The Maryland Historical Trust is the state agency dedicated to preserving and interpreting the
legacy of Maryland’s past. Through research, conservation and education, the Maryland Historical Trust
assists the people of Maryland in understanding their historical and cultural heritage. Part of the
Maryland Department of Planning, the Maryland Historical Trust serves as Maryland’s State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. In
addition to its administrative office in Crownsville, the Maryland Historical Trust includes
the Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum in St. Leonard, Maryland, which houses the
Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory.
The Maryland Historical Trust is open for visitors by appointment and our offices are
regularly staffed. Most staff are on a hybrid schedule of in-office and telework. The
best way to contact staff is by email. Email addresses for program staff can be
found on the Staff Directory page or on the
How Do I Find page.
Board of Trustees
The Maryland Historical Trust is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees, including the
Governor, the Senate President, and the House Speaker or their designees, and 12 members
appointed by the Governor. At least two trustees must be qualified with an advanced degree
in archaeology or a closely related field and shall have experience in the field of archaeology.
Of the trustees qualified in the field of archaeology, at least one must have experience in the
field of submerged archaeology and at least one must have experience in the field of terrestrial
archaeology. The term of a member is 4 years.
Boards and Commissions
