Learn more about African American history in Anne Arundel County!
A review of Anne Arundel County's Inventory of Historic Properties was undertaken in 2017, which found that only around 7% of the Inventory were documented as having an African American component. This disparity between our Inventory, the tool that allows for preservation during the development process, and the breadth of contributions to the County's history by African Americans was striking and warranted a response to ensure fairer representation and diversity in support of the County's historic preservation efforts.
Over the past 6 years, OPZ has sought out and supported projects that will help ensure that our Inventory of Historic Properties is better reflective of the County's rich and multi-cultural heritage. Below are a few of the resulting projects and some useful research tools and resources that we hope will help citizens explore and discover African American heritage in Anne Arundel County, MD.
-
The Civil Rights EraExplore the Civil Rights era by listening to stories told by those who lived it.
-
African American Heritage TrailTake a virtual tour of African American sites representing over 370 years of County history.
-
The Old 4th WardTour the historic Old 4th Ward of Annapolis and learn about the people who lived there.
-
Historic CemeteriesThe County's cemetery database contains over 100 known historic African American cemeteries.
-
Historic HousingThis housing study will record the homes of 19th-century African Americans in the County.
-
Historic SitesLearn about African American history at Galesville, Belvoir, Londontown, and historic Rosenwald Schools.
-
Middle Passage Ceremonies & Port Marker ProjectThe MPCPMP commemorates the historic first arrivals of captured Africans in North America, such as at Annapolis and Londontown.
-
African American FoodwaysLearn about the cultural history of African American foodways.
-
Historic MarkersThis program celebrates diverse local history and raises awareness of under-represented sites like African American heritage landmarks.
Other Research Tools and Resources
- Maryland State Archives: Legacy of Slavery in Maryland
- A Guide to the History of Slavery in Maryland
- The Banneker-Douglass Museum
- The Frederick Douglass Museum
- North Arundel Cultural Preservation Society
- Underground Railroad Research and the Network to Freedom
- The Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture
- Maryland African American Heritage Preservation Program
- Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- Columbia Beach
- Highland Beach
- Joan Gaither's Quilts