NEWS FROM FOUR RIVERS
February 16, 2021
Maryland Heritage Areas Program: Call for Panelists
The Maryland Heritage Areas Program encourages nominations for its grant review panel. The program has a few open spots on the FY 2022 panel and will also accept nominations for future grant review cycles on a rolling basis. If selected, panelists will have a unique opportunity to learn about and support Maryland’s historic, natural and cultural heritage, get an inside look into our grants process, and gain insight into what makes a good grant proposal. It's also a way to give back to Maryland’s heritage community!

Who is eligible? Panelists may have experience in a broad range of areas, from construction and marketing to historic preservation and outdoor recreation (see the full list of relevant areas in our application materials). 

Apply to serve or nominate a colleague. Be sure to complete the form by March 12, 2021 for best consideration for this year’s grant review.
Webinar - The Bay Act: Current, Past, and Future
Tuesday, February 16
6:30 pm
Organization: Chesapeake Bay Foundation

The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, enacted more than 30 years ago, was designed to curb nutrient and sediment pollution to the Chesapeake Bay through sound land-use practices that minimize the disturbance and development of environmentally-sensitive coastal areas. Proposed new regulations under the Bay Act are being fleshed out right now to encourage and promote the preservation and planting of trees, as well as adaptation to sea-level rise and climate change impacts. Join a panel of experts to learn more about the history and future of the Bay Act, and how you can support further shoreline protection and improved water quality.

Registration is required. This even this free to attend. Register for The Bay Act: Current, Past, and Future.
Virtual Lecture – The Visionary Genius of Frederick Douglass
Tuesday, February 16
7:00 pm
Organization: Historic Annapolis

Dr. Richard Bell returns to Historic Annapolis to present another engaging and enlightening lecture. Frederick Douglass was a visionary—a prophet who could see a better future that lay just beyond reach. His talents were nothing short of extraordinary and he put his exceptional gifts to use in the service of freedom, driving American slavery into the grave. University of Maryland historian Richard Bell will explore this many-sided man’s life, family, and career, and to consider his impact upon our modern struggle to advance the cause of Black freedom in the United States.

Registration is required. Cost to attend is $15 per household for General Admission or $10 per household for HA Members and Volunteers. Register for The Visionary Genius of Frederick Douglass.
Online Lecture - Voices of the Enslaved
Thursday, February 18
2:00 pm
Organization: Hammond-Harwood House

Presentation by Barbara Goyette, Hammond-Harwood House Executive Director. Through 19th and early 20th century testimonies, memoirs, and interviews with those formerly enslaved, we can begin to learn about life under slavery. Each source of slave narratives has a history of its own to consider in interpreting these stories.

Registration is required. To make a reservation call: 410-263-4683 x10. This event is free to attend. Register for Voices of the Enslaved.
Online Discussion - The Future of the Black Family
Thursday, February 18
6:30 pm
Organization: Banneker-Douglass Museum

Join the Banneker-Douglass Museum as they present a discussion on the evolution of the identity of the Black Family. In alignment with the Association for African American Life and History’s (ASALH) annual theme, The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity, this dialogue between Director Chanel Compton and Mr. Matt Prestbury, founder of The Black Father Foundation, will explore the uniqueness of the Black family structure; past, present and future.

This event is free to attend. Find the zoom link to The Future of the Black Family.
Virtual Event - Racing on the World Stage: The 2021 America’s Cup and Olympic Sailing
Thursday, February 18
7:00 pm
Organization: Annapolis Maritime Museum

Join presenter Gary Jobson, World-renowned Sailor, Author, Columnist, and Commentator, and explore the prospects of the 2021 America’s Cup set for March and the 2021 Olympic Games postponed by the pandemic, sail ahead to the 2024 and 2028 Olympic Games to get a glimpse of what those games have in store, and hear stories of inspiration through overcoming adversity, life lessons, and the joy of sailing.

Lectures are $10 or free for AMM Members First Mate and above. Register for Racing on the World Stage: The 2021 America’s Cup and Olympic Sailing.
In-Person Event: Two Great Houses Outdoor Architecture Tour
Saturday, February 20
11:00 am
Hammond-Harwood House
19 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis

The Hammond-Harwood House Museum and Chase-Lloyd House invite guests to an hour long tour that explores the two architectural treasures in downtown Annapolis. The tour will cover architectural details and the longstanding social history that connects these two great houses on Maryland Avenue.

Tour will be held outside, socially distanced with masks. Participation is limited. Registration is required. Price is $20 per person. Register for Two Great Houses Outdoor Architecture Tour.
Virtual Session - Black Representation Matters
Saturday, February 20
2:00 pm
Organization: Banneker-Douglass Museum

Are you looking for ways to celebrate Black authors and their books during Black History Month and year-round? This session will explore why Black representation in books matters, share tips for having courageous conversations about race with young children, and offer recommendations of board books, picture books, and early chapter books. This program is presented in partnership with the Anne Arundel County Public Libraries.

This event is free to attend. Register for Black Representation Matters.
Small Museum Association - Call for Conference Committee Applications
For the 2022 Small Museum Association Conference Committee, SMA has a few positions open, and would like you to join our their volunteer committee! If you are interested in a volunteer Conference Committee position, please fill out the Conference Committee Interest Form.

Please submit your application by Monday, March 1, 2021. If you would like to know more about a particular position, please email conference@smallmuseum.org.
New Survey - COVID-19 Impacts on Maryland's Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage Organizations
The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) and the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) want to hear from organizations doing historical, natural and cultural heritage-related work around the state. To date, how has your organization been impacted by COVID-19 and the resulting changes to the economy and daily life?

This information will help update their understanding of how partner organizations across the state continue to be affected and, potentially, identify how they can help. Please complete this brief (10-15 minutes) COVID-19 Impacts on Maryland's Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage Organizations Survey.

Please submit your responses by March 12, 2021.
Save the Dates: The Maryland Day Celebration Weekend will be March 19-21, 2021
Save the Dates:

Friday, March 19 through Sunday March 21, 2021

The signature annual collaborative event of our area, the Maryland Day Celebration weekend, will take place this year on March 19-21, 2021. The event will be a "hybrid" of virtual and in-person events, as our partner sites make plans to safely reopen again this year.

The theme will be Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and our partners are planning a wide range of NEW offerings, stories, and programming for this event. Mark your calendars, and watch for ongoing announcements as we get closer to the dates!
Four Rivers Heritage Area | 410-222-1805 | heritage_area@aacounty.org | fourriversheritage.org