Maryland's Story is America's Story
In anticipation of America’s 250th anniversary, we’re opening the pages of some of our most iconic accomplishments, from the oyster farms of the Chesapeake Bay to the mountain peaks out west. Beyond the legends we all know well, we’ll explore stories of everyday Marylanders who served our country and helped democracy prosper through civic engagement. We’re honored to commemorate our deep and meaningful contribution to America’s past, present, and future by retracing Maryland’s illustrious history.
Story
Place
Frontier home of Captain Michael Cresap, built in 1764. It is the oldest house in Oldtown, Maryland, whose history dates to the 17th century when a Shawnee tribe had village there. Michael's father, Colonel Thomas Cresap, a famed Western Maryland frontiersman, founded Oldtown in 1741, eight years before Cumberland was first occupied. Michael was a renowned wilderness explorer who expeditions through Western Maryland into the Ohio Valley. The property is one of only 100 structures listed in "Colonial and Historic Homes of Maryland." The authentic centerpiece of a pre-Revolutionary building in Allegany County.
Place
A former plantation property, Josiah Henson Museum and Park where abolitionist, preacher and author Josiah Henson was enslaved. Henson's autobiography, written in 1876, was the inspiration for Harriet Beecher Stowes' novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin."
Place
The Carroll County Farm Museum is focused on events, education, historic trades, and exhibits, and hosts a Living History Camp.
Story
Crystal Dreda Bird Fauset was born and spent her early years on the campus of Princess Anne Academy (UMES), in Princess Anne, Maryland, until she was orphaned. She was the first African American woman ever elected to a state legislature (Pennsylvania).
Story
Christian Abraham Fleetwood was born in Baltimore and published the Lyceum Observer, among the first African American newspapers in the border slave states, along with serving in the infantry and earning the Medal of Honor.
Story
Mother Seton, as she is often called, was canonized on Sunday, September 14, 1975 in St. Peter’s Square by Pope Paul VI. She was the first citizen born in the United States to be given the title of “Saint.”
Service to your country is service to everyone who calls America home.
Service OpportunitiesMake an impact in your community and beyond by fully participating in civic life.
Civic ParticipationOn this day in Maryland history, the Protestant Revolution took place in the then English Province of Maryland. Maryland’s Puritan majority rebelled against Catholic Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore, effectively ending Maryland’s religious toleration. Catholicism was outlawed and were unable to hold public office. The rebellion overturned Maryland’s initial religious tolerance codified by the 1649 law Maryland Toleration Act.
Under Governor Moore’s authorization, the Maryland 250 Commission developed this commemoration in observance of our collective contributions to America’s 250 years.
