Maryland Day 2019 Celebrations: Schedule of Events, Times, Sites

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Get ready for a weekend celebrating Maryland's 385th birthday. The Maryland Day Weekend Celebration will kick off Friday, March 29, and lasts until Sunday, March 31, with many events taking place near the Annapolis harbor and downtown area.

Maryland Day commemorates the formal founding of the colony of Maryland, which historians say took place on March 25, 1634. On that day settlers disembarked from two small sailing ships — the Ark and the Dove — onto Maryland soil.

Maryland Day 2019 in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County features more than 40 events that are free or just $1. Celebrate Maryland's Birthday at cultural, heritage and environmental locations in the Fours Rivers Heritage Area of Annapolis, Eastport, Edgewater, Deale and Galesville.

A complimentary Maryland Day shuttle will go to and from select events in downtown Annapolis. It will depart from the 26 West Street Visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, courtesy of Towne Transport. The best part of the day is that all of the activities are either free, or cost $1. Want to know what you can do to celebrate Maryland Day?

This is the 12th year that the Maryland Day celebration has been sponsored by the Four Rivers Heritage Area to highlight the areas heritage and cultural sites. The sponsorship allows sites that typically charge an admission fee to either waive the admission fee or only charge $1 for the weekend. Most sites also bring on extra staff for tours, demonstrations and other events for the public to enjoy and enhance their visit during the Maryland Day weekend.

The events and activities are all located at sites within the Four Rivers Heritage Area, located between Annapolis and the southern tip of Anne Arundel County.

Maryland Day Weekend Event Highlights:

Tour Historic Homes: Visit and tour the Deale Area Historical Society filled buildings from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s. Visit a 2-room home, a 1-room school, an African-American beneficial society building, an outhouse, a tobacco barn, a Russian Orthodox chapel and various smaller buildings. In Annapolis check out the homes of two of our signers of the Declaration of Independence, the William Paca House and the Charles Carrol House and see the newest restoration work at the Harwood Hammond House. Plus don’t forget the Statehouse that is packed with history.

Enjoy the Outdoors at Historic London Town with demonstrations and explore their garden, watch a flag-raising ceremony at the City Dock, visit the Paca House garden and take a hike in Bacon Ridge and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and a walking tour of downtown Annapolis and Brewers Hill Cemetery. You can even play on the docks of the Annapolis Maritime Museum with fresh live oysters or go on a farm tour.

Kids Activities are in abundance this weekend. Sites with kids activities include the Chesapeake Children’s Museum, Annapolis Maritime Museum, Historic London Town and Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. Also check out the flag raising ceremony at Susan B. Campbell Park with the Mayor and music by the Annapolis Drum and Bugle Corps and flag detail by the award-winning USNA League Cadets of the Training Ship Mercedes.

Take in the Arts at Maryland Hall’s annual open house “Art Fest”. It’s an afternoon of fun for all ages; featuring art demonstrations, music recitals, dance performances, exhibits, hands on activities and children’s crafts. This free open house showcases Maryland Hall like no other single day. If you have the kids with you walk across the ball fields behind Maryland Hall to the Chesapeake Children’s Museum for even more hands on fun.

Learn about African American history at the Banneker Douglas Museum. Lawrence Hurst, artist in residence will be exhibiting Lawrence Hurst’s Anniversary Show celebrating the museum’s 35th anniversary. This show features artwork spanning 50 years. Also showing in the Verda Welcome Hall will be Songs of the Caged Bird, curated by Lilian Thomas Burwell, this dynamic show inspired by Maya Angelou invites visitors to reflect on the artistry that springs from restriction. And in HISTORY IN THE MAKING there will be a temporary installation dedicated to Verda Welcome, Maryland’s first African American female State Senator. There is also a new exhibit in the Taylor House Office Building across from the Statehouse detailing the family history of Frederick Douglass, Maryland’s native son.

Friday March 29 Events

Fort Smallwood Park 9500 Fort Smallwood Road Pasadena 5:30am to Dusk Free
410-222-0087
Recreational amenities include the 380-foot Bill Burton Fishing Pier for fishing and birdwatching, a large accessible playground, historic gun battery and barracks, walking trails, beaches, pond, and volleyball courts. Fort Smallwood was a sea coast defense built in the late 1880’s to the early part of the 1900’s. Fees apply for boat launching.

Quiet Waters Park 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis 7am to Dusk Free
410-222-1777
The Quiet Waters Visitor Center’s three art galleries display art exhibitions of the best local and regional talents. The park’s 340 acres include paved trails, public art, playground, picnic areas and water views of the South River.

Kinder Park Farm 1001 Kinder Farm Park Road Millersville 7am to Dusk Free
410-111-6115
The Visitor Center features farming artifacts from the 1930’s, including a tobacco press, tools used to harvest tobacco and more. Step into a restored farmhouse from 1925. Play on the large playground and tot-lot. Take a walk on the 2.8-mile paved perimeter trail and several miles of natural trail. The working farm has chickens, turkeys, geese, cows, pigs, goats and sheep.

