From First Landing to Historic Annapolis: It’s Maryland Day

By Kathy Knotts, CBM Bay Weekly managing editor

Happy Maryland Day! It’s our collective time to celebrate the history, culture, and locales of the Old Line State.

While we didn’t become part of the union until 1788, we celebrate March 25, 1634, as the day that settlers disembarked from the Ark and the Dove onto Maryland soil. The first landing happened in what is now known as St. Mary’s County, at St. Clement’s Island. Every year, dignitaries and historians meet at the site to recreate the meeting of the local Piscataway and the Englishmen.

Historic St. Mary’s City and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels have been working together to build a new Maryland Dove, a $5M project funded by the state. Monday, March 28, the ship will be moved by crane into the Miles River, the first time since construction began that it will be in the water. It’s an important milestone that we will be on hand to witness.

To the north, the capital city comes alive during Maryland Day weekend. This issue could have easily been called The Historic Annapolis issue because of the wealth of stories we have on milestone anniversaries, museum openings, and events that invite you to experience the history of this region.

The county and the city are a treasure trove for history buffs. Historic Inns of Annapolis, founded in 1772, celebrates 250 years of hospitality with a year of events, writes Steve Adams in our feature story this week. Steve also tells us about the new Historic Annapolis Museum, which opened with much fanfare—and a brass band—last weekend.

If old buildings, Revolutionary War uniforms, artifacts, and costumed interpreters sound like your idea of a good time, be sure to plan an itinerary for this year’s Maryland Day. See tall ships at City Dock, tour majestic homes, stroll through colonial gardens, visit a county park, or take a walking tour of Parole, among many other intriguing offerings. Discover three days of activities at dozens of locales; most are free of charge or just $1. It’s a great time to visit those places you have always wanted to see but maybe just couldn’t fit it into your schedule or budget.

And when it’s time to grab a bite to eat, don’t forget that it is still Annapolis Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants offer up breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus at a fixed price. Many are also offering discounts on gift cards, extra appetizers and desserts. Find the full list at AnnapolisRestaurantWeek.com and watch social media for giveaways.

We hope you get out and enjoy Maryland Day. Share your photos with us on social media and let us know what sites you enjoyed visiting.