Donate or Convey an Easement

You can donate or convey a preservation easement to the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) to help protect your property’s historic features. This page explains how to begin the process and what to expect. 

Donations

Easements may be donated voluntarily. MHT may accept easements on properties that are: 

• Individually listed in or eligible for individual listing on the National Register of Historic Places, or
• Significant in Maryland’s history, architecture, archaeology or culture

To make a donation, an owner must submit a letter expressing their desire to donate an easement and provide enough information for MHT to review the property and make a decision about whether or not to accept the easement. Information can include, but is not limited to, a description of the property, property history, maps, and photographs.

Conveyances

Easements may be required as part of a grant, loan, other government funding, and government property transfers. This includes:  

• Maryland Heritage Areas Program (overseen by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority)
• African American Heritage Preservation Program (in partnership with the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture)
• Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program
• Historic Preservation Capital Loan Program  

If your property is part of an MHT grant or loan project, your grant manager will confirm whether an easement is required. 

How to convey an easement 

1. Contact MHT early. Email or call easement program staff before you begin.
2. Provide documentation as required by MHT. This can include, but is not limited to, ownership and property records, property descriptions, site plans and maps, site insurance policy, and information from your deed.
3. Review the agreement. MHT prepares a draft easement deed for your review. The agreement specifies which portions of the property are protected and what types of changes require MHT approval.
4. Finalize and record the easement. After both parties approve the draft, the easement is signed by all parties, and executed and recorded in the county land records.
5. Coordinate with funding requirements (if applicable). For projects involving MHT grants or loans, the easement must generally be recorded before funds are released. 

Costs 

MHT does not charge a fee to review or accept an easement. 

Property owners cover related costs such as title work, surveys and recording fees. Costs can vary depending on the property and who the property owner hires to complete this work. 

Timeline

Processing times vary depending on property complexity, but most easements are completed within several months to a year. 

Common questions