The Rackliffe House Trust
Coastal Bays Heritage Center

Dear Patrons (present & future),

A compelling opportunity has come our way to preserve one of the most notable historic
properties on the Eastern Shore and bring to the community an interesting story of settlement
along the costal bays.  We are asking your support to get the ball rolling.

We are referring to Rackliffe Plantation House, located near the Assateague Bridge and
bordering on Rum Pointe Golf Course.  Here is the "cradle" of Maryland's costal history: a prehistoric
Native American campground; a colorful connection to early English merchant-planters; target of
attacks by British raiding parties; and more recent fame as The Haunted House.

Rackliffe House Trust, a non-profit foundation, has entered a long-term lease with the Maryland
Department of Natural Resources.  The trust's mission is to restore the currently ravaged structure
to its stately 18th century appearance, establish a heritage museum, and provide for its curatorship. 

The restoration work will be extensive and costly, but the completed project should prove unique
in the Mid-Atlantic costal region.  While a few tidewater dwellings from the colonial era remain,
Rackliffe Plantation House will stand out by virtue of its sea-front view, public accessibility, and
as a well-documented picture of early merchant-planter life. 

Beyond the immediate plan for rehabilitating the Rackliffe Plantation House, the Trust envisions
a number of longer range goals that include networking with some 20 nearby pre-historic and
historic sites.  Together these could possibly be placed on the National Register of Historic Places
as a tightly knit area of regional significance. 

We are asking for your help.  We would like to get started as early as possible; to keep our
contractors on the job and to meet requirements to match current grants.  This will require an
estimated $750,000 to open the doors to public admission.  We are asking for your help in other
ways as well, that is to engage "friends" who may be willing to volunteer their services and talents in
making this truly a community happening and one of Maryland's prized attractions.

Potential friends may have a personal interest in or connection to the Rackliffe Plantation House,
or may want to help protect our regional treasures and way of life.  We would love to have your
support.  We are also available to tell you about this colorful saga in person, and to answer any
questions you may have.  If you wish to help, please send donations to: 
                                                                                                            Rackliffe House Trust
                                                                                                            P.O. Box 578
                                                                                                            Berlin, MD 21811

Sincerely,

       
___________________________________________________________________________ 

P.O. Box 578, Berlin, Maryland 21811