sion on Negro History and Culture (Chapter 435,
Acts of 1969). In 1971, it was assigned to Morgan
State College by Executive Order. Under the De-
partment of Economic and Community Develop-
ment, the Commission was renamed in 1974 as the
Commission on Afro-American and Indian History
and Culture (Chapter 386, Acts of 1974). The
Commission was renamed the Commission on
Afro-American History and Culture in 1976
(Chapter 120, Acts of 1976). It became part of the
Department of Housing and Community Develop-
ment in 1987 (Chapter 311, Acts of 1987). In
1992, the Commission was redesignated as the
Commission on African-American History and
Culture (Chapter 290, Acts of 1992). Formerly
under the Division's Office of Cultural and Educa-
tional Services, the Commission became part of the
Office of Research, Survey, and Registration in
1992.
The Commission serves as statewide coordina-
tor and clearinghouse for preserving and docu-
menting evidence of the African-American
experience in Maryland. It specializes in research
assistance and collecting historical materials—art
objects, memorabilia, manuscripts, photographs,
and other articles of significance to African-Ameri-
can history and culture.
For the community at large and the educational
systems and institutions within the State, the Com-
mission provides exhibits, programs, and resource
materials. The Commission also participates in a
continuing statewide survey to locate and identify
sites and buildings of historical and cultural signifi-
cance to the African-American experience in Mary-
land.
The State's annual observance of Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr.'s birthday in January is planned
and coordinated by the Commission. Any available
federal or private funds for the planning and execu-
tion of commemorative and educational activities in
connection with that observance are received and
administered by the Commission.
The Commission's nine members are appointed
to four-year terms by the Governor with Senate
advice and consent. Subject to the approval of the
Secretary of Housing and Community Develop-
ment, the Commission appoints the Director (Code
1957, Art. 83B, secs. 5-301 through 5-306). The
Commission also includes an Advisory Committee.

COMMISSION ON INDIAN AFFAIRS
Betty L. Biggs, Chairperson, 1994
Vacancy, Director

100 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032 (410) 514-7600

The Commission originated in 1974 as part of
the Commission on Afro-American and Indian His-
tory and Culture. It became a separate agency

within the Department of Economic and Commu-
nity Development in 1976 (Chapter 148, Acts of
1976). In 1987, the Commission on Indian Affairs
was made part of the Department of Housing and
Community Development (Chapter 311, Acts of
1987). Formerly under the Division's Office of
Cultural and Educational Services, the Commission
became part of the Office of Research, Survey, and
Registration in 1992.
The Commission coordinates programs and
projects to further the cultural, educational,
economic and social development of Maryland's
diverse Indian communities. The Commission also
works to increase public awareness and appreciation
of the rich contributions that Indians have made to
life in the State.

The Commission consists of nine members, a
majority of whom must be members of the Native
American Indian communities of Maryland. Ap-
pointed by the Governor with Senate advice and
consent, members serve three-year terms. They
must have knowledge of Indian culture and history,
and the problems of Indian communities. Subject
to the approval of the Secretary of Housing and
Community Development, the Commission ap-
points the Director (Code 1957, Art. 83B, secs.
5-401 through 5-405).

OFFICE OF PRESERVATION SERVICES

William J. Pencek, Jr., Chief & Deputy State Historic
Preservation Officer for Section 106 Review Activities

100 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032 (410) 514-7600

The Office of Preservation Services was estab-
lished in 1989. The Office protects and enhances
historic, archaeological and cultural properties
throughout Maryland.

The Review and Compliance Unit conducts
State and federally mandated regulatory reviews to
protect and enhance heritage resources. Under Sec-
tion 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act,
this includes review of how federal programs affect
Maryland historic properties. The Unit also reviews
and processes applications for the State historic
preservation income tax (502H) program and the
federal income tax credit program for rehabilitation
of historic buildings.

The Financial Assistance and Easements Unit
administers the State Historic Preservation Grant
and Loan programs, as well as State and federal
historic preservation easement programs. Through
a variety of training programs, the Unit also pro-
vides technical advice and assistance on rehabilita-
tion to local government planners, preservation
commissions, and the public.