Darian Schwab

Historic Annapolis Foundation

The Historic Annapolis Foundation (HAF), located in the William Paca House in Annapolis, Maryland, was the site of my summer internship. Since 1952, HAF has helped to restore more than 400 buildings in Annapolis’ historic district and they continue to educate the public on the history of Annapolis as well as advocate for the preservation of the city’s architectural integrity. HAP was founded in 1952, and since its inception has been involved in saving over 400 historic buildings in the downtown. The Foundation has also researched, chronicled, and interpreted the many aspects of Annapolis’ history. The Foundation is well known for its Archaeology in Annapolis program that has excavated and preserved archaeological resources in the city since 1982. In addition to its offices in the Shiplap House, one of the oldest buildings in the city, the Foundation maintains several other properties in the historic City Dock area. This internship allowed me to expand my knowledge of architectural history by conducting an architectural survey of the historic district. I was also able to take part in numerous easement inspections on historic properties, assess and comment on applications that were to be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), and attend an HPC meeting. I feel fortunate to have gained experience and knowledge of how a grassroots preservation organization works, shadowing the Director of Preservation on a daily basis and witnessing her responsibilities first hand. Overall this internship provided me with hands-on experience and knowledge that I will take with me in my future career as a preservation professional.