Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area & Canal Place

05/09/2024

Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority (CPPDA) is a state agency established in 1993 designed to oversee the preservation, development and management of the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Heritage Park and the Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area, formerly the Canal Place Heritage Area. Through historic preservation the Authority seeks to transform the area to enhance recreation, commerce, civic life, transportation, education, and the ecology. The Authority is governed by a board of 9 representatives. Six (6) members are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the senate. One (1) representative of the United States Dept. of the Interior, as designated by the Dept. of the Interior. One (1) member of the MD Historical Trust and one (1) representative of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Cumberland. This structure allows for strong local advocacy and representation.

The CPPDA was created and designed to be a self-sustaining agency. This structure supports the community and County through self generating revenue and state support. The revenue generated can than be used to match state funds. This enables the Authority to contribute, support, and grow the local economy without any tax burden to the residents of Allegany County.

Because of this structure the CPPDA has supported Allegany County with an economic impact of over $20 Million per year and contributes $2.6 Million in state and local tax revenue. In addition, the CPPDA manages and develops projects such as the restoration of the Footer's Dye Works building, the River Park Project and thousands in local grants support to non-profit organizations and local government entities.

While the CPPDA is unique in its structure it is a model that works for the people of Allegany County and is often looked at as a model to replicate throughout Maryland.

Together we are Building Partnerships, Working for the Community, and growing the economy through Promotion, Preservation and Development.

03/09/2024

Welcome to the family of history and heritage in Cumberland Emily! We look forward to working with you.

The Allegany Museum is proud to announce Dr. Emily Hager Kasecamp as the new Operations Coordinator. Dr. Kasecamp graduated from Beall High School and Frostburg State University and then obtained her Master's Degree from West Virginia University before she completed her PhD. in history from Kent State University. Dr. Kasecamp has nearly two decades of experience as a historian in museums, national parks, and the classroom. Her academic work showcases the far-reaching international consequences of the people, events, and structures in the Allegheny Mountains in the mid-1700s. Her research explores the actions of those featured in the Allegany Museum's Crossroad of America exhibits, such as George Washington, Thomas Cresap, and Christopher Gist.

Come hear more about Dr. Kasecamp and her research at the Museum's History on Tap Event on October 4th at 6:00 in the Allegany Museum Ballroom. Enjoy a cash bar and Dr. Kasecamp's presentation, "Washington's Trail of 1753: a British, American, and Native American Enterprise."

31/08/2024

We are slipping folks. Get behind your keyboards and vote and share this post. 🍂🍁

We are so honored. 🍁🍂

Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, Nominated by USA Today as ‘Best Place to Visit for Fall.’ This is the second year in a row that the county is among a list of destinations recognized by USA TODAY 10Best travel editors!

Please VOTE daily: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-place-to-visit-for-fall-2024/leaderboard/

📸: Ryan Brenneman

30/08/2024

Canal Place Preservation & Development Authority would like to extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Leanne Bowman-Bodes

A NOTE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DEE DEE RITCHIE;

When I first learned of Leanne's passing, my initial reaction was of course shock and sadness. Then I began thinking of how I first met her as a colleague, and how over the years, she became a great friend. For those that had the pleasure of knowing/working with Leanne, you know she worked tirelessly to help the communities she served. She actually made a difference.

Leanne sat on the Canal Place Board of Directors from June 2014 until January 2022. She helped and supported the River Park at Canal Place project, the expansion of the Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area, and the redevelopment of the Historic Footer's Dye Works building, to name a few. She was a great resource to bounce ideas off of, and she always had time to talk.

Leanne was an amazing person. Selfless, kind, dedicated. Her passing is a great loss in so many ways. I will miss your laugh, your smile, your kindness. Thank you for your friendship. Godspeed my friend.

Dee Dee Ritchie

30/08/2024

FLASHBACK FRIDAY as we anxiously await the new and improved downtown mall let's take a look back at the mall.

The forty-five years between 1895 and 1940 brought about the most change in the history of downtown Cumberland. Some would debate this saying that the urban renewal of the 1960s or creation of the mall in the 1970s was a much larger transformation. The major buildings of Baltimore Street and most of those on the side streets built before 1940 still remain today. Although the occupants have changed, the structures have been preserved. Modern downtown Cumberland remains a city built between 1895 and 1940.

In the late 1800s, the streets of Cumberland appeared much like they looked four decades earlier. Wood-frame, mostly two- and three-story buildings lined Baltimore Street. The streets were paved with wooden blocks and trolley car tracks supported the transportation systems that began in 1891. The wooden blocks were covered in the pollution left by horses and horse drawn wagons. The downtown was made worse by the frequent flooding the downtown suffered.

