“The Maryland Heritage Areas Program demonstrates how history, culture, recreation and planning can work together to protect and share state assets and regional identities,” said Rebecca L. Flora, Maryland planning department secretary and chair of Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, in a statement. “I am particularly excited to see that several projects being awarded this year are connected to honoring Maryland’s role in the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial. I continue to be in awe of the grantee organizations that dedicate so much time and passion to make sure the full range of our state’s diverse stories are being told in authentic and engaging ways. Their efforts create experiences that enhance quality of life, make our towns more livable, and contribute to local economies.” 

For a full list of the FY26 grants, visit mht.maryland.gov.

For more information about the Maryland Heritage Areas Program and heritage areas, visit mht.maryland.gov/Pages/MHAA/heritage-areas.aspx.

Marcus Dieterle is the managing editor of Baltimore Fishbowl, where he covers the environment and education (among other topics). He helped lead the team to win a Best of Show award for Website of General...