How can I become more involved in county preservation activities?

The county Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m., in the County Administration Building in Upper Marlboro, unless otherwise announced. The meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Periodically new members of HPC are appointed by the County Commissioner. For information on applying for membership please contact us at HistoricPreservation@ppd.mncppc.org

The Prince George's County Historical and Cultural Trust (a volunteer body whose 15 members are appointed by the County Executive), in conjunction with HPC, has established the Friends of Preservation volunteers to support preservation efforts. Trust volunteers run The Newel Post, a recycling center of architectural elements. The Trust also offers grants to individuals and organizations in support of research, publications, educational activities and events. For more information, visit their website: www.pgchct.blogspot.com.

The Natural and Historical Resources Division of M-NCPPC's Department of Parks and Recreation manages and operates the Commission-owned historic properties ranging from an eighteenth-century Georgian plantation house to a nineteenth-century, one-room schoolhouse, a 1900 African-American Chapel, and a post-World-War-I mansion. Staff provides interpretive programs at these facilities and offers a range of volunteer opportunities through the various "Friends" groups. Call 301-627-2270 for more information or visit www.pgparks.com.

The Prince George's County Historical Society is a membership organization dedicated to promoting knowledge and appreciation of Prince George's County's heritage. The Society maintains a library of county history, publishes a bimonthly newsletter, holds programs and special events for members, conducts tours and educational activities for the public, and recognizes research and preservation activities with annual awards. www.pghistory.org.