The Council advances the economic and cultural
welfare of the people of the Delmarva Peninsula
through advice, counsel, and assistance to govern-
mental agencies and private organizations con-
cerned with programs and activities to develop the
resources and economic opportunities of the re-
gion. DAC fosters intergovernmental cooperation
and the resolution of conflict by providing a public
forum to coordinate planning and decision-making
for issues that cross jurisdictional boundaries.

The Council assesses recommendations of com-
mittees and Council members of each state and
takes appropriate action through advice and assis-
tance to governmental representatives at the local,
county, state, and federal levels, as well as to the
private sector.

OFFICE OF CULTURAL
ADMINISTRATION

Jack Ladd Carr, Cultural Administrator

45 Calvert St.
Annapolis 21401 Telephone: 269-2717

The Office of Cultural Administration originally
was created in 1976 as the Historical and Cultural
Liaison office. It operates as part of the Division of
Local and Regional Development. The Office
assists the following State agencies concerned with
the State's historic, cultural, and ethnic environ-
ment: the Maryland Historical Trust, St. Mary's
City Commission, Maryland State Arts Council,
Commission on Afro-American History and Cul-
ture, Commission on Indian Affairs, and the
Maryland Ethnic Heritage Commission.

COMMISSION ON AFRO-AMERICAN
HISTORY AND CULTURE

Chairperson: Phebe R. Jacobsen

Rev. James J. Fuller; Dr. R. Louis Harlan; Mary S.
Johnson; William H. Kiah; Dr. Roland C.
McConnell; Arthur Pierce Middleton; Elizabeth
M. Oliver; Verda F. Welcome.

Carroll Greene, Jr., Executive Director

84 Franklin St.
Annapolis 21401 Telephone: 269-2893

Originally known as the Maryland Commission
on Negro History and Culture, this Commission
was created by Chapter 435, Acts of 1969. Chapter
627, Acts of 1971, reformed the Commission, and
in 1971 the Commission was assigned to Morgan
State College by executive order. In 1974 the
Commission was reassigned to the Department of

Economic and Community Development/175

Economic and Community Development and re-
named the Commission on Afro-American and
Indian History and Culture (Chapter 386, Acts of
1974). The single-purpose Commission on Afro-
American History and Culture was created in 1976
(Chapter 120, Acts of 1976).

The Commission acts as statewide coordinator
and clearinghouse in preserving evidence of the
black experience in Maryland. It specializes in
historical preservation and research, unearthing
and collecting historical materials—art objects,
memorabilia, manuscripts, photographs, and other
articles of significance to black history and culture
in the State. It also provides exhibits and resource
materials to the community at large and to local
educational systems and institutions within the
State. In addition, the Commission conducts a
continuing statewide historic landmark survey to
locate and identify those sites and buildings signifi-
cant to the black experience in Maryland.

The Commission's collection is displayed at the
Banneker-Douglass Museum of Afro-American
Life and History, which opened to the public in
February 1984. The Museum is located at 84
Franklin St., Annapolis.

The Commission consists of nine members ap-
pointed by the Governor with the advice and
consent of the Senate for four-year terms. Subject
to the approval of the Secretary of Economic and
Community Development, the Commissioners ap-
point the Director. The Commission also includes
an Advisory Committee consisting of a maximum
of twenty-one members (Code 1957, Art. 41, sec.
409).

MARYLAND ETHNIC HERITAGE
COMMISSION

Chairperson: Robert H. Weiner
Director: Rene L. Cochise

45 Calvert St.
Annapolis 21401 Telephone: 269-2716

The Maryland Ethnic Heritage Commission was
created by Chapter 116, Acts of 1984. It replaced
the Commission on Ethnic Affairs, created by
executive order in 1977. Through the Secretary of
Economic and Community Development, the
Commission advises the Governor on State pro-
grams and activities relating to Maryland's ethnic
heritage. The Commission sponsors and promotes
historical, cultural, and educational projects to
further knowledge and appreciation of ethnic cul-
tural history throughout the State. It recommends
and stimulates the commemoration of historical