Maryland’s History is America’s History
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Celebrate this historic milestone with a visit to Maryland to enjoy events, exhibits, tours, festivals and more across the state.
Celebrate 250 years of American history in Maryland with festivals, parades, tours and more.
Discover events, tours, festivals, talks and more across the state. Nearly every county in Maryland has its own 250 commission with plans to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial. Make your plans today!
Allegany County 250, Annapolis 250, Baltimore City 250, Baltimore County 250, Calvert County 250, Caroline County 250, Carroll County 250, Cecil County 250, Charles County 250, Dorchester County 250, Frederick County U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, Garrett County 250, America250 Harford, Howard County 250 Planning Group, Kent County/ Chestertown 250, Lower Shore 250 (Somerset,Wicomico, and Worcester Counties), Prince George’s County 250 /Bladensburg 250, Queen Anne's County 250, Southern Maryland 250 (Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties), Talbot 250, Washington County 250
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, SAIL250® Maryland and Airshow Baltimore, June 24-30, 2026, is a free family-friendly weeklong event that welcomes international tall ships, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessels, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, flyovers, festivals and more! The Maryland event will also feature the return of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron and other aviation performers for an airshow over Baltimore Harbor, flyovers at Baltimore Inner Harbor and the Open House at Martin State Airport.
SAIL250® Maryland Fleet, Flight, and Festival activities will take place at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Fells Point, North Locust Point, Baltimore Peninsula, and Martin State Airport.
Step back in time to Annapolis, where the echoes of 1776 still linger. Wander the streets George Washington once walked, dine in taverns frequented by Thomas Jefferson, and meet the household of one of Maryland’s Declaration of Independence signers William Paca. Historic downtown Annapolis remains a time capsule of America’s revolutionary past, its cultural vibrancy untouched by the centuries.
Dive deeper into our American stories at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum or Historic Annapolis Museum, and explore the Kunta Kinte-Alexander Haley Memorial, a poignant reminder of the many whose right to freedom and liberty was denied.
Experience the Chesapeake Bay, a historic travel route and culinary treasure cherished from the time of Indigenous Peoples to the present day. Sail its iconic waters, walk its picturesque shores, and indulge in its renowned seafood delicacies.
Engage with living history at Historic London Town or travel ancient trails now scenic byways to follow the paths used for millennia. Whether tracing the footsteps of revolutionaries, dreamers, inventors, or artists, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County offer a revolutionary journey through time like no other.
Prince George’s 250 (PGC250, grassroots civic initiative convened by Anacostia Trails Heritage Area and PGParks), is holding a series of events to commemorate the 250th ranging from genealogical workshops to bike tours and a community block party. PGC250 has chosen “We The People” as the lens of their approach with a focus on the contributions of Prince Georgians, past and present, to the ongoing American Experiment.
Join Washington County as they proudly celebrate the Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026 at the Washington County Agriculture Education Center. For 250 Years, this vibrant community has been a cornerstone of American history, culture, and progress. This momentous occasion will be a family-fun event with live music, food and drink vendors, kids zones, exhibits and a live drone show!
A celebratory banner will go up in the middle of the Village of Allen in 2026 and new exhibit about the experiences of local Tories during the Revolutionary War will debut this Spring.
"Rebels & Redcoats" is a free event on April 11-12 from 10-4pm commemorating the American War for Independence as it happened in St. Mary's County. This event is being held on land at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and on St. George Island near the site of the Battle of St. George Island – the only Revolutionary War battle to occur in Maryland. Exhibits and displays by other organizations related to local 18th century history will also be on hand, along with food trucks, educational and period programing, kids and family activities, reenactors, period encampment, military demonstrations and much more.
The museum will offer a speaker series with 250th themes entitled "Museum on Tap" at 7pm on the second Wednesday of every month at Saints Row Brewing. The museum will also offer two programs on site, "Going Green: A Discovery Day for Sustainability on April 25 from 11:30-3:30 and "Doing History At Home: A Discovery Day for Exploring Family and Community History" on May 30 from 11:30-3:30.
