PGAHC History

The year was 1981…

The Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council was legislated by the Prince George’s County Council to be the Arts Agency for the County.

It started with a group of arts professionals and enthusiasts in Prince George’s County, Maryland who gathered at a Spring luncheon with a common pursuit: use the arts to enhance the quality of life for all residents, young and old. By the end of the luncheon, a concept for what would originally be called the Prince George’s County Arts Council was born.

The founders of the new Arts Council in Prince George’s County quickly got to work. With the original office being located at 13 Ridge Road in Greenbelt, MD, Articles of Incorporation were drawn up and submitted by Albert K. Herling on Dec. 7, 1981. This action served to officially form a non-profit corporation under and by virtue of the General Laws of the State of Maryland. Herling, along with Joan Bryce and William Weintraub became the first directors of the newly formed organization.

Founded on the purpose to promote, foster, encourage, coordinate, and exchange information and activities concerning culture and arts, an inaugural fundraising program was set for January of 1982 which included a special effort to reach out to Super Circle Members for support. Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, the organization continued to hone its operations to fulfill its mission to promote and support the Arts in Prince George’s County.

In 2011, the organization came under new leadership and a rebranding effort geared towards being inclusive of more artistic disciplines. The organization was minted the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council.

Today, the PGAHC continues to promote arts initiatives and support the arts in the County by facilitating various grant programs as well as advocating for legislative support of the arts on the County and State levels.

Please click HERE to Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council