Your fundamental civic organization—along with affiliated activities—
is dedicated first to local historic preservation, which is a cultural and
educational attainment of the highest order. In this particular field of
public service I must relate to you and to kindred historical societies
everywhere in Maryland that your work and your objectives are in-
separable with the operations and objectives of the recently established
State Department of Economic Development. I sponsored this agency
before the people and before the Legislature in the public interest of
reducing unemployment—especially in the less fortunate communities in
our State—then raising the per-capita income; and balancing and
strengthening the economy and general welfare of our entire Common-
wealth. The success of this program rests upon the ability of this
Department—amid fierce competition from without from long established
and heavily financed public and private agencies to attract new
industrial resources and activity from elsewhere to Maryland. Perhaps
you have learned and we have learned that uppermost question advanced
by every industrialist prospect. It begins: What recreational and cultural
advantages can your community offer to our employees and executives
who will locate here?"....

No State Legislature—and this includes Maryland—did not em-
power their economic development agencies to engage in your local
and highly specialized field of preservation of historic sites and buildings,
but the Maryland Department will utilize its available resources to
attract tourists to our State and in turn this will help you to attract
tourists to your community. Facts assembled over many years by the
National Association of Travel Organizations inform us that: "Tourism
development and industrial development are interrelated, are not com-
petitive, and actually assist each other. "

I well realize that Historic Annapolis must first serve this capital city
of extraordinary heritage from the past, and there is much work and
many problems and much financing ahead. I realize also that Annapolis
is a city with a diverse and well-balanced and an exceptionally stable
economy, but on the other hand there are limitations on natural and
resource means of creative wealth here which cannot be overcome in the
near future. Beyond the inventory, research and study stage, your
objectives, in the public interest will eventually require essential funds
for preservation, restoration and reconstruction above and beyond the
capacity of local private capital to supply them. Your organization—
and others with the same attainments to gain for your city—will then be
called upon to cross city and county and perhaps state boundary lines in
order to attract additional financial assistance. That also has been your

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