HAGERSTOWN, MD — History looks good on the Hub City.
The City of Hagerstown has been notified by the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) that it will be receiving one of the agency’s prestigious 2023 Maryland Preservation Awards this month.
The annual awards, voted on by the MHT’s Board of Trustees, are presented to people, places, and programs for noteworthy accomplishments. They honor outstanding education, restoration and revitalization projects, in addition to organizational and individual leadership in the preservation field.
A press release from the city of Hagerstown says, “The City is proud to be recognized for Outstanding Stewardship of a MHT Easement Property for the Hagerstown Fairgrounds Entrance Building and Keeper’s Residence.”
The official press release from the MHT states: “The City of Hagerstown has worked diligently to save and rehabilitate the long-vacant Hagerstown Fairgrounds Entrance Building and Keeper’s Residence, the last remaining vestiges of the early fairgrounds. The City’s timely response to their deterioration ensures a bright future for these significant and picturesque buildings.”
And that effort is not lost on the Executive Director of the organization—who along with its partners—is committed to preserving the past and inspiring the future of Carroll, Frederick, and Washington Counties. “The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area (HCWHA) celebrates Hagerstown’s well-deserved Preservation Award. The history of the Great Hagerstown Fair, including numerous Civil War-era associations, is shared in a wayside interpretive marker (on North Mulberry Street), one of an award-winning suite that the Maryland Heritage Areas Program funded years ago and continues to enhance the local visitor experience. The City’s good stewardship assures that the distinctive Fairground buildings, which are rare survivals, will continue to grace Hagerstown,” HCWHA’s Elizabeth Shatto said.
The MHT announced that as part of Preservation Month (which is observed in May), that the 48th annual Maryland Preservation Awards will be celebrated in local events and live streamed to the MHT’s social media through early June. The first of 10 events is scheduled for May 2, with the City of Hagerstown ceremony set for Monday, May 22 at 11:30am. The full list of events can be found at https://www.facebook.com/marylandhistoricaltrust/events?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=