[Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025] Charles County has received $5 million in Federal grant funding to support pre-construction and design efforts for the future Mallows Bay Heritage Center at the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. Investments into Mallows Bay are part of a $3.3 billion investment by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from the federal Bipartisan Inflation Act.
“Mallows Bay is a treasure that tells the story of resilience, innovation, and the bond between our community and the environment,” said Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II, Esq. “This new heritage center will serve as a beacon for education, exploration, and economic opportunity, connecting visitors and residents alike to the wonders of the Potomac River and the stories it holds.”
The Mallows Bay—Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary has a rich commercial fishing heritage and historical connections to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. It is the final resting place of some 100 historic shipwrecks, also known as the “Ghost Fleet,” wooden steamships constructed as part of the United States Emergency Fleet Corporation during World War I. Mallows Bay is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and listed as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
This new heritage center in Charles County will make Mallows Bay a focal point for outdoor recreation and tourism through increased accessibility, educational opportunities and improved amenities for visitors, all of which will impact our community economically. The future heritage center would also invite visitors to learn about its significant cultural impact, including the heritage of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe and the Piscataway Indian Nation. The traditional Piscataway tribal homelands include the land where the marine sanctuary now sits and is an essential part of the newly recognized Southern Maryland National Heritage Area.
“This remarkable project highlights our county's unique cultural and ecological treasures and directly supports the County Commissioners' goals of Resiliency & Sustainability as well as Economic Development,” said Deborah Hall, Acting County Administrator. “By preserving our rich history and fostering sustainable tourism, this investment will strengthen our community, bolster our economy, and ensure that Charles County remains a vibrant and resilient destination for generations to come."
