The groundbreaking of the African American Heritage Center, an exciting project spearheaded by the African American Resources Cultural and Heritage (AARCH) Society corralled community leaders, elected officials, and history enthusiasts this month. Waynesboro Construction Co., Inc. officially began construction on the 3,200-square-foot center, located at 125 East All Saints Street in Downtown Frederick. Preserving the rich history of African Americans in Frederick, the Heritage Center will attract tourists, generate jobs, and stimulate local businesses, contributing to the continued growth and vibrancy of the downtown area. Dr. Olivia White, AARCH Board President, shared her perspective on how the project is a key investment to the economic development of the city.
How do you anticipate the African American Heritage Center will impact the local economy and surrounding businesses? What long-term economic benefits do you expect this project will bring to the Frederick area?
We anticipate that the African American Heritage Center will have a significant impact on the local economy and surrounding businesses. As the primary resource for documenting and showcasing African American contributions to the Frederick community, the Center will attract both local residents and out-of-town visitors. It will house untold stories, experiences, and artifacts shared by local families, offering a wealth of resources for research, education, and reflection through documented articles, books, and collections. Its prime location, at the intersection of Carroll and All Saints Street in the heart of Downtown Frederick, next to the historic Carroll Creek Linear Park and the future Marriott Hotel, makes it an idyllic spot for visitors. The Center is anticipated to draw visitors who are likely to explore nearby shops, attend community events, and participate in other cultural programs, thereby increasing foot traffic and boosting local commerce. In the long run, the Heritage Center will offer sustainable economic benefits by driving tourism, nurturing partnerships with local businesses, and promoting Frederick as a destination for cultural and historical exploration. It is poised to contribute to small and local businesses in the community as a vendor for the goods and services they need, such as graphics design and production, cleaning services, food for conferences and special events, and other related business services. It will offer rental space for events and gatherings, including small meetings and other civic-minded activities. AARCH will play a vital role in promoting the economic well-being of Fredericks' thriving business community. As we form solid business-to-business partnerships, we will highlight our contributors on social and leading media. We purport to be a resource for local and state governments interested in conducting research and collaborating with the minority sector. We are open to exploring opportunities for joint business and government partnerships.
What is the capital expenditure for the project?
While the exact costs are not currently available, we provide opportunities for both large and small businesses to support the museum's growth and future expansion. Businesses and individuals will have the opportunity to contribute to naming rights, spatial exhibits, niche performances, and displays that will enrich the museum’s repertoire of services. At this stage, providing an exact figure for the project's capital expenditure is challenging due to potential unforeseen costs that may arise during construction. We anticipate confirming the total expenditure upon completion of the project.
What types of job and volunteer opportunities will this project create once the facility is up and running?
We are currently utilizing the services of significant architectural and building construction firms. We hire space from rental companies to store some of our artifacts. We most likely will need storage services as we cycle through exhibits. As we grow, we plan to continue using these services for our expansion. We will be looking to subcontract our facility cleaning services to local vendors. There will be opportunities to employ administrative and support staff, including but not limited to positions such as collections and exhibits assistants, researchers, security personnel, volunteer coordinators, and program directors. Additional employment opportunities may arise depending on the facility's evolving needs. We also plan to establish a robust volunteer program that will include roles such as greeters, docents, and other essential support functions.
Our work with educational institutions, public and private schools, including FCPS, home schools, colleges, and universities, are a potential source for internships, research (genealogical, archeological, etc), and videography (students may have a capstone video project to complete, for example). Churches, Temples, Mosques, and Civic organizations can volunteer to restore grave sites and other sacred spaces. We are also accepting donations of family heirlooms that are of historical significance. In this way, the community may participate in the museum's collection efforts.
In what ways do you see the AARCH project supporting or collaborating with existing businesses in the area once it is complete?
Already, the AARCH Society partners with local organizations and businesses to provide historical context to Frederick’s history. We currently collaborate with esteemed organizations such as Frederick County Libraries, the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area in Maryland, and the Weinberg Center for the Arts. Additionally, we are proud to partner with Curious Iguana, the Downtown Partnership, and the Double Decker Bus Tour. As we move closer to the Heritage Center’s opening, we are eager to deepen these relationships and cultivate new partnerships with even more local businesses. These collaborations have not only fostered positive relationships but have also enriched our collective ability to highlight the untold stories and invaluable contributions of African American citizens—past and present. We are confident that these connections will continue to grow and strengthen as the AARCH project progresses, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Frederick’s African American history remains an integral part of the community narrative. We will continue to build on existing partnerships, i.e., banking, construction, cleaning, food and beverages, graphic design, and leasing, among other services within the Frederick business community.
“The groundbreaking of AARCH Society’s African American Heritage Center is a transformative moment for the City. The forthcoming museum is an important addition to the cultural fabric of the City. It's an exciting contribution to expanding access to arts and culture across the City – as a contribution that is not only preserving heritage but adding to what makes Frederick a vibrant cultural destination. It will surely enrich our community and attract visitors from across the region.” - Laila Jadallah, City of Frederick Manager of Arts and Culture
How does AARCH believe the museum will become both a cultural destination and a tourist attraction?
The Heritage Center will be the first African American museum in Frederick, serving as a vital resource for both local residents and tourists. As a city with a rich history, the Heritage Center will provide an in-depth exploration of African American history and contributions to the Frederick community. It will serve as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of African American experiences and achievements specific to this region. In addition, the Center will help to foster dialogue and connection among people from all walks of life, thereby creating opportunities for shared understanding and unity. Its prime location in the city’s historic district, coupled with engaging exhibits and cultural programming, will attract visitors interested in learning about the area’s rich African American culture and heritage. We are confident that the African American Heritage Center will provide a transformative and unforgettable experience, leaving visitors eager to return and delve deeper into the powerful stories, exhibits, and artifacts that illuminate African American history. We firmly believe the Heritage Center will establish itself as a premier destination for cultural enrichment and educational tourism, drawing visitors from near and far.
The Center’s prime location, at the intersection of Carroll and All Saints Street in the heart of Downtown Frederick, next to the historic Carroll Creek Linear Park and the future Marriott Hotel, makes it an ideal spot for visitors. According to Dave Ziedelis, Executive Director of Visit Frederick, “The African American Heritage Center, located a half-block away from our Frederick Visitor Center, is an exciting and much-needed addition to the cultural scene here in downtown Frederick. The renovation of this long-time vacant building will add another prominent destination for heritage tourism and contribute to the vibrancy and diversity of historic Frederick.”
Heritage tourism is a growing trend, with Civil and human rights institutions becoming popular tourist destinations. Ziedelis highlighted that, “Heritage tourism is the number one reason for visitation into Frederick County, at roughly 30%, which translates into $161.7 million of annual visitor spending here in Frederick County.” This growing trend positions the Center to play a crucial role in the local economy, attracting visitors who will explore nearby shops, attend community events, and participate in other cultural programs; this in turn, boosts local commerce and enhances Frederick’s appeal as a tourism destination.
Watch the groundbreaking ceremony here. If you would like to learn more about other economic development efforts in the City of Frederick, reach out to our economic development team at 301.600.6360 or email businessinfrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov.
