Marylanders take note, your state’s 390th birthday is coming up. March 25, is officially known as “Maryland Day,” as it was on that date, back in 1634, when the first settlers arrived via two small sailing ships—the Ark and the Dove—on the banks of what was to be their new home.
In honor of the grand event, various regional locales all around the state are celebrating throughout the weekend preceding the actual anniversary. Here are just a few of the many special events coming up in commemoration of Maryland Day.
Annapolis Maritime Museum
Beginning on Friday, March 22, and again on Sunday, March 24, admission to the Annapolis Maritime Museum waterfront campus will be free to visitors. Folks of all ages are welcome to come out, learn about the history and ecology of the Chesapeake Bay, and even stop by the craft table for a “create-your-own example of local wildlife” opportunity. Note that while the museum will be open on Friday and Sunday, it will be closed to the public on Saturday, March 23 for a special annual ticketed event—the Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning. Visit the Annapolis Maritime Museum site link to learn more.
United States Naval Academy
When you visit the Yard Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, onsite of the United States Naval Academy (in Annapolis) on March 23, you’re in for a day full of free fun for all ages. Presented offerings include hands-on activities, such as the Maryland Day special of decorating oyster shells, tours of the Naval Academy Yard, and more. All events will be ongoing starting at 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. Click on the event link for details.
Banneker-Douglass Museum
Also taking place on March 23 in Annapolis, the Banneker-Douglass Museum will feature a special exhibition tour and follow-up family drop-in activity. The docent-led tour will focus on the museum’s current exhibit, Revisit/Reimagine, which was dedicated to the Year of Civil Rights as well as the museum’s permanent exhibit, Deep Roots, Rising Waters: A Celebration of African Americans in Maryland. Other highlights of the tour will include surveying the overall history of African Americans in Maryland, from 1633 through the Civil Rights era.
Following the tour, visitors are welcome to join in a hands-on family activity led by Maryland-based artist, Oliver James. Learn more, including tour times and hours of operation, by following the events link on the Banneker-Douglass Museum website.
Maryland Day Festival at Power Plant Live!
For the ultimate social event commemorating “EVERYTHING Maryland,” head on over to Power Plant Live! in Baltimore, on March 23. Doors to the EVERYTHING Maryland Festival open at noon and will remain abuzz through the day, with a nightly conclusion at 8 p.m. The event welcomes folks of all ages and will include a diversified range of Maryland-centered interests. Onsite enjoyments to take in include music, artisan/vendor setups, food and beverage features, games, prizes, appearances by mascots, and so much more. Learn more by visiting the official Maryland Day Festival site link.
The Chesapeake Arts Center
The Chesapeake Arts Center is presenting its own Maryland Day celebrations onsite all weekend long. Stop by between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on March 23 or between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on March 24 to take part in a host of free follies. Highlights include stories and viewing local artwork in the gallery, a coaster-making activity, and much more. Go to the Chesapeake Arts Center event calendar site to learn more.
Maryland Day Observance in Historic St. Mary’s
It’s only right that there would be Maryland Day celebrations unfolding throughout Historic St. Mary’s. This was the former State Capital, after all.
On March 23, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Historic St. Mary’s will play host to plentiful Maryland Day commemoration events. Visitors take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy free admission to many living history heritage sites while getting a knowledgeable and informative grasp on what life was like during Maryland’s earliest years as a settlement in the 1600s. One of the day’s most anticipated highlights will be a special Maryland Day ceremony taking place under the Margaret Brent Pavilion at 1 p.m. Visit the events link on the Historic St. Mary’s website for all additional details.
St. Clement’s Island Museum
As part of the extended celebration taking place throughout St. Mary’s County, St. Clement’s Island—the actual “birthplace” of Maryland—has plenty to offer as well. Visiting the St. Clement’s Island Museum will be free all day on March 23 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) along with ongoing water taxi rides—an excellent sightseeing opportunity. A commemorative Mass will also take place at 10 a.m. One of the crowning highlights of the day, however, will be an official ceremony at 2 p.m. celebrating an exchange of gifts between the Piscataway and the English settlers. Learn more through the events calendar on the official website.
Maryland Center for History and Culture
It also seems fitting that the oldest cultural institution in the state would be celebrating Maryland Day. Located in Baltimore, visitors to the Maryland Center for History and Culture on Sunday, March 24, get to enjoy free admission, allowing for more visitors to come and check out the various exhibits, programs, and extensive library holdings. Guests are even being invited to contribute their own list of favorite things about Maryland, adding it to the “Home Sweet Maryland “community coloring mural in the museum lobby.
Take note that the following day, March 25, kicks off the Maryland Day of Giving fundraiser. Any donation, any size, is greatly appreciated. Explore the website for details.
Captain Avery Museum
Another March 24 happening will be taking place at Captain Avery Museum. Stop by between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. for a free, open-to-the-public event featuring two guest speakers and light refreshments. First is New Bay Books publisher Sandra Olivetti Martin, as she shares stories of summertime in Shady Side and at the Rural Home in the 1920s. This event starts at 1:30 p.m. Then the Anne Arundel Waterman’s Association will lead a presentation on the livelihood and contributions of watermen beginning at 3 p.m. Crafts and other fun activities will be taking place for children onsite throughout the event. Click the schedule link to learn more.
Annearrundell County Free School Museum
The Annearrundell County Free School Museum has plenty in store on March 24 as well. For anyone ever wanting to get schooled in authentic colonial education this is the event for you! Taking place on location between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. young participants (and old alike) will be awed by a host of traditional custom experiences that offer an accurate portrayal of schooling and lessons in early Maryland. But it’s not just about hitting the books; education back in the day also included those in life skills. Some of the activities you can expect throughout the day include learning to write with a quill while using black walnut ink, making butter and lavender sachets, playing lawn games, storytelling, and more. A complete detailed description highlighting this Maryland Day Celebration can be found on the website’s event calendar.
In addition to all the Maryland Day events highlighted on this list are dozens of other happenings throughout the state. Annapolis and the greater surrounding Anne Arundel County regions in particular are presenting more than 40 featured area offerings in celebration of the occasion. You can learn more about all participating locations and what’s being presented where by visiting the official Maryland Day website and downloading the fully comprehensive PDF listing.