HAGERSTOWN – Representatives of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area urged the Hagerstown City Council on Aug. 19 to renew a $10,000 funding commitment for fiscal year 2026, citing millions of dollars in returns to the community through grants, tourism and preservation efforts.
The presentation, delivered by Elizabeth Scott Shado, executive director, and Al Martin, treasurer, outlined the economic and cultural impact of the nonprofit, which was certified as a Maryland heritage area in 2006. Since then, Hagerstown projects have secured nearly $1.2 million in Maryland Heritage Areas Authority grant awards, all requiring matching funds that attracted additional local, state, and federal investment.
Preserving local history
Among the organization’s most significant ongoing projects is technical support for American Hall, a two-story brick building on Bethel Street that has played a central role in African American history in Hagerstown. Built in 1883, the property was owned by a fraternal lodge and later served as a post for Black Civil War veterans, a community school and a hub of local civil rights activity.
For decades, the building stood as a gathering space for residents and a symbol of resilience, though much of its history was overlooked until recent preservation efforts brought renewed attention. Shado noted she grew up in Hagerstown without ever realizing the building’s importance.
The Civil War heritage group has helped direct the Masons, who own the property to funding sources, securing at least $250,000 in grants for restoration so far. The site may also benefit from Maryland’s new “Just Communities” designation, which recognizes historically significant neighborhoods and could unlock further state revitalization grants.
Councilwoman Ericka Bell spoke personally about American Hall, recalling her father as one of the last Masons to use the building. She also remembered attending a homework club there as a child. “It really is important to that neighborhood,” she said, while acknowledging that the structure today is in disrepair and overgrown with weeds. She asked to be kept updated on the progress.
Her comments highlighted the building’s place in living memory as well as in historical record. “This is a cultural resource that can truly elevate Hagerstown’s heritage tourism,” Shado added.
Marketing and economic impact
Beyond preservation, the HCWHA invests roughly $50,000 annually in destination marketing at no cost to local partners. Campaigns have featured Hagerstown sites in major outlets such as Philly Magazine and Blue Ridge Outdoors, generating hundreds of thousands of online impressions and drawing heritage tourists.
A statewide study estimates the annual economic contribution of Maryland’s heritage areas at $450 million, supporting more than 6,300 jobs and generating over $60 million in state and local taxes. Shado emphasized that Hagerstown’s modest city contributions, totaling just $37,000 over 19 years, have been far outweighed by the return.
“A $10,000 investment is only about 2 percent of our operating budget,” she said. “But it’s essential to sustaining the operations that continue to generate these results for Hagerstown.”
Council response
Council members questioned how the money would be used and whether the city’s funding truly made a difference. Martin explained that city support helps stabilize the organization’s small staff and operations, enabling them to maintain certification and provide technical assistance that unlocks state-level grant eligibility.
“Without a certified heritage area,” he said, “those $1.2 million in grants would not have been possible.”
Other members acknowledged the challenge of balancing heritage funding with other city priorities but agreed that projects like American Hall demonstrate how preservation links directly to community revitalization.
Next steps
The heritage group is currently in year three of a six-year strategic plan and continues to convene partners across Washington, Frederick and Carroll counties in preparation for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Planned initiatives include a regional geocaching tour designed to encourage overnight stays and track visitor spending.
The City Council is expected to consider the $10,000 appropriation during upcoming budget discussions. Both Frederick and Westminster have already committed level funding for 2026, and Shado urged Hagerstown to join them in sustaining the organization’s work.
“Supporting us is supporting Hagerstown,” she said. “This partnership has proven its value many times over.”
