SALISBURY — The Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Area will hold its 15^th annual luncheon meeting and Heritage Awards program Wednesday, April 29, at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center Flanders Room in Salisbury from 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Venue includes luncheon, silent auction fundraiser, 20 mini grant project exhibits and Heritage Award honors.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Susan B.M.Langley, the State of Maryland Underwater Archaeologist and Director of the Maryland Maritime Archaeology Program within the SHPOs Office of Preservation Services. She will be speaking on Pirates of the Chesapeake.

Dr. Susan Langley currently Chairs and holds the Archaeological Research seat for the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary’s Advisory Council, and is Co-Chair of the Geographic Planning Workgroup for emergency response contingency planning, which coordinates federal, State, regional and local agencies.

Dr. Langley is an adjunct professor at several colleges and universities, where she teaches underwater archaeology and the history of piracy. She also taught maritime archaeology in Thailand for several years for the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) which is part of UNESCO. Dr. Langley is also an active scuba instructor and lectures through the Maryland Humanities Council Speakers Bureau and internationally on a broad range of subjects, including bees and beekeeping as she is the beekeeper for the hive at Government House.

Early bird pricing of $25 for individual registration until March 31 and $30 starting April 1. Deadline is April 24. Advance payments only.   You may mail a check mail, pay online via credit card with Eventbrite or bring to LESHC office. Sponsorships are available at various levels from $100 and up.

Items for the silent auction fundraiser are also being sought. All are great ways to promote your business, organization or bring a group of friends, while supporting a great cause.   Deadline for sponsorships and silent auction items is April 20.

Checks may be mailed to LESHC, 212 W Main St, Suite 309, Salisbury, MD 21801. Contact 410 677-4706, email leshc1@aol.com or visit www.lowershoreheritage.org to learn more on how to register. All proceeds go to support the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Area Council which is a non-profit 501©3.   LESHC is one of 13 certified Heritage Areas in the State of Maryland , funded in part by MHAA and works to promote, preserve and protect the culture and heritage of the lower eastern shore.