Longtime Historic Annapolis VP remembered for ‘heart of gold’
Carrie Kiewitt, a longtime vice president at Historic Annapolis, died suddenly Friday after a brief illness. She was 49.
Kiewitt oversaw membership, communications and engagement at the nonprofit that protects and preserves historic buildings in the city.
“Carrie was steadfast and unwavering in her commitment to Historic Annapolis for over 21 years,” Robert Clark, Historic Annapolis president, wrote in an announcement Wednesday. “Her talent, hard work, thoughtfulness, and passion inspired others and resonated through her collaborations and relationships within the heritage community, including donors, sponsors, volunteers, and vendors.”
Visitation will be held on Monday, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 495 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD 21146. Visitation and a memorial service will be held on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the William Paca House and Garden, 186 Prince George St., Annapolis, MD 21401.
“Above all, Carrie was most respected by her Historic Annapolis family for her selflessness, always going above and beyond, and her kindness towards all her colleagues,” Clark said. “Her heart of gold made a positive difference in many lives, personally and professionally. Carrie’s contributions and her legacy of professionalism and compassion will live on at Historic Annapolis.”
Kiewitt was born on Oct. 6, 1971, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Wednesday would have been her 50th birthday.
An Annapolis resident, she was raised in Arnold and graduated from Broadneck High School. Later, she earned a master’s degree in U.S. History from the University of Richmond. She had a deep knowledge of Colonial and Civil War history, according to her obituary.
In recognition of her more than two decades of work, Kiewitt was honored with the Four Rivers Heritage Area’s Heritage Profession of the Year Award in 2020. She was also on the Board of Directors for Visit Annapolis.
Historic Annapolis Board member Joe Rubino recalled Kiewitt’s smile, positive attitude and tireless devotion to the organization.
“She was such a sweet person and everyone enjoyed working with her,” he wrote in an email. “She gave her time and energy for the betterment of HA without any expectation of accolades. Although she was often the face of HA at the door of our events, few saw all the heavy lifting she did behind the scenes.
“HA has had some great successes over the last 20 or so years of recent memory, and Carrie was a consistent factor behind all of it. She was always there for HA members, volunteers, caterers and supporters; rain or shine, ice or snow she was the face of HA at special events and public outreach, but was also a cornerstone of our internal perseverance and dedication.”
Kiewitt was a Smithsonian Associate Member and a member of several professional and historic organizations, including Christ Our Anchor Presbyterian Church and Chi Omega Sorority.
Kiewitt is survived by her parents Donald and Margaret (Maggie) Kiewitt of Arnold, brother Greg (Lisa) Kiewitt of Glen Burnie and brother Kyle Kiewitt of Annapolis, nephew, Stephen (Rachel) Kiewitt of Millersville and great-niece Ava Kiewitt. Also survived by an aunt, an uncle, five cousins and extended family.
She was predeceased by her grandparents, Fred and Helen Snyder and Preston and Evelyn Kiewitt, all of Indianapolis, IN, two uncles and two aunts.
In lieu of flowers, her family has requested donations be made to Historic Annapolis. Donations to the Carrie A. Kiewitt Memorial Fund can be made at https://6324.blackbaudhosting.com/6324/ Carrie-A-Kiewitt-Memorial-Fund.