A True Visionary, Robert Clark, Retires After 10 Years of Service

Dear HA Community,

Today, Historic Annapolis (HA) and Robert C. Clark, Executive Chairman and former President, announced that he will retire from the organization at the end of October. Robert did not just love history, he made it!

“I have been shaped by, and hope that I have been able to shape, the rich history that comes alive every day for those who live and work in Annapolis as well as those we welcome from all over the world, “ Robert says. “I am proud of what my team has accomplished, and I leave knowing that I’ve left HA stronger than when I found it.”

A True Visionary

In the past 10 years, Robert has accomplished plenty so much that his legacy will stand out in the history of our 70-year organization:

Led the strategic planning process that resulted in HA’s 10-year strategic plan.

Grew portfolio of State-owned historic properties managed by HA to 12 downtown Annapolis sites, including the James Brice House and the John Shaw House.

Oversaw HA’s rebranding and the subsequent phenomenal success of now-signature HA fundraising events, including Blazers . Bourbon . Cigars.

Secured reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums and became a Smithsonian Affiliate in 2016, one of only six such affiliates in the state of Maryland and two hundred in the country.

Opened Annapolis: An American Story at the Museum of Historic Annapolis—a new cultural experience featuring three floors of exhibits

Envisioned future redevelopment of 1 Martin Street property as an education venue and meeting space, which would effectively create an “historic park” of State assets.

A Strong Community Builder
Robert’s legacy goes far beyond the numbers. The high-impact projects that he has helped to bring about and the many lasting partnerships and deep friendships he developed while working on HA’s behalf are invaluable.  

Robert reinforced our partnership with the State of Maryland and others to restore the James Brice House to its original design when construction was completed in 1774. Over the past six years, he has served as the leading champion of the organization in securing over $12 million in state and private funds to support the restoration. This project is anticipated to be completed in time for the nation’s celebration of the semiquincentennial in 2026.

A Lover of History and Maryland
Robert is a proud sixth generation Marylander and a history buff. Living in the city where our nation "took its first breath" inspires Robert. It is in that spirit that Robert has brought people together to envision a better future for Annapolis and the entire community.  

Under Robert’s direction, HA has served as a forceful leader in protecting the integrity of the historic district—preservation advocacy is a critical component of HA’s mission. When a zoning change was introduced in early 2018 that would have adversely affected Annapolis’s historic downtown City Dock, HA served as the leading voice and local advocate for the retention of the existing height and bulk ordinance.

This effort kicked off a year-long partnership between the City and HA, with the goal of creating a vision for a reimagined city dock within a preservation-based context. Robert worked cooperatively with City leadership and local partners to advance this dialogue and for establishing relationships that are key to the success of our local economy.

All of us at HA wish Robert, Stephanie, Heather, Allison, and their families the absolute best in their next adventure, and we thank him for his remarkable contributions to HA’s advancement and success over the past 10 years. We trust Robert will return often to share stories from traveling with his extended family to visit historic sites across the country and spending time with his grandchildren.  

Best,

Karen Theimer Brown
President & CEO

In Loving Remembrance - Carrie A. Kiewitt