ANNAPOLIS — Governor Wes Moore on Thursday announced more than $4.6 million in matching grant awards through the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority to support 91 projects aimed at strengthening local economies through heritage tourism and cultural development.
The grants will go to nonprofits, local governments, and heritage organizations in all 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City. Funding will back a range of heritage-based initiatives, including historic preservation, museum enhancements, educational programming, and events tied to the upcoming U.S. semiquincentennial.
“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,” Gov. Moore said.
The Maryland Heritage Areas Program contributes an estimated $2.4 billion in annual economic benefit to the state and supports nearly 34,000 jobs. According to the state, these grants also help generate over $319 million in local and state tax revenue.
Recipients include museums, schools, parks, and other institutions operating within Maryland’s 13 certified heritage areas. Projects receiving funds this year include several that highlight Maryland’s role in the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
“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 Maryland Heritage Areas Authority Chair Rebecca L. Flora.
The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, established in 1997 and administered by the Maryland Historical Trust, has distributed more than $74 million in grant funding to date, generating over $175 million in non-state matching contributions for heritage-focused projects.
Maryland has awarded over $4.6 million to support nearly 100 new heritage projects aimed at expanding tourism and preserving cultural resources statewide.
