DNR Announces Historic Renovation Project In Charles County

Indian Head, Md. (January 5, 2011) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that a significant historic preservation project was recently unanimously approved by the Maryland Board of Public Works. Over the next several months, the exterior of Chapman State Park’s antebellum manor house, Mt. Aventine, will be restored.

"Mt. Aventine is an architectural jewel with an unsurpassed view of the Potomac River. Sadly, it has been largely unknown,” said Maryland Delegate Peter Murphy of Charles County. “I am looking forward to greater public use of this gracious old house after this exciting project is completed.”

The Mt. Aventine renovation, which has been in the planning stages for years, has also gained the enthusiastic support of the Friends of Chapman State Park (FSCP), the all-volunteer group that works in partnership with the Maryland Park Service to offer programs at the manor house.

“Mt. Aventine is a beautiful old home in a spectacular location,” said FSCP president Margaret Schmid. “Its preservation will allow the past to continue to be enjoyed by the larger community. We are very pleased that the project will begin early in 2011."

Mt. Aventine was built in 1840 by the Chapman family, with a major addition in 1860. A classic in the antebellum architectural style with a large central hall and parlors on both sides, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov