March 4, 2021

​The late poet Maya Angelou’s quote: “You can’t really know where you are going until you know where you have been” speaks volumes about the importance of history. Recently the FirstEnergy Foundation provided support for two historical preservation foundations.

Shayne Smith, consultant, Regional External Affairs, presented a $5,000 FirstEnergy Foundation check to the Gettysburg Foundation in support of its mission of preservation and education of the famous Civil War battlefield, its monuments and artifacts, while upholding the lessons of courage and devotion they inspire.

Shayne (c.) with the Gettysburg Foundation’s Brian Shaffer and Ben Hansford. They are shown in front of the backdrop of Little Roundtop after the Battle of Gettysburg.

The African American Resources Cultural and Heritage (AARCH) organization received a $10,000 FirstEnergy Foundation check to support general operations and COVID-19 relief efforts. AARCH is devoted to preserving and disseminating the history and culture of African Americans living in Frederick County, Md. AARCH members work to identify, collect and exhibit artifacts that tell the unique story of local African Americans.

L.-r.: Kelly Russell, Frederick City alderman; Jim Sears, president, Maryland Operations; David Key, president, AARCH; and Michael O’Connor, mayor, City of Frederick.