The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) is thrilled to announce the first grants awarded through the Museum Assistance Program (MAP) since 2011. MAP, administered by MHT, helps historical and cultural museums strengthen operations, build professional capacity, and improve long-term sustainability.
Based on feedback from the museum community, MAP offered only operational support grants for FY26, up to $20,000 per award. A newly appointed review panel, representing a range of museums and cultural institutions around the state, evaluated over 110 applications requesting nearly $1.8 million in support. This incredible response illustrates the strong need for operational support for these critical Maryland assets.
After a rigorous review process focused on organizational capacity, financial need, community impact, geographic distribution, and other criteria, 19 organizations spanning 12 counties and Baltimore City were selected to receive the $285,000 available for FY26. Read on to meet this year’s awardees!
Allegany Museum, Inc. | Cumberland, Allegany County | $15,230
The Allegany Museum, Inc. engages the community by preserving and promoting Western Maryland’s unique cultural heritage and history.
Baltimore County Historical Society, Inc. | Cockeysville, Baltimore County | $12,000
The Historical Society of Baltimore County collects, preserves, and interprets the rich history of Baltimore County for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Berlin Heritage Foundation, Inc. | Berlin, Worcester County | $20,000
The Berlin Heritage Foundation educates the public with an emphasis on preserving the cultural history and historic integrity of Berlin and the surrounding area.
Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc. | Thurmont, Frederick County | $19,200
The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc. commemorates, studies, preserves, and shares the rich history of the Revolutionary iron village through preservation of the architecture, art and artistry, cultural traditions, cultural landscape, lifeways, and foodways of the diverse workers.
Doleman Black Heritage Museum | Hagerstown, Washington County | $20,000
The Doleman Black Heritage Museum collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets historical and cultural artifacts of African Americans in Washington County, including the legacy of the Doleman family, and serves as an informational resource on African-American history and culture locally and statewide.
Evergreen Heritage Center Foundation, Inc. | Mount Savage, Allegany County | $15,000
The Evergreen Heritage Center is a 250-year-old, 131-acre National Register farm with programs that empower underprivileged people of all ages through experiential education, environmental conservation know-how, and conveyance of Appalachian culture and traditions.
Furnace Town Foundation Incorporated | Snow Hill, Worcester County | $10,000
Furnace Town educates, preserves, and interprets the Nassawango Iron Furnace Site, a 28-acre historic landscape of forest and wetlands that includes ten historic buildings and the remains of a 19th-century ironworks.
GAR Post 25 Inc. | Chestertown, Kent County | $20,000
Sumner Hall fosters a deeper understanding of African American history and culture by preserving, educating, and celebrating the contributions of African American veterans, leaders, and communities in Kent County and the surrounding areas.
Goshen Farm Preservation Society | Annapolis, Anne Arundel County | $14,800
The Goshen Farm Preservation Society restores, preserves, and shares Goshen Farm (including the historic farmhouse, artifacts, and stories) and its 23-acre landscape as a living classroom and community resource.
Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center | Cambridge, Dorchester County | $20,000
Through personal connections, historical records/artifacts, storytelling, mural art, interpretative programs, music and the arts, the Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center memorializes how family, faith, freedom and community led Dorchester-born Araminta Ross, once enslaved, to do extraordinary things.
Historical Society of Kent County | Chestertown, Kent County | $20,000
The Historical Society of Kent County, Maryland collects and preserves artifacts, documents, and information that aid in the interpretation of all aspects of Kent County’s history.
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) | Clinton, Prince George’s County | $7,000
The Surrat Historic Site and Museum, operated by M-NCPPC, serves as a catalyst for civic dialogue and for deeper perceptions of the U.S. Civil War, Reconstruction era, and evolving fight for social justice.
Nanticoke Historical Preservation Alliance, Inc. | Salisbury, Wicomico County | $12,270
Operated by the Nanticoke Historic Preservation Alliance, Inc., Handsell is a place where all experience the diverse, interwoven histories of three cultures – Native people of Delmarva, European settlers and those of African descent from enslaved to sharecroppers – who lived and worked this site.
National Great Blacks in Wax Museum | Baltimore City | $15,000
The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum stimulates an interest in African American history by revealing the little known, often neglected facts of history, uses great leaders as role models for youth, and improves race relations by dispelling myths of racial inferiority and superiority.
Ocean City Museum Society Inc. | Ocean City, Worcester County | $10,000
The Ocean City Museum Society preserves the history of Ocean City through programming and exhibits, fosters an appreciation for local culture, and serves as a resource for research and preservation.
Project Liberty Ship Inc. | Baltimore City | $14,500
Through the authentically restored Liberty ship John W. Brown, Project Liberty Ship, Inc., educates people of all ages about the vital role played by the American Merchant Marine, the U.S. Navy Armed Guard, and American shipbuilders during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Sandy Spring Museum | Ashton-Sandy Spring, Montgomery County | $10,000
The Sandy Spring Museum connects diverse communities and advances social equity through shared and inspiring experiences of our region’s cultural heritage.
Steppingstone Farm Museum | Havre de Grace, Harford County | $20,000
Steppingstone Farm Museum protects and interprets the rural traditions of Harford County, educating visitors
and fostering appreciation for our region’s agricultural past.
United States Lighthouse Society, Inc. | Annapolis, Anne Arundel County | $10,000
The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark operated by the US Lighthouse Society, educates the public about the importance of lighthouses while highlighting and preserving its unique 150-year story.
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