Downtown, especially Baltimore Street and the main cross streets, George, Centre, Liberty and Mechanic, would change dramatically from 1895-1940. The dirt on the streets and the cinders from trains faded away. The concrete sidewalks were filled with bustling pedestrian and automobile traffic patronizing the magnificent stores of the “new” downtown Cumberland. Information provided by: https://reimaginecumberland.com/news-all/history-of-baltimore-street/https://reimaginecumberland.com/news-all/history-of-baltimore-street/https://reimaginecumberland.com/news-all/history-of-baltimore-street/https://reimaginecumberland.com/news-all/history-of-baltimore-street/

29/08/2024

There just is no better way to take in our beautiful Fall foliage than on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.

29/08/2024

WHAT IS A HERITAGE AREA?
There are only three states with Heritage Areas. Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York. Maryland Heritage Areas encompass 23 counties and host 13 certified Heritage Areas throughout the state. These state supported programs focus on providing tangible links to authentic experiences and stories about the people, the land, and the waters of Maryland. Each Heritage Area create economic impacts through offering grant programs and supporting local stakeholders and partners with funding resources and technical support for programing, events, preservation, education, tourism promotion and marketing efforts.

The Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area in Allegany County MD was the first certified Heritage Area in Maryland, in 1993. It highlights the transportation history in the area, focusing on the C&O Canal and the Western MD Train Station. Early transportation once made Cumberland the second largest city in MD following the Port City of Baltimore. Known as the "Queen City", Cumberland was key in the passage westward for immigrants and travelers of all kinds. It is this history that the Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area celebrates and shares with locals and visitors everyday.

Visit us online at www.passagesofhtepotomac.org to learn more and explore the Heritage Area that started it all in Cumberland MD.

28/08/2024

VOTE, VOTE VOTE! 🍂🍁 The contest remains open to voting and will continue through Monday, September 9th at 11:59 am EDT

We are so honored. 🍁🍂

Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, Nominated by USA Today as ‘Best Place to Visit for Fall.’ This is the second year in a row that the county is among a list of destinations recognized by USA TODAY 10Best travel editors!

Please VOTE daily: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-place-to-visit-for-fall-2024/leaderboard/

📸: Ryan Brenneman

26/08/2024

https://conta.cc/4cEyz7b

Great things are happening   Newsletter I August 2024 Heritage Area Happenings in the Passages   Ecologix Group Selected to Lead Project Management of the River Park The Canal Place Preservation and D

26/08/2024

ATTENTION ALL DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES!!

Do you want to be apart of all the excitement? When the Polar Express chugs into town on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad so do thousands of visitors. We invite you to join us to offer these visitors special deals and promotions in and around downtown Cumberland. Join us for an informational meeting to discuss the program on Wednesday, Sept 4th at 9am at The Crabby Pig at Canal Place. Together we will spread Christmas magic throughout Cumberland.

24/08/2024

GOING STRONG FOR 55 YEARS! Mark your calendars for the Annual Heritage Days celebration in Cumberland MD.
Sept 14 & 15th. Live music, events, food, vendors and more. Come out and celebrate the rich history of this area and enjoy a beautiful day in Cumberland.

22/08/2024

Fall is fast approaching us in Mountain Maryland and with the cool crisp temperatures comes a beautiful blanket of Autumn colors. with so many outdoor activities in the area it is the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy all that this region has to offer. Roads, Rivers, Rails and Trails, we've got something for you! 🍁🍂

20/08/2024

🍁🍂🎃

15/08/2024

Having fun at MACo in Ocean City, MD. If you are here stop by booth #104 and tell us what you love about Maryland. ❤️MD

15/08/2024

We are so honored. 🍁🍂

Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, Nominated by USA Today as ‘Best Place to Visit for Fall.’ This is the second year in a row that the county is among a list of destinations recognized by USA TODAY 10Best travel editors!

Please VOTE daily: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-place-to-visit-for-fall-2024/leaderboard/

📸: Ryan Brenneman

13/08/2024

It is a very exciting week for the Heritage Areas....MACo week. We look forward to seeing so many people this week and talking about all of the great projects and initiatives that we are working on in our communities. Come see us at the Convention Center at booth #104 and tell us what you love about Maryland. We look forward to seeing so many of our partners.

