As shared in September 2021, NeighborSpace was awarded a Battlefield Protection grant from the National Park Service. This grant funds research into the military and societal history of Bear Creek in Dundalk, with the goal of interpreting the 1.25-mile Bear Creek Heritage Trail that is being designed and constructed by NeighborSpace in partnership with the community. 

Historical research into this site has been led by Stevenson University professor Glenn Johnston. Together with his students and a team of historical consultants and community historians, Professor Johnston has uncovered a wealth of statistics on life in the Bear Creek area around 1800. We are excited to share the first edition of the Preceptor, the newsletter covering this historical research project, which has the stated goal to “inform and educate the current residents of Patapsco Neck and the old “Lower Patapsco Hundred” about their history”. To gain insight into some of this history, please read the first edition of The Preceptor here:  https://mailchi.mp/167be46dfa24/bear-creek-historical-research-newsletter-winter-9293928

Further research will focus on uncovering the untold stories of the people of color in the vicinity of Bear Creek during the War of 1812 and the details of the Battle of North Point, among other topics. 

If you are interested in learning more, we invite you to attend Professor Johnston’s presentation at the Dundalk Historical Society on Saturday, March 18 at 2pm. Details will be forthcoming.