Downs Park 8311 John Downs Loop Pasadena 7am to Dusk Free
410-222-6230
The 236-acre park has 5 miles of trails, a fishing pier, a children’s playground, two basketball courts, kayak launching, and an amazing view of the Chesapeake Bay. The park property has a rich history which has been preserved by the Downs Park Historical Society.

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center 647 Contees Warf Road Edgewater 8:30am-4:30pm Free
443-482-2220
Hiking and Geocaching
Located on the Chesapeake Bay, the nation’s largest estuary, the SERC campus boasts 2,650-acres of forests, wetlands, marshes and 15 miles of protected shoreline. With almost a dozen geocache sites located along the trails, visitors are welcome to search for them and practice their GPS skills while enjoying a lovely hike.

VAAAC Visitors Center 26 West Street and City Dock Annapolis 9am-5pm Free
410-280-0445
Information Specialists can help you plan activities for your Maryland Day Celebration adventures including a free Maryland Day Program and information about local things to see and do. Stop by the West Street location to have your picture taken at our photo booth, complete with colonial props for kids! Information specialists are ready at both locations to help you plan activities for your Maryland Day Weekend adventures.

Maryland State House 100 State Circle, Annapolis 9am-5pm Free
410-260-6400
The Maryland State House is the oldest state capital still in continuous legislative use. Enjoy the immersive State House exhibits, including the beautifully restored Old Senate Chamber. Explore important historical events that happened underneath the dome and in the chamber of the only state house ever to have served as the nations capital. Maryland State Archives curatorial staff will be on hand for this special event. ID required to enter if you are over 21.

Edgewater Community Library 25 Stepneys Lane Edgewater 9:30am Free
410-222-1538
Babies at Play – Make new friends and learn through play. Babies from birth to 18 months (with caring adult) may enjoy books, music and a variety of developmentally appropriate toys during this hour of unstructured social time in our meeting room.

Banneker Douglass Museum 84 Franklin Street, Annapolis 10am-4pm Free
410-216-6180
The Banneker-Douglass Museum serves to document, interpret and promote African-American history and culture through exhibits, projects and programs to improve understanding and appreciation of Americas’ rich cultural diversity. In addition to the museums standing exhibitions, Lawrence Hurst, artist in residence will be exhibiting a fifty-year retrospective of his work. The Verda Welcome Hall exhibits Songs of the Caged Bird, curated by Lilian Thomas Burwell, this dynamic show inspired by the work of Maya Angelou invites visitors to reflect on the artistry that springs from restriction.

Maryland Hall 801 Chase Street Annapolis MD 10am-5pm Free
410-263-5544
Visit the Galleries at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. Exhibitions on display include artwork by Joanne S. Scott: 60 Year Retrospective -Chaney Gallery, a founding member of Maryland Hall, her love of the outdoors is reflected in watercolors, acrylics, and prints, artwork by Tony Spencer TRYBE- ALL Celebration Series: Paintings by Tony Spencer -Openshaw Balcony Gallery and colorful abstract paintings will be on display in Maryland Hall’s Balcony Gallery.

Windermere Farms 4957 Muddy Creek Road West River 10am-5pm
731-234-7765
Mushroom farm tours and at 10am and 2pm there are mushroom log inoculation workshops. Logs available for purchase.

Deale Community Library 5940 Deale-Churchton Road Deale 10am Free

410-867-4164
Play and Learn with Sensory Bins.

Maryland State Archives / Taylor House Office Building 6 Bladen Street Annapolis Updated 3/18: This exhibit is having unexpected delays and will not open until sometime in April.
410-260-6400
Experience Maryland’s significant place in national history! Staff of the Maryland State Archives will answer questions as you tour the captivating new exhibit detailing the family history of Frederick Douglass, Maryland’s native son.
ID required if you are over 21.

Historic London Town & Gardens 839 Londontown Rd. Edgewater 10am-4:30pm $1 Admission
410-222-1919
Explore the house and garden of this “lost” colonial town located on the shores of the South River. Geocaching sites too!

Maryland Federation of Art/ Circle Gallery 18 State Circle Annapolis 11am-5pm Free
410-268-4566
View fine art, jewelry and crafts by Maryland artists.

Annapolis Maritime Museum 723 Second St. Annapolis 11am–3pm Free
410-295-0104
Find out what it takes to be a Chesapeake Bay waterman. Climb aboard a historic workboat, harvest oysters in a role-playing game, practice nautical knots and interact with Bay animals. Earn a Museum patch by completing these hands-on activities. This site also has a Geocache.

