CHESTERTOWN — The Historical Society of Kent County has been awarded a $10,000 SHINE grant from Maryland Humanities.
The award, part of the Marilyn Hatza Memorial Strengthening the Humanities Investment in Nonprofits for Equity (SHINE) grant program, will support the historical society’s operating expenses and further its mission to preserve and share Kent County’s rich history, according to a Dec. 12 news release.
The SHINE grant program supports nonprofits in advancing equity and expanding access to the humanities.
According to the news release, the Historical Society of Kent County was selected from a highly competitive statewide field of applicants, underscoring the impact of its programs, resources and community engagement.
“We’re thrilled to receive this generous grant from Maryland Humanities,” historical society Executive Director Maria Wood said in the news release.
“It’s not just a boost for our operating budget. It’s a vote of confidence in our mission to make Kent County’s stories come alive for everyone. These funds will help us as we connect our community to the past while building a more inclusive future,” Wood said.
The $10,000 grant will support critical operating expenses, enabling the historical society to continue offering walking tours, research services, exhibits and cultural events.
The news release states, “The activities play a crucial role in fostering appreciation for local history and making it accessible to everyone — from scholars and writers conducting research, to Kent County families sharing their genealogies with children and grandchildren, to visitors exploring the area for the first time.”
Maryland Humanities’ SHINE grant program commemorates the legacy of Marilyn Hatza, a museum professional, archivist and advocate for equity and its relationship to grant-making in the humanities sector.
Hatza, who was from Cambridge, was the first to propose that Maryland Humanities offer general operating support to humanities organizations.
“The Historical Society of Kent County is proud to carry her vision forward by promoting inclusivity and broadening its outreach efforts,” the news release states.
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The Historical Society of Kent County is dedicated to preserving, protecting and sharing the rich history of Kent County [Maryland] through its museum, research library, exhibits and programs.
The public is invited to visit the Bordley History Center at 301 High St. in downtown Chestertown, attend events and consider getting involved as a member or volunteer.
Membership benefits include unlimited use of the genealogy and research library [by appointment], a discount on books in the museum gift shop and invitations to members-only events. A donation of $25 is recommended for individual memberships, and $40 for families. Student memberships are always free.
Visit www.kentcountyhistory.org for more information, or email admin@kentcountyhistory.org.