Annapolis, MD (05/04/01) - Senator Paul S. Sarbanes, Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens and Annapolis Mayor Dean L. Johnson, today joined the National Park Service to mark the addition of the City of Annapolis and the Pride of Baltimore II to the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network.

The Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network is a collection of sites throughout the Bay watershed that highlight the Chesapeake’s importance in the region’s cultural, historical and environmental history. The Network will foster a broader commitment to Bay restoration and conservation efforts by providing citizens the opportunity to experience the Bay firsthand.

“The Gateways Network provides an easy, yet comprehensive way for Marylanders and our guests to experience the grandeur of the Chesapeake Bay,” said Senator Sarbanes. “The addition of the Annapolis City Dock and the Pride of Baltimore II to the Network will increase opportunities for families and friends to create their own chapters in the story of the Chesapeake.”

The City of Annapolis will receive a $18,100 grant from the National Park Service to develop a series of interpretive displays at City Dock illustrating Annapolis’ maritime heritage.

“Since its founding in 1649, Annapolis has long been the center of the Chesapeake Bay’s maritime tradition,” said Mayor Johnson. “By taking an active role in the Gateways Network, we will be able to further strengthen that tradition among residents and visitors alike.”

The Pride of Baltimore II, a sailing reproduction of an early-nineteenth century “Baltimore Clipper” ship, will highlight the Bay’s role in the War of 1812 to visitors in ports inside and outside the Bay region.

“We are excited that the Pride is the first ship recognized as part of the Gateways Network,” said Dale Hilliard, executive director of Pride of Baltimore, Inc. “As a nationally renowned vessel, we hope to carry the importance of the Gateway’s Chesapeake restoration message to ports all over the world.”

In addition to the Pride and the Annapolis City Dock, the Gateways Network also welcomed 17 other newly designated Gateways today, with the addition of 8 other sites in Maryland and nine in Virginia. This brings the total number of Gateways to 60. The National Park Service also announced matching grants today for projects at 26 of the designated Gateways, including Annapolis.

“This round of expansion brings the Gateways Network to a new level, “ said Jonathan Doherty, National Park Service manager for the Gateways Program. “This summer, visitors will be able to experience the Bay at Gateways throughout the Bay region. Projects at many Gateways will soon provide better opportunities for visitors to explore the Chesapeake’s diverse stories.”

New Gateway nominations are reviewed on a monthly basis by the National Park Service through the Chesapeake Bay Program. Additional Gateways will be added in coming months and will be featured as part of the Network website, and in a new map and guide to be published this summer.

For more information contact: John Maounis (410) 267-5778

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