Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. and Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) Secretary Dominick Murray presented $2.1 million in matching grants to 22 Maryland non-profit and government entities in support of twenty-three War of 1812 bicentennial projects.
Nearly $400,000 will support Chesapeake Campaign events, launching in May, with a series of traveling festivals around the Bay featuring Tall Ships, hands-on activities, reenactors and interactive fun.
“The War of 1812 in the Chesapeake and the writing of The Star-Spangled Banner are important chapters in our history as a State and as a Nation,” said Senate President Miller. “I want to thank the grant recipient organizations for their commitment to telling this story and the important contributions of our Star-Spangled State.”
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The grants, supplemented by more than $4.7 million in matching funds, will support programming, education, visitor experience and capital improvement projects that expand economic development and tourism-related job creation throughout the State. (A full listing of grantees follows this release.)
“We are pleased to be able to provide these grants, which will be supplemented by more than $4.7 million in matching funds to revitalize communities, spur tourism and create jobs,” said Secretary Murray.
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“From assisting 200 additional school groups to visit Fort McHenry to the many Chesapeake Campaign festivals around the State, these grants will truly benefit all Marylanders,” said Bill Pencek, , executive director, Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission.
The Star-Spangled 200 (SS200) Grant Program stimulates investment in the commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812 for maximum benefit to Marylanders. The Grant Program will operate for the three-year commemoration and is funded through corporate sponsorships, state appropriations and Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin surcharge proceeds. There are a total of six grant application rounds during the three-year commemoration.
The fourth round is currently open and will close on May 1, 2013. Eligible organizations can learn more at www.StarSpangled200.org
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