The Maryland Resident Curatorship Program
This program secures private funding and labor for the restoration and maintenance of historic properties owned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Curators pledge to restore the historic property and maintain it in good condition in exchange for a lifetime lease.
Purpose
Resident curatorships provide a method for ensuring the long-term preservation of historic buildings at no cost to the State of Maryland. The Department of Natural Resources pioneered this program in 1982, and currently has about 43 curatorships in operation. Our well-developed procedures provide a model for initiating similar programs in other states. To date, curators have contributed over $8 million worth of improvements to these publicly-owned historic structures.
Current Offerings
The Doncaster House - Available
Doncaster State Forest
Indian Head, Charles CountyThe Doncaster House was probably constructed in the early part of the 20th century as an office for a local logging company. The Civilian Conservation Corp may have utilized the building and the surrounding area during the 1930’s and 40’s. At some point, it was enlarged with a kitchen wing to make it suitable as a dwelling. The rather small and simple building lacks central heat, and will require substantial upgrades. A good use for the house may be as a weekend cabin.
Hornbaker House - Available
Fort Frederick State Park
Big Pool, Washington CountyThe Hornbaker Property, which dates from circa 1899, was once known as the Fort Frederick "Colored" school house. This "T" shaped Victorian has a one-story section containing the original schoolroom, and a two-story section with the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. The Hornbaker Property is located at Fort Frederick State Park, a site of national historic significance. During the French and Indian war in the 18th century the Fort was used as a means of defense and protection for the local settlers from attack.
How can you get on the Interested Parties Mailing List?
To be added to the Resident-Curatorship Interested Parties List, simply complete and submit the Online Form, and you will automatically receive notices about new offerings when they are made.
