4 Havre de Grace Nonprofits Get State Funding For Heritage Tourism

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — Several nonprofit organizations in Havre de Grace were awarded funds through the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, which on Thursday announced $5.1 million in matching grants statewide. About $404,000 will benefit Harford and Cecil counties, officials said.

Funding will go toward heritage tourism projects and activities, according to a statement from the governor's office. "Heritage tourists" are those focused on historic sites, museums, cultural activities, or the natural beauty of Maryland’s mountains and coastal areas on the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, officials said.

“Heritage tourism is an economic development tool that creates jobs and brings visitors to the state while making our communities better places to live and work,” Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement. “Our administration is proud that this funding will allow for 107 projects to move forward and congratulate Maryland’s Heritage Areas and their tourism partners for their support in changing Maryland for the better.”

Each jurisdiction in the state includes a Maryland Heritage Area — encompassing historic sites, natural landscapes and traditions — spurring tourism and economic development.

Here are the organizations in Havre de Grace that got grants toward heritage tourism:

• The Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy received $15,000 for phase three of the restoration of the Skipjack Martha Lewis, which includes sails and rigging.
• The Havre de Grace Colored School Museum and Cultural Center received $100,000 for the Colored School preservation and restoration project.
• The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum received $100,000 toward preserving R. Madison Mitchell's Decoy Shop for future generations.
• The Havre de Grace Maritime Museum received $14,000 for total roofing replacement and entrance decking replacement.

Outside of Havre de Grace, two organizations in the Harford-Cecil region were also awarded grants, officials said.

The Susquehannock Wildlife Society received $50,000 toward educational exhibits for its wildlife center, which is under construction in Darlington.

The Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway received a $25,000 block grant for FY 2023 and a $100,000 management grant for FY 2023 through the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.