ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland’s heritage and economy received a significant lift on April 9, 2025, as Governor Wes Moore signed SB0980 into law, expanding the Maryland Heritage Areas Program. The bill, which passed unanimously in the Senate and garnered 137 votes in the House of Delegates, increases annual funding from $6 million to $12 million and raises grant caps for heritage organizations from $100,000 to $300,000. Sponsored by Sens. Paul Corderman and Michael A. Jackson, the legislation aims to enhance heritage tourism and economic growth across the state.
The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area and the Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition hailed the bill’s passage as a milestone. “Maryland is only one of two states in the nation with a state-based heritage area program, which speaks volumes about how deeply we value our history and its powerful role in the American story,” said Lucille Walker, executive director of the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area. “We also recognize the economic strength of our heritage and the vital role heritage tourism plays across the state. This legislation, along with the Maryland Heritage Areas Program, is essential to making sure everyone sees themselves in Maryland’s story for generations to come. We are truly grateful to Sens. Corderman and Jackson and the Moore-Miller Administration for championing this effort to expand heritage tourism and highlight the incredible range of stories, cultures, and communities that make Maryland unique.”
The state’s 13 certified heritage areas, spanning every county and Baltimore City, contribute an estimated $2.4 billion annually to Maryland’s economy and support over 40,000 jobs, according to the Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition. For every $1 invested, the program generates $7 in economic benefits, a return highlighted by Preservation Maryland. The new law increases access to Program Open Space funding via the state’s transfer tax, though it does not guarantee specific allocations.
“I was proud to be a sponsor on this important piece of legislation for Maryland,” Sen. Michael A. Jackson said. “This legislation will allow for additional funding in the future to highlight and lift up the stories of all Marylanders. It will assist the Maryland Heritage Area program in providing access to grants and funding to organizations and communities across our great state that will build our economic strength, which is particularly important now that so many are facing hardship at the federal level. It is a win for Maryland!”
Sen. Paul Corderman echoed the sentiment: “I was honored to assist with this important bill passing. I look forward to continuing to support the work done by the heritage areas across the state. We appreciate the Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition involvement as well, with lining up countless pieces of testimony!”
The legislation also positions Maryland to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026 and the state’s 400th in 2034. “The passage of this legislation comes at a critical time for our state’s heritage as we approach both the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding in 2026 and the 400th anniversary of the state itself in 2034,” said Nicholas Redding, president and CEO of Preservation Maryland. “Given the many challenges and opportunities ahead, we made this legislation a top priority, which now paves the way for increased funding, larger grants, and better outcomes for Maryland’s Heritage Area program.”
Managed by the Maryland Historical Trust, the program fosters sustainable development through heritage tourism, preserving historical, cultural, and natural resources while boosting local pride and economies.
