|
WHEREAS,
|
Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay region have been important centers of trade, commerce, and government for centuries;
|
|
WHEREAS,
|
The British invasion of Maryland during the summer of 1812 and the Chesapeake Campaign of 1814 during the nation’s second war for independence were a result of that strategic importance;
|
|
WHEREAS,
|
The War of 1812 and the actions of Marylanders during the War have had lasting effects on the nation, including the test of the young democracy and its diverse population of slaves and freemen, the formation of a national identity, a commitment to a strong national military defense, and a new international political framework;
|
|
WHEREAS,
|
Maryland saw more military actions during the War of 1812 than any other state;
|
|
WHEREAS,
|
Maryland’s unique contributions to the defense and heritage of the nation include the pivotal clash that ensured American victory, an iconic flag, and our national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner;
|
|
WHEREAS,
|
Maryland possesses an extraordinary collection of historical, cultural, and natural resources that interpret and provide public access to the stories of the War of 1812 in the State and nation; and
|
|
WHEREAS,
|
It is in the interest of Marylanders to provide for appropriate activities to commemorate and maximize the understanding of residents and visitors about the meaning of the War of 1812 and the role of Marylanders.
|
| |
|
|
NOW THEREFORE,
|
I, MARTIN O'MALLEY, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSTITUTION AND THE LAWS OF MARYLAND, HEREBY PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
|
| |
A. Established. There is a Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, hereafter referred to as "the Commission".
|
| |
B. Tasks. The Commission is charged with the following duties:
|
| |
(1) Provide coordination among public and private interpretive institutions, sites, museums, and other organizations to plan and implement an appropriate series of events and activities to commemorate the bicentennial for residents and visitors statewide;
|
| |
(2) Promote the identification and documentation of historic and cultural resources, including landscapes, sites, buildings, structures, objects, and archives related to the War of 1812, and encourage their preservation;
|
| |
(3) Assist with efforts to protect, improve, and develop existing educational and interpretive institutions, sites, and museums related to the War of 1812 for educational, recreational, and tourism purposes;
|
| |
(4) Ensure the development of a model social studies curriculum specifically on the War of 1812, its impact on Maryland and the diverse people who fought, supported, and participated in the defense of the State and nation;
|
| |
(5) Promote Maryland’s War of 1812 bicentennial celebration nationally and internationally;
|
| |
(6) Provide leadership for, and coordinate Maryland's efforts with other states and international entities engaged in activities related to the commemoration of the War of 1812, including but not limited to the federal Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission;
|
| |
(7) Secure support and financial resources to implement the events and activities planned and assisted by the Commission including the formation of an appropriate legal entity;
|
| |
(8) Ensure that the activities undertaken or assisted by the Commission result in products that will have lasting value and public benefit beyond the bicentennial, especially leading to the protection of historical and cultural resources associated with the War of 1812; and
|
| |
(9) Perform other actions necessary to carry out the duties of the Commission.
|
| |
C. Membership. The Commission shall consist of up to 13 members including:
|
| |
(1) The President of the Senate;
|
| |
(2) The Speaker of the House;
|
| |
(3) The Secretary of Budget and Management;
|
| |
(4) The Secretary of Natural Resources;
|
| |
(5) The Secretary of Planning;
|
| |
(6) The Secretary of Transportation; and
|
| |
(7) Up to seven members with relevant interest or expertise appointed by the Governor who serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
|
| |
D. Chair. The Governor shall designate a Chair from among the members of the Commission.
|
| |
E. Advisory Committees. The Commission shall be supported by Advisory Committees, to be established by the Chair, as follows:
|
| |
(1) Development and Sponsor Relations;
|
| |
(2) Resource Stewardship and Visitor Experience;
|
| |
(3) Education and Curriculum;
|
| |
(4) Programs and Events;
|
| |
(5) Transportation and Capital Infrastructure;
|
| |
(6) Communications and Marketing;
|
| |
(7) Operations and Management; and
|
| |
(8) Additional Advisory Committees may be created, as necessary, to accomplish the Commission Tasks.
|
| |
F. Advisory Committee Appointments. The Chair of the Commission shall appoint Advisory Committee members who broadly represent public and private interests who can make significant contributions to accomplish the Commission tasks. Advisory Committee members serve at the pleasure of the Chair of the Commission.
|
| |
G. Diversity. To the extent possible, the Commission and its Advisory Committees shall be representative of the diverse communities and regions within the State.
|
| |
H. Vacancies. In the event of a Commission vacancy, the Governor shall appoint a successor.
|
| |
I. Staff Coordination. The Governor shall appoint an Executive Director within the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts to provide and coordinate staff for the Commission. The Maryland Historical Trust, the Maryland State Archives and other agencies shall assist when requested by the Commission.
|
| |
J. Procedures.
|
| |
(1) The Commission shall meet at least semi-annually at times and places to be determined by the Chair and Executive Director.
|
| |
(2) The Commission shall adopt procedures for the transaction of business.
|
| |
(3) The Commission may establish a non-profit organization to receive funds for the Commission.
|
| |
(4) The members of the Commission and Advisory Committees may not receive compensation for their services. The members may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations as provided in the State budget.
|
| |
K. Action Plan. By September 1, 2008, the Commission shall present to the Governor and General Assembly a Plan of Action to achieve the Commission tasks.
|
| |
L. Reporting. By November 1 of each year, starting November 1, 2008, the Commission shall submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly including an update on the Plan of Action, implementation timetables and benchmarks, and recommendations for any legislative, administrative, or other action the Commission deems necessary to further its mission.
|
| |
M. Termination. This Executive Order shall terminate and be of no effect after June 30, 2015.
|
