The Pocomoke Indian Nation & Beach to Bay Heritage Area awarded honor

MARYLAND. – The Maryland Historical Trust Awards took place in Pocomoke City, honoring a vital group in the city’s history. Groups like Beach to Bay Heritage Area ensure history is always put at the forefront.

Lisa Challenger, the Executive Director, said the group has wide reach.

“Beach to Bay Heritage Area is a non-profit organization that covers Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset Counties.”

They, along with the Pocomoke Indian Nation, received the Maryland Historic Trust Preservation Partnership award. This was due to the collaboration efforts on the History, Heritage, and Homelands guide and other outdoor interpretive signage.

Norris Buddy Howard of the Pocomoke Indian Nation was thankful for the honor. “We want to thank the MD Historical Trust, and the Beach to Bay staff, for recognizing the importance of Native American history here on the Eastern Shore.”

Challenger said this is one of a long list of things they hope to continue to accomplish.

“Our mission is to protect, promote, and preserve the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the lower shore. It’s kind of a big mission, but we are tackling it one project at a time.”

Cheryl Doughty said being from the Pocomoke Indian Nation means sharing history with people who may not understand. She pointed to the group’s work in the school systems: Somerset, Worcester, and Wicomico counties.

“In situations where students cannot come to the museum to learn more, we bring a museum display, a pop-up museum, to the schools.”

Norris Buddy Howard suggests that some names you encounter are mirrored in our local waterways, like Annemessex, Manokin, or Pocomoke – all names derived from Native Americans.