Six Cultural Institutions In Maryland Receive $1 Million In American Rescue Plan Funds

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Four museums and two universities in Maryland were awarded a combined $1 million in American Rescue Plan funds earmarked for educational institutions, Maryland’s Congressional Democrats announced on Tuesday.

In Baltimore, the Walters Art Museum received $463,555, the B&O Railroad Museum received $200,000, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum received $143,859 and the University of Maryland, Baltimore received $47,254 to offset operational costs incurred during the pandemic.

Additionally, St. Mary’s College of Maryland was awarded $144,307 and London Town Foundation, Inc. got $49,500, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone said in a joint release.

“Our local museums, colleges, and universities play a critical role in showcasing Maryland’s culture, history, and art – serving as an essential education resources in the humanities. But, like many businesses across out state, these organizations were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the lawmakers said in a statement. “This American Rescue Plan funding will ensure these important educational organizations and institutions across our state can continue serving and inspiring Marylanders.”

Relief funding comes from the Sustaining the Humanities program in the American Rescue Plan, and was distributed by the National Endowment for the Humanities.