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1.   Findings  Relevant to  Research
Contrary to many stereotypes  and myths, the Task Force  finds that the history and legacy of slavery have played a vital role in the heritage of all regions of the State of Maryland.    Moreover, the legacy continues to touch the lives of all Marylanders in many ways of which they may not be aware.    While researchers are at work in many parts  of the state to investigate and interpret this history and legacy,  some  in  academic  settings  and  others  working independently,   there   exits   no   network  to   facilitate   communication among these scholars  and there remain large gaps in our understanding.     In  order to understand  our history,  social  legacy, and way of life here in Maryland, the Task Force finds that specialists  from numerous  disciplines  must be involved as well  as ordinary lay people who are just interested that the  facts  be preserved   and   presented   correctly.
It is  especially important that the  State make available resources  in regions  such as  Western Maryland and the Eastern  Shore where fewer persons  are  engaged in this undertaking.     However,  there remain may mysteries to be explored not only in such areas of