News

I’ve been a baseball mom for many years, and we’ve had some great coaches along the way. A favorite coach often said – “you either win or you learn.” The recent decision by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) to approve the Mayor’s Maritime Welcome Center (MWC) was not a win. While my colleagues, local community members,… Continue reading A Message From Our President

All month, I’ve been thinking about the importance of community. Throughout January, we at Historic Annapolis had many opportunities to experience the strong sense of community that exists within our city and beyond. Community takes on many forms– some big, some small, some loose-knit, some tight. I envision this as concentric circles, nested inside one… Continue reading President’s Message: Community Connections

As we close out an extraordinary 2024 at Historic Annapolis, I want to express some thoughts of gratitude. It was a year for several remarkable anniversaries – we celebrated 50 years of our beloved William Paca Garden Plant Sale, and brought history to life to commemorate both the 250th anniversary of the burning of the Peggy Stewart and… Continue reading Reflections on an Exceptional Year

Historic Annapolis and community partners recently commemorated the 250th anniversary of the burning of the brig, the Peggy Stewart. On October 19, 1774, the people of Annapolis discovered that the Peggy Stewart contained contraband tea that violated the colonists’ non-importation resolution.  In response to public outrage, ship owner Anthony Stewart was forced to burn his ship with… Continue reading The 250th Anniversary of the Burning of the Peggy Stewart

“The greenest building is one that is already built.” This phrase coined by noted architect Carl Elefante makes the connection between historic preservation and green building practices, underscoring the importance of existing buildings, adaptive reuse, and sustainable stewardship. The meaning behind these words has been top of mind lately with the recent trips to Sweden… Continue reading A Message From Our President: Sustainable Stewardship

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of one of our Trustees, Howard Freedlander. Just a few days before he passed, I received a phone call from Howard. “Karen,” he said. “I would like to discuss three things of importance. It will only take two minutes.”   And thus,… Continue reading A Message From Our President: A Tribute to Howard Freedlander

Lord Tennyson wrote, “In springtime, a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.” In springtime at Historic Annapolis, our fancy lightly turns to thoughts of the William Paca Garden! And this year is especially memorable, as we celebrate 50 years of the Paca Garden and the Plant Sale, held annually on Mother’s Day… Continue reading A Message From Our President: 50 Fabulous Years

Recently, a local asked, why does Historic Annapolis care about resiliency? This was a surprising question to us, but if the same one has crossed your mind, here is our answer: preservation is climate action. The inverse is also true. Protection of the heart of our local and National Historic Landmark district – City Dock… Continue reading A Message From Our President: Preservation is Climate Action

This Thursday, March 28 at 7 pm, the Annapolis Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) will review City Dock Project 1 – the park and flood barrier protection. Please note: this public hearing will be virtual only, unfortunately (HA believes a public hearing of such importance should be both in person and broadcast). Written comment for the Commission’s review… Continue reading Advocacy Alert: Historic Preservation Commission Hearing on City Dock

Historic Annapolis was pleased to welcome our Cornerstone Society donors to the James Brice House on Thursday, February 29 for a peek-behind-the-curtain at the museum-grade restoration occurring at this National Historic Landmark. Our new leadership giving community provides crucial support for HA to provide cultural experiences and educational opportunities for residents, visitors, and students in… Continue reading Cornerstone Society Appreciation Reception