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Just because the Maryland Heritage Tourism Program is so much fun, because it is so thoroughly enjoyed by so many people does not make it a frivolous budget item. Just because it is such an innovative educational experience, do not underestimate its huge impact as an effective teaching tool.

First, the enormous economic value of the Maryland Heritage Tourism Alliance can be easily calculated. For every dollar the state invests, there is a return of $10.55 in revenue shared by the state and its businesses. This is an investment of which the state can be proud.

Second, the educational value is inestimable. Without spending a nickel on schools, the state's small museum programs, its heritage areas, its heritage driving tours, its heritage field trips, its heritage publications are providing well-researched, interesting and entertaining lessons in history, humanity and heritage to the state's children and adults. Both longtime residents and newly-arrived citizens are able to enjoy the story of Maryland's rich history where it happened.

And, since so much of Maryland's history is that of the United States — the Colonial beginnings, the agriculture, the westward expansion, the Civil War, the nation's capital — they are able to learn about the country as a whole. On family outings, on class trips, on senior tours, history is learned at the same time as we travel by bike, car, bus and boat through the state's incredibly beautiful scenery.

Elizabeth Perry Kapsch, Poolesville