Maryland Day 2021
Celebrate our State with In-Person (and Virtual) Events
By Kathy Knotts
It’s time to break out your Old Line State flag—Maryland Day is upon us again. Marylanders celebrate our shared stake in the territory and body politic planted over 300 years ago in 1634, when Lord Baltimore’s colonists made landfall on a tiny island in a big river in an unknown world.
While the official date of the founding of the colony is March 25, sites in Anne Arundel County will celebrate the weekend of March 19 through 21. This year’s celebration still features great family activities, and includes both in-person and virtual events.
In Anne Arundel, Four Rivers Heritage Area has helped organize and promote Maryland’s history, heritage and culture. This year’s Maryland Day theme is Better Together, and with events at 20 locations, there are plenty of opportunities for togetherness—at a safe distance.
“These family-friendly events will explore how our state’s history, heritage, and culture has handled diversity, equity, and inclusion,” says Erik Evans, the event’s marketing director.
A wealth of historic locales, farms, parks, businesses and museums invite you in to explore for just $1 or free.
For those who dream of sailing the Bay, the tall ship Pride of Baltimore II makes its season debut with a visit to City Dock, and the Annapolis Maritime Museum hosts a model boat-building challenge where you can test your boat making skills.
“If you’d rather take an armchair tour, visit downtown Annapolis virtually with Rise Up! an African American tour by local historian Janice Hayes-Williams or participate in a virtual workshop led by historian Elinor Thompson about the Brewer Hill Cemetery. Watermark offers an in-person tour called Gourd to Gavel, exploring African American life from 1700 to the present.
Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) will host virtual events highlighting the life of Maryland State Senator Verda Freeman Welcome, the second black woman to be elected to state senate in the early 1950s, and the library will partner with Annapolis Pride to host an event with Dr. Chris Mielke.
Historic home and garden tours (some in person, some virtual) will be offered at Historic London Town and Gardens, Charles Carroll House, Hammond-Harwood House, and the Paca House and Gardens. Join Homestead Gardens online to learn about the importance of using native plants to support biodiversity and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. A self-guided hiking tour of the history of Bacon Ridge is perfect for those looking for some fresh air, or visit one of the many regional parks which will be open for free.
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts is bringing back its Artsfest which will include outdoor art demonstrations and the ArtReach Film Festival.
Head south of Annapolis and visit the Galesville Historical Society, where you can learn about the strong women of this waterfront community.
While you are out experiencing Maryland Day weekend, visit the area’s local galleries, farmers markets, wineries, shops and restaurants, that feature “Made in Maryland” items and take a piece of Maryland home with you.
Maryland Day venues and organizations include AACPL, Annapolis Maritime Museum, Banneker-Douglass Museum, Benson-Hammond House, Broadneck African American Heritage Project, Inc., the Charles Caroll House, Chesapeake Children’s Museum, Downs Park, Fort Smallwood Park, Hammond Harwood House, Hancock’s Resolution, Historic London Town, Historic Annapolis, Homestead Gardens,
Kinder Farm Park, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Maryland Cultural & Conference Center, Maryland Hall, Our Legacy Tours Annapolis, Pride of Baltimore II, Quiet Waters Park, Scenic Rivers Land Trust, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, The Free School Museum, Watermark Tours, and the Wiley Bates Legacy Center.
So hoist up that iconic flag and lace up your walking shoes. A full weekend of events beckons. Full details: www.MarylandDay.org.