Hagerstown talks expanding city's Civil War Heritage area
Hagerstown talks expanding city's Civil War Heritage area
The Saylor House in Hagerstown's Kiwanis Park is pictured in this 2017 photo.
Herald-Mail file photo
More of Hagerstown may soon be included in the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, making several historic sites eligible for additional grant funding.
Hagerstown Mayor Emily Keller and City Council members voiced support Tuesday for asking the state for the expansion and providing a letter signed by Keller.
The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area covers portions of Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties and is recognized by the Maryland Heritage Areas Program.
Director of Planning and Code Administration Kathleen Maher said most of city is already in Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area.
The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority has grants available for heritage- and tourism-supported projects and capital grants that are consistent with recommendations of the local heritage area’s management plan, according to council documents.
The city has received previous grants for interpretive plaques in downtown Hagerstown, surrounding neighborhoods, the Hager House and the Cultural Trail.
Maher said the Washington County Historical Trust wants to apply for a heritage grant to help with the restoration of the Saylor House in Kiwanis Park, but identified three additional areas annexed in the last 15 years for potential inclusion.
Along with the Saylor House, the proposal includes the stone house at 12810 Shank Farm Way, the Donald E. Ardinger House at 17514 W. Washington St. and the Martin Funk Farm at 11850 Indian Lane.
All four areas have already been documented by state for their Civil War significance and fill in gaps in the current heritage area, Maher said.
The council will vote on the matter at the end of the month.
Alexis Fitzpatrick covers the City of Hagerstown. She can be reached by email at afitzpatrick@herald-mail.com.
