Heritage Tours in 2009

One of the add on items brought to the council meeting last Monday night involved a project I have been working on with several other government officials and private citizens. It involves the promotion of Heritage Tours in Worcester County, specifically for Black History and historical Worcester County figures and prominent sites. The group has included members of the NAACP such as President Edward Lee and Gabe Purnell, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, Berlin Mayor Tom Cardinale, Worcester County Director of Tourism Lisa Challenger, and Pocomoke Main Street Coordinator Michael Day.

The idea began to simply find a way to recognize the efforts and contributions of black individuals who were born or lived in Worcester County. It was agreed that establishing a historical record was the place to begin. At the same time, it was agreed that the effort could provide opportunity for commercial endeavors and tourism outside of Ocean City.

In earnest, the group is working toward a phase one goal of developing a series of Heritage Tours which would begin in the summer tourism season of 2009. Since Pocomoke City already has the Sturgis One Room School House Museum, Heritage House Museum, and the Delmarva Discovery Center, it seemed best to utilize these locations. The tour could also include a boat tour up river which would provide details of the Underground Rail Road established by Harriett Tubman which had a leg of the journey through the Pocomoke River basin. The day would be capped off with a theatrical performance at the Marva Theater of a play written specifically about black heritage on the eastern shore.

We are currently seeking support from the municipalities as well as Worcester County to assist in funding the historical research needed as well as the promotion of the tour events. Pocomoke City was ahead of the curve when we sat down at the table and, as a result, we will reap the benefit of being able to provide a wonderful opportunity for folks to explore the shore through Heritage Tours next year if the project becomes a reality.