NEWS FROM FOUR RIVERS
July 13, 2021
Congratulations to our Heritage Area Grantees
Four Rivers: The Heritage Area of Annapolis, London Town & South County joins the Hogan Administration in announcing 10 new grants totaling $414,039 to local Annapolis and Anne Arundel County non-profit organizations by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA). The 10 local grants are among 116 matching grants totaling $5.03 million awarded to Maryland nonprofits, local jurisdictions, and other heritage tourism organizations. These grant funds support heritage tourism projects and activities that draw visitors and expand economic development and tourism-related job creation throughout Maryland.

Grantees in the Four Rivers Heritage Area include:

In addition, Four Rivers received a Management Grant for $100,000, a Block Grant for $25,000 (which will fund its Mini-Grant Program for FY2022), and a Marketing Grant for $25,000, making a total of $414,039 in MHAA funding to the Four Rivers Heritage Area for FY2022, for projects totaling $986,295.
Check Out Our Recent Blog Posts!
During this time of curtailed activities due to COVID-19, we have been sharing online resources and information from our partners. If you haven’t been to our website recently, here are some posts you may have missed.

We will continue to gather resources to keep you informed and to keep all of us connected!




Request for Proposals: Organizational Rebranding for the Four Rivers Heritage Area
The Four Rivers Heritage Area is seeking assistance with our organizational rebranding.
The purpose of the project is to develop a consumer-appealing Brand image for the "new" (expanded) ALTSCHA/Four Rivers Heritage Area while at the same time connecting and engaging with stakeholders and motivating them to collaborate in their planning of cohesive and marketable visitor experiences within the Heritage Area. Upon development of a strategy for a new brand, action items will be implemented to create new products and to efficiently and effectively market the Heritage Area experience to the most viable domestic consumer targets.

A vendor will be selected based on a combination of creativity, vision, technical approach, professional experience, sensitivity to our mission, price/value relative to the deliverables, and evaluation of vendor’s references. Additional consideration will be given to firms based in Anne Arundel County.

Virtual Lecture – Pirates of the Chesapeake Bay: The American Revolution Pirates v. Privateers
Tuesday, July 13
7:30 pm
Organization: Historic Annapolis

The American Revolution is often viewed through an “us vs. them” lens in which the proud, patriotic American colonists rebelled against an oppressive and cruel king. And when we think about privateers during the American Revolution, we tend to imagine the thousands of individuals who volunteered their time, their money, their vessels, and their lives in support of the Continental Navy and the revolutionary cause. Certainly these privateers were an important component in the war. But not everyone in the colonies was on the side of revolution. These revolutionary Patriots contended not only with the Royal Navy, but they also had to deal with the Loyalists among them who also operated as privateers for the British. So what role did these two groups play in the Chesapeake Bay and how did it impact the outcome of the war?

Registration is required. Cost to participate is $15 per household for General Admission; $10 per household for HA Members and Volunteers. Register for Pirates of the Chesapeake Bay: The American Revolution Pirates v. Privateers.
Tides & Tunes Summer Concert Series Continues
Thursday, July 8
7:00 pm
Annapolis Maritime Museum
723 Second Street, Annapolis

It's back! The Tides & Tunes Summer Concert Series offers 10 weeks of popular music–from rock to folk to blues–with the incomparable backdrop of the Chesapeake Bay. Concerts are free; however, donations are gratefully accepted. Food and spirits are available for purchase. Beverage sales support the Museum’s education program. Bring a chair or blanket. The July 15 concert features Rick Hogue & The Revolving Doors (Rhythm & Blues Rock).

Concerts are free; however, donations are gratefully accepted.
Guided Paca Garden Tours
Saturday, July 17
Tours at 10:30 am and 11:30 am
William Paca House and Garden
186 Prince George Street

Join your guide, Pat, for a tour of a two-acre 18th century English garden nestled in the heart of our bustling city. Discover the unique native plantings and interesting garden design of the only restored colonial garden in Annapolis. Learn the history of William Paca, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the stories of the people who lived and labored in his home and garden while exploring the idyllic parterres, physic and kitchen gardens, and wilderness garden.