St. John’s College Mitchell Gallery 60 College Ave Annapolis 12pm-5pm Free
410-626-2556
“Making Our Mark: Eight Washington Printmakers” is a collective of artists drawn together through printmaking. The artists – Andis Applewhite, Jenny Freestone, Pauline Jakobsberg, Lee Newman, Margaret Adams Parker, Terry Svat, Ellen Verdon Winkler, and Max-Karl Winkler of the Washington Printmakers Gallery are exhibiting hand-pulled prints in traditional and state-of-the-art techniques, from woodcut and etching to solar plate and paper lithography. This site also has a Geocache.

Eastport-Annapolis Neck Community Library 269 Hillsmere Drive Annapolis 12pm Free
410-222-1770
Conversational Español & Brown Bag Lunch- Practice and expand your Spanish speaking skills in a relaxed environment. Bring a brown bag lunch. All levels of learners and children welcome.

Homestead Gardens 743 W Central Ave Davidsonville 1pm $1 Admission
410-798-5000
Maryland Historical Plants and Gardens: Join Heather Wheatley, CPH to explore the history of the gardens of Maryland’s Founding Families.

Southern High Future Farmers of America 4400 Solomons Island Road, Harwood 3pm – 6pm Free
731-234-7765
Greenhouse open for plant sales directly from members of the Future Farmers of America.

The Westin Annapolis 100 Westgate Circle Annapolis 4pm Free
410-972-4300
“The Hall of Presidents Before Washington” is features the 14 presidents under the Articles of Confederation and the Continental Congress. The exhibit includes laser replicas of original documents signed by each of the 14 “forgotten” presidents in chronological order beginning with Peyton Randolph in 1774 and ending with Cyrus Griffin in 1789. Eleven of the fourteen documents were signed while the men served as president, while the other three are letters they signed during their lifetime. USNA professor Mark Croatti will provide a talk and tour of the exhibit.

Pride of Baltimore ll 1 Dock Street Annapolis 4pm – 6pm Free
Come rock your Friday photo op! Maryland’s renowned tall ship, Pride of Baltimore II, is scheduled to arrive in the afternoon at City Dock. (Tours Saturday and Sunday.)

Saturday March 30

Fort Smallwood Park 9500 Fort Smallwood Road Pasadena 5:30am to Dusk Free
410-222-0087
Fort Smallwood Park’s recreational amenities include a 380-foot fishing pier, children’s accessible playground, historic gun battery and barracks, walking trails, beaches, pond and volleyball courts. Fort Smallwood was a sea coast defense built in the late 1880’s to the early part of the 1900’s. The fort was in use from 1890 until 1927. The 380-foot “Bill Burton Fishing Pier” is wonderful for fishermen, birdwatchers, and admirers of local scenery. Fees apply for boat launching.

Anne Arundel County Farmers Market 275 Harry S Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 7am-12pm Free
Meet the local farmers & producers of fresh, local seasonal produce, meats, cheese and eggs. Also local artists will be displaying crafts, jewelry, plants, baked goods and much, much, more.

Quiet Waters Park 600 Quiet Waters Park Road Annapolis 7am to Dusk Free
410-222-1777
The Quiet Waters Visitor Center is the place to begin your visit to the park. The Visitor Center’s three art galleries display art exhibitions of the best local and regional talents. The parks 340 acres have paved trails, public art, playground and water views of the South River.

Kinder Park Farm 1001 Kinder Farm Park Road Millersville 7am to Dusk Free
410-222-6115
Before venturing into the park visit the Kinder Farm Park Visitor Center. View farming artifacts from the 1930s, including a tobacco press, tools used to harvest tobacco and more. The restored Kinder family farmhouse has returned to a condition similar to when it was built in 1925. The park has a large playground and tot-lot ideal for children of all ages and a 2.8-mile paved perimeter trail and several miles of natural trail. Kinder Farm Park developed an agricultural history program and working farm that shows past and present agricultural practices of Anne Arundel County. The working farm has chickens, turkeys, geese, cows, pigs, goats and sheep.

Downs Park 8311 John Downs Loop Pasadena 7am to Dusk Free
410-222-6230
Downs Park offers a fishing pier, children’s playground, two basketball courts and an amazing view of the Chesapeake Bay. Downs Park offers amazing spots to launch a kayak. The park has 236 acres and 5 miles of trails. The park property has a rich history which has been preserved by the Downs Park Historical Society.

Southern High FFA 4400 Solomons Island Road Harwood 8am-2pm Free
731-234-7765
Opening of our greenhouse and plant sales.

Windermere Farms 4957 Muddy Creek Road West River 8am-5pm Free
731-234-7765
Mushroom farm tours and mushroom log inoculation workshops at 10am and 2pm each day. Mushroom logs available for purchase.

