CHESTERTOWN — On behalf of the Maryland Historical Trust, the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture and Washington College, Chesapeake Heartland Project Director Darius Johnson and Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience Deputy Director Jaelon T. Moaney will host a public workshop in Chestertown on Friday, April 11, focusing on the African American Heritage Preservation Program.
Co-administered by both agencies, the $5 million grant program supports the preservation of historically and culturally significant buildings, sites and communities related to the African American experience in Maryland.
The competitive program is funded through an appropriation from the Maryland General Assembly.
The AAHPP has an annual appropriation of $5 million.
Grant awards range from $10,000 to $250,000.
The workshop, led by AAHPP staff, aims to assist those interested in applying for a grant. Items to be discussed will include eligibility of applicant organizations, properties and projects; documentation required for the application; and selection criteria.
Eligible applicants include nonprofits and local jurisdictions.
Business entities and individuals also may apply for program grants when seeking funds for a preservation or development project that serves a high public purpose.
There is no match requirement for this grant program.
The workshop will be held at Sultana Education Foundation’s Harwood Nature Center at 301 S. Mill St. (located within the boundaries of the Lawrence Wetlands Preserve) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Lawrence Wetlands Preserve is a walk-in facility; there is no onsite parking. Visitors are encouraged to park in the public lots in the 300-block of Cannon Street or on the surrounding streets.
Program staff will be on hand to clarify eligibility requirements and provide technical assistance to those preparing grant applications for the fiscal year 2026 round. The grant round opened on March 30; applications are due by June 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
In a written statement, Moaney, an MCAAHC commissioner, said: “Kinship communities in rural contexts throughout Maryland are often misunderstood and yearning for authentic, enduring connections to cultural stewardship initiatives. This convening embodies dignified thought partnership at its core. As an Eastern Shore native, it is an immense honor to co-host the workshop and deepen awareness of the African American Heritage Preservation Program with the support of diligent colleagues from both agencies.”
“I am thrilled and grateful to the Maryland Historical Trust and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture for co-hosting this vital workshop in Kent County,” said Johnson, who also serves as a trustee for the Maryland Historical Trust. “Recognizing the substantial need for grant support across the Eastern Shore, we reached out to both organizations, and they graciously agreed to assist the stewards of our region’s cultural heritage. With a few Kent County projects awarded in the previous round of funding, I’m hopeful that more organizations will feel encouraged to apply for this catalytic source of funding.”
Demonstrating the program’s impact on local preservation efforts, the African American Heritage Preservation Program previously has supported projects in Kent County, including the Custom House (Chestertown) and the Mander House Museum (Worton).
The public is encouraged to attend this free workshop to learn more about the AAHPP and how to apply for grants.
Registration is required and can be completed via Google form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc__t7FaIHbGRjNLFAHOP3O1BcXAsK9MJ781xaHJDG9SjxD6Q/viewform.