Maryland
Maryland's Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area gets over $400,000 for projects in Sharpsburg, Catoctin Furnace, more – Tri-State Alert
12 July 2024- Governor Wes Moore today announced 87 matching grant awards totaling $5.19 million for Maryland nonprofits, local jurisdictions, and heritage tourism organizations by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. Grant funding will support heritage tourism projects and activities and expand economic development and tourism-related jobs across Maryland.
“Our history is our power,” said Gov. Moore. “By prioritizing heritage tourism, we aren’t just investing in local economies, we are also empowering Marylanders to find their own strength in our collective past. These projects will make Maryland more competitive, support a diverse array of new partnerships, and enrich the lives of both visitors and residents alike.”
The Heritage Areas Program provides $2.4 billion in annual economic benefit and MHAA grants generate $319.8 million in state and local taxes while supporting 33,815 full- and part-time jobs annually. Organizations that will receive awards include museums, parks, historic sites, schools and other educational institutions, as well as other entities that steward and celebrate the unique cultural and natural resources located within one of 13 certified Maryland Heritage Areas.
“The Maryland Heritage Areas Program is a deeply important cultural and economic asset to the state, contributing immeasurably to our collective and individual senses of place, identity, and revealing the stories of all of its people within a broader socio-political context,” said Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Rebecca L. Flora. “I am extremely proud of the FY25 Maryland Heritage Areas Program grantees who embody and celebrate our shared history and heritage by telling the stories of Maryland’s diverse communities in authentic and engaging ways. Their success in doing so creates and preserves a vibrant array of authentic places that people love to visit, which drives cultural tourism, and the sustainable growth of the Maryland economy.”
All 24 jurisdictions have at least part of one state-certified heritage area within their boundaries. Heritage areas foster broad public-private partnerships to preserve and enhance Maryland’s historic sites and towns, unspoiled natural landscapes, diverse histories, and enduring traditions. Maryland’s heritage areas contribute to the state’s economy by preserving and enhancing the places that attract local and out-of-state tourists.
The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority is an independent unit of government chaired by Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Rebecca Flora and is administered by the Maryland Historical Trust. Since 1996, the authority has awarded more than $73 million dollars in grants and helped leverage more than $1.65 billion in non-state funding for heritage tourism projects and activities in the state’s 13 certified heritage areas.
Locally, Washington County belongs to the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, along with Frederick and Carroll Counties. Spanning from Antietam, Gettysburg in PA, Monocacy, South Mountain, Harpers Ferry, and more locations, the historical trail goes through multiple states to show the area’s key positioning during the war between the states.
Organizations getting state funding include the American Battlefield Trust, Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Community Foundation of Carroll County, National Museum of Civil War Medicine, and other groups. In total, $419,217 will go towards nine different projects ranging from cemetery singe, to museum upgrades, to acquisitions of the Hagerstown Pike I Tract at the Antietam Battlefield. You can find the full list of projects here.
The 21-year-old second baseman and 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft has deep ties to the D.C. region.
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals’ first-round draft pick Chris Hacopian inked his first professional contract Wednesday, a moment made sweeter by the fact it was just a 30-minute drive from home to get to Nationals Park and put pen to paper.
The 21-year-old second baseman and 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft has deep ties to the D.C. region. He’s from Potomac, Maryland, and played his high school ball at Winston Churchill, where he was named the 2022 Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year and a 2022 Washington Post All-Met selection.
According to MLB.com, Hacopian grew up a Nationals fan, admiring the likes of Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa and others. He also played his first two collegiate seasons at the University of Maryland, where his father Derek played before him, before transferring to Texas A&M for his junior season.
With the Aggies, Hacopian hit .319 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI across 42 games en route to being named First-Team All-Southeastern Conference and a Third-Team All-American by Baseball America, the Nationals said in a news release.
After inking his contract Wednesday, Hacopian donned his new jersey and ball cap and stepped onto D.C.’s beloved diamond as a part of the Nationals organization for the first time.
“That was so cool, oh my gosh. I’ve been in the stands like, 100 times, but being on the field is so different,” he said.
Hacopian was ranked 14th among MLB Draft prospects by MLB.com. The 6-foot-1-inch, 210-pound second baseman boasted one of the best bats in college baseball, according to MLB.com, with excellent control over the strike zone and feel for the barrel, along with solid pop.
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The state said the five recently traveled together to “a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak.”
Maryland health officials confirmed five more measles cases, all in Carroll County.
“These individuals recently traveled together to a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak,” the state Department of Health said in a release.
The agency said others may have been exposed on the afternoon of July 13 in the emergency department waiting room at Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster.
Another measles case recently prompted warnings from health officials in Maryland, Virginia and the District. On June 17, a Maryland resident traveled through Dulles International Airport and visited a D.C. urgent care clinic.
Measles is highly contagious. It can spread through the air through coughs, breathing, and sneezes. Early symptoms can include fevers of over 101 degrees, coughs, runny noses, watery eyes and face or body rashes.
It can take up to 21 days after exposure for the first symptoms to appear, and those who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles are especially vulnerable.
The five new measles cases in Maryland bring the state’s year-to-date total to nine. The state health department confirmed three cases in 2025, and one in each of the previous two years.
“All Marylanders should review potential exposure times, watch for symptoms, and confirm they are up to date on their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations,” the health department said.
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Baltimore may be under an extreme heat alert, but residents can dream about autumn, as tickets are now on sale for the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show returning to the Maryland State Fairgrounds in October.
This three-day celebration of home and garden takes place from Friday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Expect hundreds of exhibitors, local makers, home improvement experts, family-friendly experiences and celebrity guests. The show offers everyone the chance to explore the very latest in home improvement, landscaping, outdoor living and decor, the chance to take part in hands-on experiences, and do some holiday shopping all under one roof.
This year’s show will have more than 300 exhibitors, including more than 100 crafters from around Maryland in the Makers Market. There will be unique exhibits, stage presentations and a special appearance by Chase Morrill, Ashley Morrill-Eldridge and Ryan Eldridge from Magnolia Network’s hit series “Maine Cabin Masters.” The three will have two Main Stage appearances, one on Friday, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. and the second on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12 p.m.
“As temperatures start to drop and the holiday season comes into view, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show is a place to gather ideas, meet local experts and get inspired before the busy season begins,” said Dave Paul, show manager, in a statement. “Whether attendees are planning a home project, looking for outdoor living ideas or getting a head start on holiday shopping, the show brings together resources and experiences for every kind of homeowner, maker and DIY enthusiast.”
In addition to the Makers Market and stars of “Maine Cabin Masters”, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show will have a petting zoo, a Kids Market where attendees can shop from local children, and much more.
Tickets are available online and at the door. Prices are as follows:
Online:
- Adults: $8
- Senior Citizens (60+): $6
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- 4-Pack Online: $30 for four tickets, valid for one admission each and one day only
At the door:
- Adults: $10
- Senior Citizens (60+): $8
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- Friday & Saturday: $4 after 4 p.m. at the door only
Special Offers:
- Active and retired military personnel, veterans, firefighters and police officers receive free admission all weekend, along with one guest, with valid ID at the box office.
- Attendees who show a CharmPass app, Light RailLink ticket or eligible transit pass at the box office receive free admission any day of the show. One admission is available per pass.
The Maryland State Fairgrounds is located at 2200 York Road in Lutherville-Timonium.
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