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an unforgettable Independence Day experience on the water. Join St. Michaels Sailing Charters for a festive 4th of July Fireworks Cruise on Sunday July 5 from 8-10pm, on the scenic Miles River, where the skies come alive with color and reflection. Guests will enjoy a relaxing evening sail beginning with a short harbor tour, followed by sunset sailing and an unobstructed, front-row view of the St. Michaels fireworks display.
Cruises depart from the Harbour Inn & Marina aboard either the beautifully restored 1935 historic ketch Lady Patty or the modern 44-foot catamaran Epiphany. This small-group experience offers an intimate and comfortable setting, paired with an open bar featuring champagne, wine, craft beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. Knowledgeable captains and crew share stories of the Chesapeake Bay, local maritime history, and sailing traditions, adding depth to the celebration.
Located in the heart of charming St. Michaels—just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Annapolis—this special sailing experience offers a memorable and meaningful way to honor America’s independence on the Chesapeake Bay.
The B&O Railroad Museum’s annual Unlocked series returns this year with a special tribute to America’s 250th anniversary. This November, we are unlocking the B&O No. 147 “Thatcher Perkins” in honor of Veteran’s Day!
An exhibit opening May 9, 2026, "Crisfield's Place in the American Story: Our First 100 Years" at the Tawes Museum in Crisfield will highlight the town's role in the American Story.
The Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc.of Prince George's County Will Host a Series of Events In 2026 In Conjunction with the 250th Anniversary of our nation.
Marietta Historic Site & Museum will host several events to commemorate the 250th including: A book talk by historian Richard Bell, “The American Revolution and the Fate of the World,” which offers a fresh look at the impact of the American Revolution by focusing on disenfranchised people and minorities in the colonies, including free and enslaved Black people on Saturday, February 28 at 1:00 pm; A tea and discussion about the “Daughters of Liberty,” a courageous group of women who organized boycotts of British goods to support America’s fight for independence with historian Tracy Gillespie and members of the Fiber Arts Guild on Sunday, March 8 at 1:00 pm; and a talk by historian Kate Masurr exploring stories of African American women who fought to reunite families, build communities, and claim long-denied rights in Washington, D.C., and Prince George’s County during Reconstruction on March 12 at 6:30 pm.
Marietta House Museum and Grounds
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Gov. Robert Bowie Chapter, will host a talk by Lauren R. Silberman at Belair Mansion about the daring women of early Maryland who made their mark on history as spies, would-be queens, and fiery suffragettes.
On June 13, visitors can explore three museums, including Evergreen’s Farmhouse Museum, built in 1780 by Edward Grimes, a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War. The event will feature local vendors and a new exhibit focusing on Grimes, the Coal Camp featuring a blacksmith shop, recreated mine opening, boarding house, and small mine museum.
During Evergreen’s Autumn Harvest Festival on September 26 Evergreen will host a special presentation by food historian Joyce White entitled “Dining in Colonial Maryland.”
On Tuesday, February 10, Dee Strum, interim CEO and President of the Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation will give a talk to explore the vital role African Americans have played in shaping U.S. democratic ideals and promoting freedom globally.
The City of Gaithersburg’s Environmental Team joins the museum with hands-on activities exploring how we can be better stewards of our world. There will be displays and hands-on activities from farmers, Montgomery County's Department of Environmental Protection, and more. Make crafts with recycled materials, learn about the Chesapeake Bay watershed, do STEM activities that help you learn more about the Earth, and more!
The event on April 11, 2026 (rain date April 12), will feature local tribal communities, the Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians and the Pocomoke Indian Nation, whose histories are deeply rooted in Maryland’s Eastern Shore and will explore the 18th century with special emphasis on the era surrounding 1776 and the meaning of independence. The day will include traditional dance, drumming, music, artifact exhibitions, guided historical walks, and immersive demonstrations of traditional life skills and more.
