HISTORIC BATTLEFIELD PUBLIC INTERPRETATION SCOPING PROJECT
THE BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND

Background

Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, Inc. (ATHA), a private nonprofit organization, is seeking proposals from qualified consultant teams to conduct a survey of existing interpretation of the Battle of Bladensburg and the War of 1812 within the county as well as a comprehensive review of modern best practices in battlefield interpretation with a focus on inclusive storytelling, creative engagement, and new technologies.

The Battle of Bladensburg, fought on August 24, 1814 in Prince George’s County, Maryland holds significant importance in both state and national history due to its immediate tactical consequences, its impact on national morale and political dynamics, and its lasting cultural and symbolic significance. During the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812, the State of Maryland, under then-Governor Martin O’Malley, supported a robust commemoration that resulted in historic research, large events, and many new interpretive signs. These documents, photos, and signs continue to stand on the landscape 10 years later. The goal of this project is to inventory, assess, and plan for the retention, repair, removal, and/or replacement of War of 1812 public history interpretation elements in Prince George’s County, Maryland – specifically the Battle of Bladensburg.

This project is funded in part by at National Park Service Battlefield Interpretation Grant for scoping (planning and development) and does not include plan implementation. Proposals are due Monday, July 1, 2024 via email. A confirmation receipt will be sent to all applicants. Interviews will take place, as needed, in July with a project award decision made on Monday, July 29, 2024. The project needs to be completed by Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

ATHA encourages proposals from consultants with expertise in history, parks, education, interpretation, and placemaking. We are dedicated to actively seeking out and partnering with consultants from a wide range of backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability status, and socio-economic background. We believe that diverse consultants bring unique insights and expertise that enrich our projects and drive innovation.

Deliverables

The consultant team will be responsible for completing the following tasks in a manner that meets, as applicable, the Secretary of the Interior's Standards:

- literature review of foundational historical research and past interpretive plans about the Battle of Bladensburg with a focus on historical excluded narratives;

- evaluation of existing interpretive methods and media,
a geocoded map of existing interpretive signs will be provided to the selected consultant;

- develop an overview of current approaches and best practices for interpretive solutions with at least two case studies for battlefields in high-density urban areas to help provide  an overview of contemporary heritage audiences regionally and nationally, including new technologies;

- in coordination with ATHA, conduct a local stakeholder meeting(s) and web-based public survey about current interactions with existing interpretive elements and suggestions for new/improved interpretation; and

- produce a final document of findings including a detailed outline of a comprehensive new interpretive plan for the Battle of Bladensburg, that includes, existing interpretive resources geolocated on a public GIS map, relevant photographs and illustrations, sample interpretive content/media, implementation budget, research notes, survey data and analysis, and other working files.

Budget & Timeline

The total budget for this project is $22,800. This amount is inclusive of all expenses, including research, travel, materials, and any other costs incurred by the consultant team. ATHA staff will work very closely with the selected team to provide the necessary administrative and technical support to complete this project by Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

Submission Requirements

Interested consultant teams should submit the following via email:

- An introduction to the assembled team, interest, approach, and qualifications in a two-page cover letter.

- A description of the proposed approach to the project including timeline including each deliverable.

- A budget breakdown showing how the $22,800 will be allocated across different project components and deliverables.

All proposals must be submitted by Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered. Please email to info@anacostiatrails.org.

Additional Information

Compliance with Executive Order 14005

Per Executive Order 14005, entitled "Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America's Workers,” the Recipient shall maximize the use of goods, products, and materials produced in, and services offered in, the United States, and whenever possible, procure goods, products, materials, and services from sources that will help American businesses compete in strategic industries and help America’s workers thrive.

Section 508 Compliance

All electronic documents prepared under this Agreement must meet the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The Act requires that all electronic products prepared for the Federal Government be accessible to persons with disabilities, including those with vision, hearing, cognitive, and mobility impairments. View Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, Standards and Guidelines for detailed information.

More Information

- Bladensburg Battlefield in included in the Nation Park Services “Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States” and indicated as MD403, Class A.

- A National Register Nomination of the Bladensburg Battlefield is pending submission by the Maryland Historical Trust (State Historic Preservation Office) to the National Park Service in Fall 2023. A copy of the draft Nomination will be provided to the selected consultant.

- ATHA will work closely with the selected consultant to identify, notify, and engage with stakeholders including property owners, municipalities, and community groups in Maryland and Washington, DC.