Final Draft
09/21/2015
Inevitably, competition among the watermen led to racing and organized races, and larger masts and sails were added in the pursuit of speed. On summer weekends today log canoes continue to compete in races on the nearby Miles River.” At the time of this Plan, eleven (11) log canoes on the National Register are docked in St. Michaels. Additionally, St. Michaels has long been known as a working waterfront town, including ship building and other activities related to Watermen’s heritage. With the State of Maryland declaring Watermen an endangered culture, the preservation of local Watermen’s culture is important to the Town. National Register Historic District The National Register of Historic Places, an inventory of historic resources, is maintained by the National Park Service. Listing in the National Register provides recognition to sites, buildings, structures, objects, and districts that are significant to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. The St. Michaels National Register Historic District was surveyed, nominated, and approved in 1986. In addition to providing recognition of significance, listing in the National Register mandates consideration in the planning of any federal or federally-assisted project and provides eligibility for federal and state tax credits for historic preservation projects. St. Michaels Historic District The Town has a Historic District Commission and two museums, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and the St. Michaels Museum at Saint Mary’s Square. The St. Michaels Historic District (formerly named the St. Michaels Historic Area) was created in 1972 and has been expanded and modified several times since. The fivemember Historic District Commission is composed of volunteer citizens with interest or specific expertise in historic preservation and appointed to three-year terms by the Town Commissioners. The Commission reviews proposed exterior changes to any structure or appurtenance in the defined district, based on an approved and published set of guidelines. The guidelines that provide standards for this design review were modified and readopted in 2014. This review process provides the best tool for protecting and enhancing the historic character of St. Michaels. In addition to the review of proposed projects, inclusion in the Historic District also provides eligibility for a state historic preservation tax credit to home property owners who undertake historic preservation projects, whether or not the property produces income. Currently, the St. Michaels National Register Historic District includes several neighborhoods in the town that are not included in the locally-zoned St. Michaels Historic District. Historic resources located outside of the locally-zoned Historic District may be threatened by demolition or character changing alterations or additions. St. Michaels Draft Comprehensive Plan 2015
Chapter 8 Page 3