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center 647 Contees Warf Road Edgewater 8:30am 4:30 pm Free
443-482-2220
Located on the Chesapeake Bay, the nation’s largest estuary, the SERC campus boasts 2,650-acres of forests, wetlands, marshes and 15 miles of protected shoreline. With almost a dozen geocache sites located along the trails, visitors are welcome to search for them and practice their GPS skills while enjoying a lovely hike.

VAAAC Visitors Center 26 West Street and City Dock Annapolis 9am-5pm Free
410-280-0445
Information specialists can help you plan activities for your Maryland Day Celebration adventures including a free Maryland Day Program and information about local things to see and do. Stop by the West Street location to have your picture taken at our photo booth, complete with colonial props for kids!

Maryland State House 100 State Circle Annapolis 9 am-5pm Free
410-946-5400
The Maryland State House is the oldest state capital still in continuous legislative use. Enjoy the immersive State House exhibits, including the beautifully restored Old Senate Chamber. Explore important historical events that happened underneath the dome and in the chamber of the only state house ever to have served as the nation’s capital. ID required to enter if you are over 21.

Greenstreet Gardens 391 W Bay Front Road, Lothian 9am-5pm Free
410-867-9500
Tour of our production greenhouses at 1pm. Please register beforehand through Eventbrite here. Attendees will receive a coupon for in-store use.
All weekend long, we will also have our native plant and perennial experts on site to talk to customers regarding any questions or inquests they might have.

Maryland Day Flag-Raising Ceremony Susan Campbell Park-City Dock Annapolis 10am Free
Four Rivers Heritage Area and partners present a spirit-lifting flag raising ceremony! Music by the Annapolis Drum and Bugle Corps and flag detail by the award-winning USNA League Cadets of the Training Ship Mercedes. It’s the perfect place to start your day’s adventures before joining Watermark’s Free tour or visiting a historic site in downtown Annapolis!

Eastport-Annapolis Neck Community Library 269 Hillsmere Dr. Annapolis 10am Free
410-222-1770
Gentle yoga – Relax and unwind during this soft, slow-paced yoga class led by Blue Lotus Yoga Studio. Please bring a mat and water bottle. Registration begins March 16.

Discoveries: The Library at the Mall 2260 Annapolis Mall Rd. Annapolis 10am and 2pm Free
410-222-0133
Babies in Bloom at 10am- Babies from birth to 18 months (with caring adult) enjoy songs, action rhymes and playtime while building early literacy skills. A great way to get to know other families in your community!
Cemetery and gravesite research at 2pm -Cemeteries and individual grave markers can be a treasure trove of information for genealogists. Learn about the best resources to find this information from afar and get an introduction to local cemeteries that you can visit in person to find new information about your Maryland ancestors.

Watermark Tours Susan Campbell Park-City Dock Annapolis 10:30am-12:30pm Free
410-268-7601
Annapolis in 100 More memorials! Join Squire Hillman from Watermark: Annapolis Tours for a 2.1-mile unique saunter through the campuses of the Naval Academy & St. John’s College and a portion of the Historic District — inspired by a 1997 national conference which brought conservators of outdoor monuments to Annapolis. Thru the intense effort of sophisticated plus a vivid imagination, 100 more “memorials’ than those observed during the 2018 saunter have been identified! Some will surprise you, may likely impress you, could amaze you, or even annoy you! Step off is at 10:30am at Susan Campbell Park at the City Dock immediately following the official Maryland Day Flag-Raising ceremony. We saunter rain or shine. No registration and FREE! US Government I.D. required for all over 21 years of age.

The Westin Annapolis 100 Westgate Circle Annapolis 10am-4pm Free
410-972-4300
Visitors are invited to view the Hall of Presidents Before Washington exhibit in the East Lobby of the Westin Annapolis Hotel. The exhibit features the 14 presidents before George Washington under the Articles of Confederation and the Continental Congress that opened to the public in 2017 at The Westin in Presidents Hill. The exhibit displays laser replicas of original documents signed by each of the 14 “forgotten” presidents in chronological order beginning with Peyton Randolph in 1774 and ending with Cyrus Griffin, the last before Washington, in 1789. Eleven of the fourteen documents were signed while the men served as president, while the other three are letters they signed during their lifetime.

Banneker Douglass Museum 84 Franklin Street Annapolis 10am-4pm Free
410-216-6180
The Banneker-Douglass Museum serves to document, interpret and promote African-American history and culture through exhibits, projects and programs to improve understanding and appreciation of America’s rich cultural diversity. In addition to the museums standing exhibitions, Lawrence Hurst, artist in residence will be exhibiting Lawrence Hurst’s Anniversary Show celebrating the museum’s 35th anniversary. This show features artwork spanning 50 years.
In HISTORY IN THE MAKING there will be a temporary installation dedicated to Verda Welcome, Maryland’s first African American female State Senator. Also showing in the Verda Welcome Hall will be Songs of the Caged Bird, curated by Lilian Thomas Burwell, this dynamic show inspired by the work of Maya Angelou invites visitors to reflect on the artistry that springs from restriction.

