“Today we gather to celebrate the history of the Piscataway Indian Nation and the Piscataway Conoy Tribe – and the history of all the communities that shared the rich heritage of Southern Maryland.” he said
governmental
Moore. “When we celebrate heritage, we celebrate power – and you’ve shown us what it looks like. And although this story was known, it was not always accepted. But that is changing today!”
The Accokeek Foundation is based in Piscataway Park, within the traditional ancestral homelands of the Piscataway People, both past and present. Their mission is to cultivate a passion for the natural and cultural heritage of Piscataway Park and a commitment to management and sustainability. The Foundation recognizes and respects Piscataway’s land, waterways, and the people who have managed this land for generations. The park offers a network of hiking trails winding through wetlands, a native tree arboretum, and an award-winning forest restoration project.
The U.S. Congress passed the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area Act (included in the Heritage Areas Act) on December 22, 2022, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden on January 5, 2023. Bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) , Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Representative Stena Hoyer (D-MD) approve $10 million in federal funding over 10 years.
Also present at today’s event are Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, and U.S. Department of the Interior Deputy Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Shannon Estenoz. Several cultural and arts groups performed, including Piscataway Indian Nation Drums, Piscataway Conoy Drum Circle, Spring Ridge Rhythm Club, and David and Ginger Hildebrand.
Founded in 1957 to protect the view from Mount Vernon across the Potomac River, the Accokeek Foundation, an educational non-profit organization, became one of the nation’s first land trustees.
With the new Southern Maryland National Heritage Area, there are now two National Heritage Areas centered in Maryland; the other is the Baltimore National Heritage Area. There are also two multi-state heritage areas that span Maryland: the Appalachian National Heritage Area (parts of Maryland and West Virginia) and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area (parts of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia).
Piscataway Park has over 200 acres to explore. From nature trails to the vast Potomac River, the park provides countless opportunities for adventure. Piscataway Park is also home to a wide variety of plants and animals. Free and open to the public year-round, Piscataway Park houses the National Colonial Farm, part of the Captain John Smith and Potomac Heritage scenic trails, a series of seven nature trails, and nearly 3 miles of Potomac River shoreline. For information on visiting Piscataway Park, go to: https://www.accokeek.org/visit
###