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Maryland Historical Trust

Heritage Areas: a Tool for Local and Regional Planning

May 20th, 2026 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Register here!

This event is free, but registration is required. Follow the link above to sign up today.

  • Date and time: May 20th, 2026 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Heritage Areas are places where historic, cultural, and natural resources combine to form cohesive, significant landscapes that offer meaningful experiences for tourists and improved quality of life for residents.

These areas can be designated by the National Park Service or through state programs and can receive benefits -- including financial investment -- to further historic, cultural, and natural resource protection and enhancement.

This webinar will review the heritage area concept and its intersection with local and regional planning, spotlighting the Maryland Heritage Areas Program and local case studies in Central Maryland and the Eastern Shore.

Panelists include: 

  • Nell Ziehl, Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), Chief of the Office of Planning, Education, and Outreach
  • Ariane Hofstedt, Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), Program Director, Maryland Heritage Areas Program
  • Daphne Daly, AICP, Deputy Director, Carroll County Department of Planning and Land Management
  • Gail Owings, Executive Director of Eastern Shore Heritage, Inc. Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area
  • Carla Gerber, AICP, CPM, Director of Planning, Kent County

Participants of the live webinar are eligible for 1.5 AICP CM credits.