Scenic Rivers Land Trust Bacon Ridge Natural Area, Hawkins Road Crownsville 10am-12pm Free
410-980-6837
Join us as we explore for landscape clues in the history-rich Bacon Ridge Natural Area. Together we’ll learn how humans and nature have interacted to make the landscape we are today, while enjoying the beautiful 900+ acre protected forest. All ages welcome but beware it is an unpacked trail through the woods. Dogs on leashes welcome. Length: 2-4 miles. Meet at Bacon Ridge Trailhead in Hawkins Road just south of the 97 overpass in Crownsville, MD. Contact Sarah Knebel at sarah@SRLT.org or call 410-980-6837 with any questions!

Chesapeake Children’s Museum 25 Silopanna Road Annapolis 10am-4pm $1 Admission
410-990-1993
Make your own stamp for letterboxing or Geocaching. Hike our trails and find our Maryland Day Geocache. Girl Scout Brownies can work on activities toward the Letterboxer badge and Girl Scout Juniors can work toward the Geocaching badge on CCM’s nature trails.
10:30am to 11:15am Building Better People – Improv Theater all ages
6-8 pm Picnicking in the park
Sunset is at 7:30 pm with darkness by 8:30 pm
8-8:30 pm Hands-on activities as the evening darkens
8:30 pm Lights out for Earth Hour – and we watch the stars!

Maryland Hall 801 Chase Street Annapolis 10am-5pm Free
410-263-5544
BIG INK brings together artists, community organizations and the public to produce large scale black and white woodcuts for exhibition and educational purposes. The two-day workshop at Maryland Hall will take place on March 30-31 from 11am-4pm and will include 11 invited artists that will work together to ink up large woodcuts they created specifically for the event. Includes hands-on activities for the public.
Visit the galleries before or after checking out BIG INK! Exhibitions on display include artwork by Joanne Scott: 60 Year Retrospective, BIG INK Prints Exhibition and Paintings by Tony Spencer.

Historic London Town & Gardens 839 Londontown Rd. Edgewater 10am-4:30pm $1 Admission
410-222-1919
Explore the “lost” colonial town and garden located on the shores of the South River. Experience a blackpowder demonstration, talk with costumed guides, learn hearth cooking, rope making, carpentry and explore geocashing sites on the grounds of this historic town. Garden tour at 11 am and Blackpowder demonstration at 1:30pm. This site also has a Geocache.

Maryland Federation of Art/ Circle Gallery 18 State Circle Annapolis 11am-5pm Free
410-268-4566
View fine art, jewelry and crafts by Maryland artists.

Annapolis Maritime Museum 723 Second St. Annapolis 11am-3pm Free
410-295-0104
Find out what it takes to be a Chesapeake Bay waterman. Climb aboard a historic workboat, harvest oysters in a role-playing game, practice nautical knots and interact with Bay animals. Earn a Museum patch by completing these hands-on activities. This site also has a Geocache.

Honey’s Harvest Farm 5801 Brooks Woods Road, Lothian 11am – 4pm
410-991-4304
Native tree education session – focusing on the importance of native trees, what they are doing with native trees at the farm and what can you do as well. There will be samples of paw paw fruit and elderberries available as well as a DNR-led tour of native food forest project at the farm.

Brewer Hill Cemetery 802 West St. Annapolis 11am-4pm Free
Visitors are invited to participate in hourly guided walking tours of this historic African American cemetery. Located in the heart of Annapolis the earliest burial at this site occurred in 1797. It is one of the oldest ‘incorporated’ cemeteries to serve African Americans, as well as others, in the United States.

Pride of Baltimore ll 1 Dock Street Annapolis 11am-5pm Free
Cross the gangway and come aboard to learn about Maryland’s renowned tall ship, Pride of Baltimore II. Explore the deck and talk to her captain and crew. Learn about the history of Baltimore Clippers and Pride II; or hear from a crew member what it is like to sail a tall ship today. Tours are open to guests of all ages. Pride II is not wheelchair accessible.

St. John’s College Mitchell Gallery 60 College Ave Annapolis 12pm-5pm Free
410-626-2556
“Making Our Mark: Eight Washington Printmakers” is a collective of eight prominent regional artists drawn together through printmaking. The artists—Andis Applewhite, Jenny Freestone, Pauline Jakobsberg, Lee Newman, Margaret Adams Parker, Terry Svat, Ellen Verdon Winkler, and Max-Karl Winkler—became friends and colleagues in the 1990s and early 2000s, as members of the Washington Printmakers Gallery. They have been active in the Washington, DC area for many years, producing hand-pulled prints in traditional and state-of-the-art techniques, from woodcut and etching to solar plate and paper lithography. The show, consequently, features several varieties of printmaking, although each of the artists has contributed pieces in other media. This site also has a Geocache.

