Safeguarding Annapolis’s heritage…

Review and Testimony

The Historic Preservation Commission was created in 1968 to help safeguard the city’s unique streetscape, broad waterfront, and three centuries of architecture. The Commission must review and approve applications for all new construction and all exterior alterations to buildings in the Annapolis Historic District before a building permit can be issued.

Historic Annapolis plays a role in this process. We review all applications to the Commission, make recommendations, and provide public testimony at hearings.

Other Roles

Historic Annapolis worked with the Commission to shape the Annapolis Municipal Code that governs historic preservation. We also help to ensure that the code and other guidelines are followed. During the 1990s, for example, we worked with the Commission to successfully advocate restoration of the 19th-century Anne Arundel County Courthouse on Church Circle as part of a new and larger court facility.

We also serve as an expert resource on historic preservation for institutions, the media, and the public. For example, in recent years we reviewed proposed modifications to the visitor’s gate at the United States Naval Academy and repairs necessitated by tropical storm Isabel.