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Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area asks Hagerstown for $10,000 in FY26 support
Summary
The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area requested level funding of $10,000 from Hagerstown for fiscal year 2026, citing technical assistance, destination marketing and access to Maryland Heritage Areas Authority grants that the group says produced nearly $1.2 million for Hagerstown projects since 2006.
Elizabeth Chateau, executive director of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, formally requested that the city consider a fiscal year 2026 appropriation of $10,000 to the nonprofit.
"Your support at the $10,000 level was critical to our operations last year," Chateau said, adding the amount equals roughly 2% of the heritage area's operating budget.
Chateau told the council the area is in year three of a six‑year strategic plan and provides technical assistance to nonprofits and government partners, destination marketing in partnership with county tourism organizations, and access to Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) grant programs. She said the heritage area has helped Hagerstown projects secure nearly $1.2 million in grant awards since certification in February 2006 and cited a state study that the heritage areas generate $450,200,000 in annual economic contribution statewide with 6,376 jobs supported and over $60,000,000 in local and state taxes generated annually.
Chateau highlighted specific local projects that received support or grants, including a recent $250,000 award to the Masonic lodge associated with American Hall and a July 10 award of $20,000 to the Washington County Historical Society for predevelopment work on a curatorial storage facility. She described a suite of marketing placements paid for from roughly $50,000 in the heritage area's budget and noted outreach work around the nation’s 250th anniversary, including a planned three‑county geotour intended to encourage overnight stays.
Council members asked clarifying questions about the heritage area's certification date and the status of American Hall. Chateau said the heritage area has been certified since 02/2006 and that staff have helped direct preservation partners to funding sources and provided letters of support; she said the Masons had secured about $250,000 for the American Hall project and that matching requirements and in‑kind contributions frequently leverage additional investment.
Chateau said Frederick and Westminster have committed level funding and asked the council to consider including the organization in the city’s discretionary funding area for FY26.
No formal council action was taken during the work session; Chateau concluded by offering to answer questions and to keep the council updated on grant and technical assistance opportunities.