Charles Carroll House 107 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis 12pm-4 pm Free
Explore the grand old home of the Carroll Family located on the picturesque grounds of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The Carroll family played a major role in the framing of the governance of Maryland. Charles Carroll of Carrollton was one of four Marylanders to sign the Declaration of Independence and was the only Roman Catholic signer. This wonderfully curated house and garden is a hidden gem on the shores of Spa Creek. On display Annapolis historian, Dr. Robert Wordens’, ‘A Night of Tragedy; July 9-1, 1866’ on the tragic drownings of the Redemptorists. For younger audiences, participate in a scavenger hunt as well as crossword puzzles.

William Paca House and Garden 186 Prince George Street Annapolis 12pm-4pm $1 Admission
410-990-4543
Interact with Colonial Annapolitans at the William Paca House and Garden. As you tour through the house, you will be able to speak with the Annapolis Living Historians as they discuss welcoming visiting dignitaries. This fun-for-all-ages event will also feature Maryland themed crafts and activities.

Hogshead 43 Pinkney St. Annapolis 12-4pm Free
410-267-7619
Experience Maryland Day with the tradespeople of Annapolis at Hogshead. You’ll find local craftspeople of the 1700’s sharing their skills and knowledge of carpentry, baking, spinning, printing and more. You can even help sew a replica of the John Shaw Flag, Maryland’s first flag for the new United States. It’s all ‘hands on’ at Hogshead.

Hammond-Harwood House 19 Maryland Avenue Annapolis 12pm-4:30pm Garden free, Tours $1
410-263-4683
This National Historic Landmark was the home of Matthias Hammond. This beautiful 1774 house and its famous collection of art, furniture and decorative pieces will be open for half hour tours for just one dollar. Explore the exhibition room and gardens for free. This site also has a Geocache.

Captain Avery Museum 1418 E. West Shady Side Rd. Shady Side 12pm-4pm Free
410-867-4486
Join us at 2pm to learn about Ospreys, the often-seen “fish hawk” of local rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. Greg Kearns’ program will cover Osprey biology on the Patuxent River, the provision of nesting platforms, efforts to increase their numbers, his banding program with the public, re-introduction efforts, satellite tracking of migration and other interesting facts. He promises that, “You will be on the edge of your seat as you learn more about this unique species of raptor.” Enthusiastic and knowledgeable, Greg is a popular speaker who has presented many other nature programs in the past for numerous environmental organizations throughout the region and abroad.
There will also be an art exhibit and sale by Arundel Lodge.

Deale Community Library 5940 Deale-Churchton Rd. Deale 1pm Free
410-222-1925
Japanese Koto Cherry Blossom Concert – The Washington Toho Koto Society will perform the Japanese Koto in this education concert for all ages.

Homestead Gardens 743 W. Central Ave. Davidsonville 1pm $1 Admission
410-798-5000
Maryland Native Perennials: Learn about our state’s native perennials and the environmental solutions that they solve.
African-American History Walking Tour Susan Campbell Park Annapolis 1pm-2pm $1 Admission
Walk through history in downtown Annapolis, guided by esteemed historian Janice Hayes-Williams. Stops include: the Kunta Kinte – Alex Haley Memorial, Middleton Tavern, Market House, Chase Lloyd House, The Maryland State House-House of Delegates where statues of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass will soon be placed and the “Bertina Nick Historic Classroom” at the Stanton Center.

Chase Lloyd House 22 Maryland Avenue Annapolis 2pm-5pm Free
This historic home will be celebrating Maryland Day Weekend festivities with music, appetizers and tours from 2 to 5pm.

Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center 1101 Smithville Street, Annapolis 2pm-5pm Free
410-263-1860
Carr’s and Sparrow’s Beaches exhibit includes combined pieces from Blacks of the Chesapeake Local Legacy Collection and the Banneker-Douglass Museum showcasing two major stops on the “Chitlin Circuit” during and beyond segregation.

Sunday, March 31 Events

Click on the name of the location to connect with the location’s website for event more information.
Fort Smallwood Park 9500 Fort Smallwood Road Pasadena 5:30am to Dusk Free
410-222-0087
Fort Smallwood Park’s recreational amenities include a 380-foot fishing pier, children’s accessible playground, historic gun battery and barracks, walking trails, beaches, pond and volleyball courts. Fort Smallwood was a sea coast defense built in the late 1880’s to the early part of the 1900’s. The fort was in use from 1890 until 1927. The 380-foot “Bill Burton Fishing Pier” is wonderful for fishermen, birdwatchers, and admirers of local scenery.

Quiet Waters Park 600 Quiet Waters Park Road Annapolis 7am to Dusk Free
410-222-1777
The Quiet Waters Visitor Center is the place to begin your visit to the park. The Visitor Center’s three art galleries display art exhibitions of the best local and regional talents. The parks 340 acres have paved trails, public art, playground and water views of the South River.

