ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore announced 91 matching grant awards totaling over $4.6 million from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) on July 14, 2025, with funds supporting heritage tourism and community enhancement projects across Maryland, including the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area. These grants, awarded to nonprofits, local jurisdictions, and heritage tourism organizations, aim to promote economic growth by preserving and sharing Maryland’s cultural and natural resources.
Southern Maryland’s Role in Heritage Preservation
The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area, encompassing Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and parts of Prince George’s counties, is among the 13 state-certified heritage areas benefiting from the FY26 grants. These funds will support place-based projects that highlight the region’s unique history, including its role in early American settlement, maritime traditions, and contributions to the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial celebration in 2026. The MHAA grants are expected to bolster local economies by enhancing tourism and fostering community engagement in Southern Maryland.
“History is an active force for promoting economic development and building strength in our communities,” said Gov. Wes Moore. “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.”
Economic and Cultural Impact
The Maryland Heritage Areas Program, administered by the Maryland Historical Trust, generates $2.4 billion in annual economic impact statewide, supporting 33,815 jobs and contributing $319.8 million in state and local taxes. In Southern Maryland, grant recipients include museums, historic sites, and educational institutions that steward the region’s cultural assets. These organizations use MHAA funding to develop projects that attract visitors and preserve local heritage, such as interpretive exhibits and community events tied to the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area’s historical narrative.
Leadership and Vision
Maryland Department of Planning Secretary and MHAA Chair Rebecca L. Flora emphasized the program’s role in storytelling. “The Maryland Heritage Areas Program demonstrates how history, culture, recreation, and planning can work together to protect and share state assets and regional identities,” Flora said. “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.”
A Legacy of Investment
Since 1997, the MHAA has awarded over $74 million in grants, generating $175 million in non-state matching funds. The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area leverages these funds to create authentic, engaging experiences that enhance quality of life and make local towns more livable. A full list of FY26 grant recipients, including those in Southern Maryland, is available.
For more information on the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area and other heritage areas, visit. The grants underscore Maryland’s commitment to preserving its diverse history while fostering economic vitality through heritage tourism.
