Historic Saint Mary's City seeks funds for visitor center conversion and collections storage ahead of 2034 anniversary

DLS presented the Historic Saint Mary's City Commission's FY27 capital request—about $1.3 million in GO bonds—for a visitor‑center conversion and site‑improvement projects. DLS asked the agency to clarify prior‑year funding allocations and the timing of several deferred projects.

Agency representatives said the FY27 request supports design work to convert an existing visitor center into an education and artisan center, and noted both a need for indoor program space and a longer‑term project to expand climate‑controlled collections storage. Executive director Doug O'Donnell and others told the committee the commission has more than 6.5 million artifacts in its collections and projects that will exceed current storage capacity by 2028, making additional collections space critical to retain accreditation and preserve artifacts.

The agency also said it is preparing capital plans tied to Maryland’s 400th anniversary in 2034 and is working with the Department of Budget and Management and other partners to accelerate approvals and address deferred maintenance and site improvement backlogs. DLS recommended committee narrative requesting a follow‑up report similar to last year's JCR on site improvement program expenditures, encumbrances, and balances; the agency agreed and said it will track and report progress.

Next steps: the commission will provide requested clarifications on prior‑year authorizations and continue coordinating with state partners on encumbrance pace and project timing.