Kinder Park Farm 1001 Kinder Farm Park Road Millersville 7am to Dusk Free
410-222-6115
Before venturing into the park visit the Kinder Farm Park Visitor Center. View farming artifacts from the 1930s, including a tobacco press, tools used to harvest tobacco and more. The restored Kinder family farmhouse has returned to a condition similar to when it was built in 1925. The park has a large playground and tot-lot ideal for children of all ages and a 2.8-mile paved perimeter trail and several miles of natural trail. Kinder Farm Park developed an agricultural history program and working farm that shows past and present agricultural practices of Anne Arundel County. Farm animals at the park are include chickens, turkeys, geese, cows, pigs, goats and sheep.
Stop by the Kinder Farm Park Blacksmith Shop and watch the Chesapeake Forge Blacksmith Guild members forging metal, using various tools. Stand on the sidelines and view a trade that is over 100 years old but still very much alive today at Kinder Farm Park. The Blacksmith Shop is open on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Downs Park 8311 John Downs Loop Pasadena 7am to Dusk Free
410-222-6230
Downs Park offers a fishing pier, children’s playground, two basketball courts and an amazing view of the Chesapeake Bay. Downs Park offers amazing spots to launch a kayak. The park has 236 acres and 5 miles of trails. The park property has a rich history which has been preserved by the Downs Park Historical Society.

VAAAC Visitors Center 26 West Street and City Dock Annapolis 9am-5pm Free
410-280-0445
Information specialists can help you plan activities for your Maryland Day Celebration adventures including a free Maryland Day Program and information about local things to see and do. Stop by the West Street location to have your picture taken at our photo booth, complete with colonial props for kids!

Maryland State House 100 State Circle Annapolis 9am-5pm Free
410-946-5400
The Maryland State House is the oldest state capital still in continuous legislative use. Enjoy the immersive State House exhibits, including the beautifully restored Old Senate Chamber. Explore important historical events that happened underneath the dome and in the chamber of the only state house ever to have served as the nation’s capital. ID required to enter if you are over 21.

Greenstreet Gardens 391 W Bay Front Road, Lothian 9am-5pm Free
410-867-9500
Tour of our production greenhouses at 1pm. Please register beforehand through Eventbrite here. Attendees will receive a coupon for in-store use.
All weekend long, we will also have our native plant and perennial experts on site to talk to customers regarding any questions or inquests they might have.

The Westin Annapolis 100 Westgate Circle Annapolis 10am -4pm Free
410-972-4300
The Hall of Presidents Before Washington is an exhibit featuring the 14 presidents before George Washington under the Articles of Confederation and the Continental Congress that opened to the public in 2017 at The Westin in Presidents Hill. The exhibit displays laser replicas of original documents signed by each of the 14 “forgotten” presidents in chronological order beginning with Peyton Randolph in 1774 and ending with Cyrus Griffin, the last before Washington, in 1789. Eleven of the fourteen documents were signed while the men served as president, while the other three are letters they signed during their lifetime.

Anne Arundel County Farmers Market 275 Truman Parkway Annapolis 10am-1pm Free
Meet the local farm producers and get fresh seasonal produce, meats, cheese and eggs. Also local artisans will sell crafts, jewelry, plants, baked goods and more.

Chesapeake Children’s Museum 25 Silopanna Road Annapolis 10am-4pm $1 Admission
410-990-1993
Materials will be available to make your own custom geocache stamp for your Maryland Day adventures! Girl Scout Brownies can work on activities toward the Letterboxer badge. Girl Scout Juniors can work toward the Geocaching badge on CCM’s nature trails. This site also has a Geocache.

Historic London Town & Gardens 839 Londontown Road Edgewater 10am-4:30pm $1 admission
410-222-1919
Explore the “lost” colonial town and garden located on the shores of the South River. Experience a blackpowder demonstration, talk with costumed guides, learn hearth cooking, rope making, carpentry and explore geocashing sites on the grounds of this historic town. Garden tour at 11 am and Blackpowder demonstration at 1:30pm. This site also has a Geocache.

Holiday Memories Farm 4848 Muddy Creek Rd West River 10am-3pm Free
410-562-9733
Tours of our farm including high-tunnel operations, blueberry field and Christmas trees. Fresh eggs and green will be for sale.

Annapolis Maritime Museum 723 Second Street Annapolis 11am-3pm Free
410-295-0104
Find out what it takes to be a Chesapeake Bay waterman. Climb aboard a historic workboat, harvest oysters in a role-playing game, practice nautical knots and interact with Bay animals. Earn a Museum patch by completing these hands-on activities. This site also has a Geocache.

Maryland Federation of Art/ Circle Gallery 18 State Circle Annapolis 11am to 5pm Free
410-268-4566
View fine art, jewelry and crafts by Maryland artists.

