The Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area (HCCHA) is seeking nominations for two at-large seats on the Heritage Area’s Management Board. Both terms are for three years and will begin in January 2023.
The 13-member Heritage Board’s mission is to protect and preserve Dorchester County’s history, natural resources and culture and to promote economic development through heritage tourism. The Heritage Board also administers grant programs to help local organizations and municipalities engage in projects related to heritage preservation, interpretation and promotion.
Heritage Area Impact
A Maryland Heritage Areas Authority study released in 2020 estimated that HCCHA contributes $40.2 million to the statewide economy and supports and sustains 570 jobs. Over the past few years, Heritage Board members:
- Reviewed and prioritized program and project grant applications, which resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in matching grants from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority;
- Awarded dozens of mini-grants to Dorchester County non-profits and government agencies to help fund projects that enrich heritage resources and/or events in the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area;
- Developed a “Step Out While You Stay In” program to support heritage sites that were closed during the pandemic by providing a 360-degree camera so that they could showcase their sites virtually;
- Honored innovative and dedicated heritage partners with Heritage Area Awards;
- Collaborated with non-profits, businesses and heritage partners on major heritage events, such as Dorchester County’s 350th Anniversary Celebration and the Smithsonian Waterways Exhibit in Cambridge;
- And supported Heritage Area staff projects, including the development of a new brochures and cell phone self-guided tour apps.
Responsibilities & Applications
Board member responsibilities include regular attendance at nine meetings per year, service on committees as needed and support for heritage tourism programs. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a dedicated group whose purpose and passion is preserving Dorchester County’s heritage, please consider this opportunity.
Nominations should be submitted by letter or email no later than November 30, 2022, to Holly Gilpin, Director, Dorchester County Tourism, holly@visitdorchester.org, 2 Rose Hill Place, Cambridge, MD 21613. Self-nominations are welcome. Nomination letters should include information about the nominee’s interests, experience, and potential contributions as a board member. Please also include a resume.
The Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area is supported by the Maryland Heritage Area Authority. Information about the Heritage Area program the Heritage Area resources page on our website. Information on Board members’ responsibilities can be downloaded here.
