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Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette Logo Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette

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Museum gets grant for roof repair

By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

Donna Main

(June 25, 2020) The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum in Berlin received a $45,000 grant through the Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program for a construction project.

“The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum had a competitive project proposal for urgent work to replace its wood shingle roof that has reached the end of its useful life,” said David Buck, director of the Office of Communications at Maryland Department of Planning. “Replacing the roof with appropriate wood shingles not only protects the historical appearance of the building, but protects the interior of the building from potential water intrusion.”

Board of Directors member Donna Main said the 35-year-plus old roof has had a few leaks since she applied for the grant in March and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

The museum on North Main Street in Berlin was one of 10 projects awarded funds by the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) through the Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program, which aids brick-and-mortar historic preservation projects throughout the state.

The Maryland Department of Planning received more than 40 applications for projects competing for $600,000 in available grants.

According to the Maryland Historical Trust Capital Grant Program Website, eligible projects include acquisition, rehabilitation or restoration and predevelopment costs (i.e. studies, surveys, plans and specifications).

The website also states that eligible projects “must have a strong public benefit in order to be competitive.”

The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum is a cornerstone of the Berlin community, hosting events such as free concerts on the lawn, the annual peach festival and school visits, said Main.

The museum’s dedication to the cultural and historical education of the town has not gone unnoticed.

“The museum also consistently maintains a strong public benefit, offering the public the chance to share and learn about local history and to participate in popular community events,” Buck said.

Museum officials requested a $45,000 grant based on estimates collected for the roof replacement as part of the application process, Buck said.

Organizations could request a maximum of $100,000 per project.

“The museum will complete a competitive bid process to hire a contractor,” Buck said. “Their work will be reviewed by MHT staff to make sure they have followed the “Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Best Practices” for historic preservation.”

The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum reopens to the public on July 1.

For more information, call 410-641-1019 or visit taylorhousemuseum.org.