The Cultural Resources Division, which operates in the County’s Planning and Zoning Department, is tasked with protecting the County’s myriad historic sites, buildings and landscapes. County legislation protects archaeological sites, historic buildings, cemeteries and scenic and historic roads when development is proposed. The team includes County employees Dr. Al Luckenbach, C. Jane Cox, and Darian Schwab who manage the program and conduct site development review.

Consultants with the Lost Towns Project are an integral part of the review, research, and educational outreach conducted by the program, including John Kille, Shawn Sharpe, Stephanie Sperling, Gabrielle Harris, Lauren Schiszik, Jessie Grow, Carolyn Gryzkowski, and Tony Lindauer.

The Lost Towns Project invites citizens to learn about history and archaeology firsthand as “hands on” volunteers. Learn more!

Preservation of historic sites safeguards the County’s historic and cultural heritage, which in turn stabilizes and improves property values, fosters civic pride, protects and enhances the County’s resources for citizens and visitors, serve as a stimulus to economic development, and ultimately strengthens the economy of the County. Such sites - once destroyed - cannot be replaced.  

Anne Arundel County is progressive in that it recognizes  historic structures, roads and landscapes, and archaeological sites as resources that require protection, just like natural resources, such as farmland, wetlands, bogs, and shorelines.

Article 17 Regulations

Article 17, section 501-504 authorizes the County’s cultural resources staff to reviewing site development activities for potential effects on archaeological sites, historic structures, cemeteries, and scenic and historic roads. The program also reviews demolition permits, telecommunication towers, and State community development block grants projects.

Cultural resources staff and consultants conduct site visits and undertakes pertinent research to ensure development decisions are based upon current information. This research includes identifying, evaluating and documenting historic resources throughout the County.

Cultural Resources staff coordinates preservation projects and Section 106 review with the Maryland State Historic Preservation Office, as required by federal law, and maintain GIS data on the cultural resources within the County.

The Cultural Resources Division also fields citizen inquiries, offers educational outreach opportunities, (including hands on archaeology programming at County Parks and internship/ volunteer opportunities,) and provides advice and guidance for local non-profit preservation groups working to preserve sites in the County. Find Out More about how to get involved and help preserve Anne Arundel County’s past.