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April 2020

Research
Apr 20 2020

Online Resources for Researching Local History

Whats new
by Hope Stewart

If staying home has left you with some extra time on your hands, maybe now’s the perfect time to undertake that research project you've been pondering for a while.  Every researcher contributes in their own way to deepening the knowledge of our heritage community. Whether you’re exploring your family’s past or delving into local history, here are some online tools and resources that can aid you in your task. Maryland State Archives Maryland State Archives has a wide variety of digital resources available for researchers. These resources include digital publications, special collections,...

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Kunta Kinte Alex Haley Memorial 1
Apr 17 2020

Virtual Visits to Local African American Heritage Sites

Attractions, News, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

Four Rivers strives to preserve and share the attractions, locations, and stories that portray the history of African American Marylanders. Their legacy and struggle have been documented and preserved here in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, allowing for visitors to experience their plight, learn about many important community members, and relive the stories that abound in our county. Even if you can’t visit in person at the moment, a number of important sites, exhibits, and memorials can be visited virtually!    Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center The Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center...

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MHAA Offers COVID-19 Emergency Operating Grant Opportunity

News, Partner Resources, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

We are pleased to share that the MHAA COVID-19 Emergency Operating Grants for Nonprofits are now open.  The guidelines are below for your reference. Nonprofit heritage tourism organizations located within the boundaries of Four Rivers Heritage Area (or the boundaries of any of Maryland's Certified Heritage Areas) that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis are eligible to apply for Emergency Grants of up to $20,000.  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with all applications received by the first of each month considered as a group.  The first deadline...

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The “Golden Age” of Annapolis Goes Virtual

News, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

Annapolis is famous for its colonial charm and historic houses. At the time of its so-called “Golden Age,” from the late 1750s to 1776, Annapolis was described as the “genteelest town in North America.” To this day, our downtown is home to a greater density of original 18th-century buildings than any other U.S. city, making it a wonder of colonial architecture. Many of these homes are available for tours, including the mansions of three signers of the Declaration of Independence - Samuel Chase, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, and William Paca.   Although...

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Tour Local Online Art Exhibits

Attractions, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

In a previous blog post, we discussed the important contributions artists and arts organizations make to our heritage community, and the necessity of showing them our support. Although currently closed to the public, many of our partners are now offering virtual tours of their exhibits. Now’s the perfect time to discover, or rediscover, what’s on offer in our Annapolis galleries! Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts Take the Digital Gallery Tour of Unnatural Causes: Art of a Critical Nature. Maryland Hall has created a blog along with a complimentary video tour of...

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Opportunities to Volunteer from Home

News, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

While staying at home, are you still interested in supporting historically significant research projects or other heritage-related initiatives? Below are some organizations looking for volunteers. One opportunity even provides a modest compensation. The Lost Towns Project Volunteer from home to preserve local history. The Lost Towns Project, in conjunction with Anne Arundel County, is seeking volunteers to assist with transcribing oral history interviews which document the African American experience in the county, especially during the time of segregation. Volunteers should have a computer with audio and an internet connection; we will provide...

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Reflection: Why We Think Historic Sites Will Survive COVID-19

Whats new
by Hope Stewart

This weekend, many will be observing Easter, which represents a celebration of rebirth. In a way, our heritage sites will also experience a "rebirth" when they are able to open again to the public. Yesterday in our blog post, Webinar Notes: Historic Sites and COVID-19, we outlined some of the ways that historic sites can currently adapt to present circumstances while also preparing for the future. In keeping with this weekend’s theme of hope, our staff brainstormed some ideas we wanted to share, about the reasons we believe historic sites are...

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Webinar Notes: Historic Sites and COVID-19

Partner Resources, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

As we discussed in a previous blog post on COVID-19 Webinars for Nonprofits, webinars are an easy way to stay informed and educated while working from home. Four Rivers staff recently participated in an American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) Webinar on “Historic Sites and COVID-19,” which included a discussion about the unique challenges the coronavirus pandemic poses for historic sites across the county. Speakers offered ideas about how historic sites can best fulfill their mission, support their staff and volunteers, and serve their communities during our present...

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Telling Your Story During COVID-19

News, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

As we are experiencing this significant moment in time, one productive coping mechanism during the COVID-19 pandemic is to keep a record of our thoughts, emotions, and daily occurrences. What is happening today will someday be taught as history, and we all have a story to tell. Below are examples of ways for you to tell your COVID-19 story.  Tell someone your story Email the Maryland Historical Society Maryland Historical Society (MdHS) has launched a new initiative called Collecting in Quarantine and they invite you to participate. How is the novel coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic...

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Explore the Maryland Heritage Areas – Virtually!

News, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

Did you know the Four Rivers Heritage Area is just one of the 13 heritage areas in Maryland? Our heritage areas are locally-designated and State-certified regions where public and private partners make commitments to preserving historical, cultural, and natural resources for sustainable economic development through heritage tourism. Learn more about how heritage areas drive economic support to our state, then virtually visit the other 12 heritage areas by clicking on the heritage area name to access their website, YouTube or Facebook site.   Anacostia Trails Heritage Area/Maryland Milestones Maryland Milestones highlights the...

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