The Maryland Historic Preservation Plan, 2005

Executive Summary: "Maryland is rich in heritage resources, boasting 63 National Historic Landmarks and 1293 listings, including 183 historic districts, in the National Register of Historic Places as of June 2005. These properties range from the U.S. Naval Academy, the USS Constellation, the City of Annapolis, and the Civil War's Monocacy Battlefield to the 17th century Historic St. Mary's City complex, lighthouses on the Chesapeake Bay, and a quartzite quarry site from the Late Archaic period. In addition to these prominent resources, citizens throughout Maryland are fascinated with the less well-known but still important historic buildings, local scenic landmarks, and cultural traditions in their hometowns, as well as with the active farmlands and forested hills found across the State. Marylanders, both past and present, have shaped the landscape as it appears today. We are all responsible for changes to it in the future. Individuals concerned about the effects of change on both natural and built environments have formed organizations, joined local planning commissions, learned the language of land use law, and coordinated with others who share their interests. These citizens recognize that sprawling development will not solve the problems caused by burgeoning populations and increasing growth pressures in Maryland. They are concerned that insensitive and mismanaged growth will destroy or alter beyond recognition the historic and natural resources of their own time and their ancestors' past. 'The Maryland Historic Preservation Plan, 2005' has been prepared to assist citizens who wish to preserve the State's heritage resources and to influence the direction of growth in their communities. In addition, this plan will guide the programs and activities of the State Historic Preservation Office, known as the Maryland Historical Trust, from now through the year 2010. This plan contains planning priorities, major goals and objectives, and suggestions for how people at all levels of interest and involvement can contribute to achieving a balanced, pleasant living environment in which Maryland's past is prominent. The major priorities identified during this plan's development are related to the prominent issues of growth management, neighborhood revitalization, economic development, heritage tourism, heritage resource education and heritage resource protection. The following goals have been developed to address these priorities: 1) Effectively manage growth by encouraging neighborhood revitalization; 2) Stimulate economic development through heritage tourism; 3) Increase public awareness and appreciation of Maryland's heritage resources; 4) Encourage heritage resource protection in communities throughout the state; and 5) Secure the technological, financial, and legal tools sufficient to preserve Maryland's heritage resources. By working to achieve these five goals, preservationists across the State will assist in the identification, evaluation, interpretation, and protection of Maryland's historic, archaeological, and cultural resources for the benefit of future generations." Project funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Maryland Historical Trust, Department of Planning, administered by the State, Tribal, Local Plans and Grants division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior (grant number 24-05-20422, subgrant MD-05-007).

The Maryland Historic Preservation Plan, 2005

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