Cost to participate is $12 General Admission, $7 Children (3-17, for free for HA Members and Children under 3. Register for a Guided Paca Garden Tour.
Captain Avery Museum Reopening and Art Reception
Sunday, July 18
12:00 – 4:00 pm
Captain Avery Museum, 1418 E West Shady Side Road, Shady Side

Join the Captain Avery Museum for their long-awaited reopening for a reception celebrating Shady Side artist, Norman Gross. As part of this reopening, three spaces in the historic house have been re-imagined to highlight the theme of ‘Three Centuries of Chesapeake Bay History’ which interprets life and work along the Bay, recreation, and environmental stewardship. The self-taught artistry of Norman Gross offers a unique glimpse into his family’s history of working the waters of the Bay. This event is free to attend. Learn more about the Museum Reopening and Art Reception.
Next Week! 50th Anniversary Lecture Series: Woodland Garden Design: Blending the Natural Habitat with Exotics
Tuesday, July 20
10:30 am
Historic London Town and Gardens
839 Londontown Road, Edgewater

To celebrate Historic London Town and Gardens' 50th Anniversary, this year's lecture series will connect our past, present, and future. This month, our Director of Horticulture, Meenal Harankhedkar, will present on one of London Town's most remarkable features: its seamless combination of both native and exotic plant species. She will share design tips and ideas for creating your own beautiful oasis at home.
Free for members; $10/ non-members includes admission. All attendees must register in advance. Availability is limited! Register for Woodland Garden Design: Blending the Natural Habitat with Exotics.
“Annie Award” Nominations Open This Week
In 2000, the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County began recognizing six different “Annie Award” winners for their lasting, significant, and inspiring contribution to an art form, an arts organization and/or to the wider community of Anne Arundel County.

This year marks the 21st Annual presentation of the prestigious Arts award honoring one member of the community in each of the 9 categories: Literary Arts, Visual Arts, Arts Patron, Performing Arts, Arts Educator, Lifetime Achievement, Historic Arts, Arts Excellence in Leadership, and Maverick Award.

Grantseeking Resources Webinar
Wednesday, July 14
2:00 pm
Organization: Anne Arundel County Public Library

Learn to search for grants and attract funders by using the Foundation Directory Online, Candid Learning and GuideStar. Presented by Alyssa Checkai and Pamela Bowling.

Search for grant funders! Learn the basics of:
  • Searching the Foundation Directory Online Professional database.
  • Candid Learning - a website providing free resources like online trainings, eBooks and sample documents.
  • How to use GuideStar - a website designed to help nonprofits attract funders.

Virtual program presented by Busch Annapolis Library Staff. Register for program to receive Zoom link. This event is free to attend.

USDA Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the availability of up to $4 million for grants to support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects. USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (Office) is accepting proposals for planning and innovation projects, and these grants are part of USDA’s broader efforts to support urban agriculture.

There are two categories under the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) competitive grant opportunity: Planning Projects and Implementation Projects.

USDA will accept applications on Grants.gov until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 30, 2021.
Funding Available for Conservation Assessment
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC) have a new three-year cooperative agreement to provide 300 small and mid-sized museums with collections conservation assessments.

The Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program provides small and mid-sized museums with partial funding toward a general conservation assessment. The assessment is a study of all of the institution's collections, buildings, and building systems, as well as its policies and procedures relating to collections care. Participants who complete the program receive an assessment report with prioritized recommendations to improve collections care. CAP is often a first step for small institutions that wish to improve the condition of their collections. Submission deadline is September 15.
Four Rivers Heritage Area | 410-222-1805 | heritage_area@aacounty.org | fourriversheritage.org