Pride of Baltimore ll 1 Dock Street Annapolis 11am-5pm Free
Cross the gangway and come aboard to learn about Maryland’s renowned tall ship, Pride of Baltimore II. Explore the deck and talk to her captain and crew. Learn about the history of Baltimore Clippers and Pride II; or hear from a crew member what it is like to sail a tall ship today. Tours are open to guests of all ages. Pride II is not wheelchair accessible.

St. John’s College Mitchell Gallery 60 College Ave Annapolis 12pm-5pm Free
410-626-2556
Making Our Mark: Washington Print Club – A collective of eight prominent regional artists drawn together through printmaking. The artists—Andis Applewhite, Jenny Freestone, Pauline Jakobsberg, Lee Newman, Margaret Adams Parker, Terry Svat, Ellen Verdon Winkler, and Max-Karl Winkler—became friends and colleagues in the 1990s and early 2000s, as members of the Washington Printmakers Gallery. They have been active in the Washington, DC area for many years, producing hand-pulled prints in traditional and state-of-the-art techniques, from woodcut and etching to solar plate and paper lithography. The show, consequently, features several varieties of printmaking, although each of the artists has contributed pieces in other media. This site also has a Geocache.

Charles Carroll House 107 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis 12pm-4pm Free
Explore the grand old home of the Carroll Family located on the picturesque grounds of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The Carroll family played a major role in the framing of the governance of Maryland. Charles Carroll of Carrollton was one of four Marylanders to sign the Declaration of Independence and was the only Roman Catholic signer. This wonderfully curated house and garden is a hidden gem on the shores of Spa Creek. On display Annapolis historian, Dr. Robert Wordens’, ‘A Night of Tragedy; July 9-1, 1866’ on the tragic drownings of the Redemptorists. For younger audiences, participate in a scavenger hunt as well as crossword puzzles.

William Paca House and Garden 186 Prince George Street Annapolis 12pm-4pm $1 Admission
410-990-4543
Celebrate Maryland Day Weekend with $1 tours of this spectacular house and garden.

Hogshead 43 Pinkney St. Annapolis 12pm-4pm Free
410-626-1030
Experience Maryland Day with the tradespeople of Annapolis at Hogshead. You’ll find local craftspeople of the 1700’s sharing their skills and knowledge of carpentry, baking, spinning, printing and more. You can even help sew a replica of the John Shaw Flag, Maryland’s first flag for the new United States. It’s all ‘hands on’ at Hogshead.

Governor Calvert House 58 State Circle Annapolis 1pm-4pm Free
410-263-2641
Meet a historically costumed interpreter to explore the archeological site of a “hypocaust”- an underground central heating system designed to support a greenhouse for orange trees. The initial exploration and excavation of this archeological site from the colonial period is documented in a creatively designed exhibit by the University of Maryland. Thank you, Historic Annapolis, for providing the interpreter!

Deale Area Historical Society 389 Deale Road Tracy’s Landing 1pm- 4pm Free
410-273-2078
Located on the shores of Herring Bay this lovely historic village is open to explore. Learn about life before electricity. See how lathe and plaster was installed. Find out how Deale got its name. Examine a wooden boat built in Deale.

Galesville Community Center 916 West Benning Road Galesville 1pm Free
410-703-0610
The center will be kicking off a yearlong celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Galesville Rosenwald School. It will showcase the rich history of three prominent African-American sites along with other South County Communities.

Galesville Memorial Hall 952 Galesville Road Galesville 1pm-4pm Free
410-867-4731
The Deale Historical Society and Model Boat Builders of South County with be sharing the history and creativity of the craft of boat building. An exhibit includes 25 models of skipjacks, bugeyes, dredges and more.

Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts 801 Chase St. Annapolis 1pm-4pm Free
410-263-5544
Don’t miss the 10th Annual ArtFest! ArtFest is a day of creativity featuring art demonstrations, music recitals, dance performances, exhibits, hands-on activities and children’s crafts. This FREE Open House showcases the arts at Maryland Hall like no other single day, attracting over 1,000 people of all ages.

BIG INK’s two-day workshop continues on Sunday from 11am-4pm. BIG INK brings together artists, community organizations and the public to produce large scale black and white woodcuts for exhibition and educational purposes. The workshop includes 11 invited artists that will work together to ink up large woodcuts they created specifically for the event.
And while you are here, visit Maryland Hall’s Galleries from 10am-5pm. Exhibitions on display include ArtWork by Joanne Scott: 60 Year Retrospective featuring a live poetry reading by the artist, BIG INK Prints Exhibition and Paintings by Tony Spencer.

Homestead Gardens 743 W Central Ave Davidsonville 1pm $1 Admission
410-798-5000
Learn about the Maryland Tree Program and how you can commit to planting Maryland Native Trees with their support and receive a certificate towards your purchase.
Register online or call.