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Exploring Two Capital Cities At the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., you’ll find exhibitions that explore the complex story of slavery and freedom. Visitors see how the actions of ordinary men and women demanded freedom and transformed the country. Elsewhere in Washington, D.C. you’ll find one end of the nearly 200-mile long C&O canal towpath. The path—which runs all the way to Cumberland, Maryland—was used by freedom seekers like[...]

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today officially proclaimed 2022 as “The Year of Harriet Tubman” in Maryland as the state celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of the nation’s most renowned freedom fighter. The governor announced the designation at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center in Church Creek as the kick-off to a full weekend of 200th birthday events celebrating the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad. “I want to[...]

What’s New, What’s Next & What May Come in Maryland 2026 & Beyond MARCH 2026 | Subject to Change SIGNIFICANT ANNIVERSARIES/ EVENTS 2026 Maryland Fleet Week & Air Show Baltimore / America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration – Celebrating the sesquicentennial of the founding of the U.S., which will occur July 4, 2026. Baltimore will be celebrating with Tall Ships, Military Fleet, Air Show & Fireworks in the harbor, June 25-July 1, 2026. The Maryland event will[...]

The National Park Service created the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom to commemorate the places and people who shaped the journey to freedom. Network to Freedom sites are documented places where the enslaved escaped from bondage, the routes they took, places where they stayed or found assistance, and sometimes places where their freedom was tried and tested. Network to Freedom programs provide authentic information about the Underground Railroad and people who escaped. Network to[...]

In Maryland’s many museums, you’ll find enlightening exhibits for all ages and interests, from fine art and science to history and maritime culture. Family Fun at Inner Harbor Museums At the family favorite National Aquarium in Baltimore, get up close and personal with sharks and 17,000 other fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals in habitats that include replicas of a coral reef and tropical rain forest. Across the harbor, bring the kids (or the kids-at-heart)[...]

Take your time experiencing the special beauty of this tidewater region with its pristine waterways and vibrant historic waterfront villages. The lifestyles and livelihoods of generations of watermen, shipbuilders and farmers have been shaped by a landscape that, even to this day, makes it easy for visitors to imagine when goods were shipped to “faraway Baltimore” in wooden barrels lashed aboard schooners. The pace of life is slower here. Charming small towns are often accessed[...]

BALTIMORE (January 3, 2022) – The Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism announces the release of the 2022 Destination Maryland Magazine. This year’s free, full-color magazine retains the traditional regional listings of museums, attractions, history & heritage sites, arts & culture facilities, state and national parks, and visitor services; plus, highlights how readers can find their ideal getaway. It also includes inspirational content on travel destinations throughout Maryland, engaging photo essays, a feature on[...]

1608 – Captain John Smith explores the Chesapeake Bay 1631 – English trading post established on Kent Island 1632 – Maryland Charter granted to Cecilius Calvert by King Charles I 1633 – Ark and Dove sail from the Isle of Wight, England 1634 – Ark and Dove arrive at St. Clements Island; St. Mary's City founded 1649 – "An Act Concerning Religion" passed; Puritans founded Providence (now Annapolis) 1664 – Slavery allowed by law in[...]

Maryland's Scenic Byways Follow Maryland's 18 scenic byways to embrace diverse landscapes filled with beauty, history and culture. Carefully mapped themed driving routes take you through mountain passes once traveled by American pioneers onboard Conestoga wagons; incorporate vibrant neighborhoods bordering Washington D.C.; wind along country roads in Southern Maryland; introduce you to Maryland’s epic horse heritage, with Baltimore’s Preakness Stakes being one of our “crown jewels”; and urge you to discover quintessential Chesapeake Bay towns[...]