11/08/2024

FY25 Mini Grant Applications are open. If you are a Non-Profit or local jurisdiction located within the Heritage Area boundaries you can apply for a mini grant up to $5,000 to help support your heritage related projects. Grants must have a 1 to 1 cash and/or in kind match. We encourage interested parties to watch the webinar to learn more.

Learn about the Heritage Areas Mini Grant Program. Who qualifies, how to apply and details about the grant process.

09/08/2024

MORE GOOD NEWS FOR THE RIVER PARK PROJECT!

The US Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $500,000 for the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority to conduct sediment analysis above and below the Cumberland Dam at the Blue Bridge. The testing is needed before the dam can be removed as part of the River Park project. Canal Place Director DeeDee Richie tells WCBC News that testing is crucial for more than just the River Park – it is important for residents that have the Potomac River as their drinking water source as well…
"This is also Washington DC's drinking water so, this project isn't just about recreational use and economic impact it's also and huge environmental thing that's why the federal government recognizes the importance of having that retested and if we need to do remediation to remove it."

09/08/2024

We are loud and proud about the contributions that Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority makes to the Allegany County economic landscape.

03/08/2024

230 years ago, President George Washington returned to Cumberland for a final time. In October 1794, President and Commander-in-Chief Washington of the newly formed United States of America came to review troops at Fort Cumberland, intending to march into Pennsylvania to suppress an uprising called the “Whiskey Rebellion.” Upon Washington’s arrival in Cumberland, the rebellion dissipated. Celebrate Cumberland's history at the Whiskey Rebellion Cumberland, September 13 and Heritage Days Festival, September 14-15.

www.heritagedayfestival.com

02/08/2024

If you have not visited the new Coal Miners Memorial in Frostburg yet, you need to. The memorial is located just north of the Frostburg Depot along an overlook beside the Great Allegheny Passage.

It features a wall containing the names of the miners who died between 1838 and 2007.

Each miner has a plaque with their name, age, hometown, number of dependents, date of death and mine where they died.

The memorial also features a bronze, life-sized statue of a miner “reading a book by the light of his head lamp.

02/08/2024

National Night Out - Cumberland, MD announces the National Porch Lights On Campaign on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 beginning at dusk.

Neighbors throughout Cumberland & across the nation are asked to lock their doors & turn on their porch lights from dusk to dawn. A campaign that began 40 years ago, National Night Out sends a powerful message about crime awareness, safety and police-community partnerships. Let criminals know that the Cumberland residents are helping to build a safer, more caring America.

Join the City of Cumberland next Tuesday, August 6th, on Somerville Ave for our National Night Out main event! More details can be found at https://www.facebook.com/share/SKZncq2yVXmpMieL/

Cumberland Police Department

01/08/2024

Thanks to Allegany County Tourism and Western MD Scenic Railroad for setting up a tour for tourism professionals today. The WMSR offers many differnt types of rides for all ages and interests from murder mystery and dinner trains to ice cream and pumpkin patch and the ever so popular polar express they truly offer something for everyone. Check out their schedule and get on board for some good ole’ fashioned fun.

01/08/2024

30/07/2024

Looking for a day of fun, come on down to Canal Place and spend a few hours. Let the folks at Wheelzup gear you up with what ever you need for some adventures on the trails, enjoy a great lunch or dinner at Cabby Pig and don't forget to sample some local wine at Charis Winery and a delicious snack from European Desserts.

28/07/2024

27/07/2024

The PWPHA is undergoing an expansion. This expansion will bring funding opportunities, state resources, preservation and tourism promotion to ALL of Allegany County. An expanded Heritage Area boundary means expanded opportunities for Allegany County!

26/07/2024

We are excited to announce EcoLogix Group as the Program Manager for the River Park at Canal Place. The Ecologix team brings an impressive portfolio of experience and expertise to the project and we look forward to moving the River Park forward with their valuable experience!

26/07/2024

IT'S YOUR LAST CHANCE! Yoga with Lou Ann at Canal Place, Aug 3rd
Lou Ann started yoga years ago as a way to reduce stress and anxiety. Lou Ann has a background in psychology and is 200 hour certified and also has a 140 hour certification for Warriors and Trauma sensitive yoga. She is obsessed with the mind-body connection and loves vinyasa flow yoga. With a strong desire to help people- her classes meet you where you are at on that particular day. In class you will flow, strengthen, and breathe together. We inspire and lift each other up no matter what we each look like on our mats. You will be encouraged to laugh, have fun, and listen to your own body. Lou Ann is currently working on a certificate in Mind/Body Recovery Coaching to guide clients to heal on a deeper level.