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 nation’s 250th anniversary, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will debut its latest special exhibition, Emblems of America.
Emblems of America highlights the use of patriotic imagery on trailboards, figureheads, and other marine carvings in CBMM’s collection, many of which are on long-term display on the auditorium’s walls.
Emblems of America explores the rich folk art tradition of Chesapeake marine carvings through icons of Americana such as eagles, the Stars and Stripes, and the colors red, white, and blue, offering a new perspective on familiar objects. An interactive “find-it” activity builds on this theme by encouraging guests to locate patriotic iconography within the exhibition and across CBMM’s waterfront campus.
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at National Harbor with a summer-long celebration. Enjoy waterfront festivities featuring live music, outdoor movies, markets, festivals, and more. Whether you’re visiting for the day or planning a getaway, discover all the ways to honor 250 years of American history.
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.
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.
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
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.”
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!
On July 18, discover the science behind the Sun and Earth at the historic Latitude Observatory. Join experts from leading science and engineering organizations for hands-on activities and learn how science has shaped our nation.
On Saturday May 30, join the Gaithersburg Community Museum as we explore how important history is to our everyday lives. Displays, demonstrations, and presentations will discuss genealogy, research, documenting family stories, and more.
From March-December, Be Revolutionary: America250 Exploration Trail encourages visitors and residents to travel Annapolis and Anne Arundel County to explore the visionary people, bold stories, and incredible places that make our region revolutionary. This interactive trail connects more than 50 sites, including historic landmarks, cultural attractions, restaurants, shops, and outdoor spaces.
Using a mobile-friendly digital pass, participants explore at their own pace, check in at locations, and earn points toward prizes. Along the way, each stop shares a unique revolutionary story highlighting the people, places, and ideas that define our nation. Whether you’re discovering hidden gems or revisiting favorite spots, the trail offers a fun, engaging way to celebrate America250 and experience the region in a whole new way.
Join the Community Museum as we explore how important history is to our everyday lives. Displays and presentations will discuss genealogy, research, documenting family stories, and more.
Join the Dorchester County Historical Society for an America 250 event with period music by Ampersand at the 1760 Meredith House. Plus a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
The Dorchester250 Commission is dedicated to celebrating our nation's 250th anniversary by creating awareness and engaging with the community to encourage celebrations of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to reintroduce history to our communities. We will be promoting 250th themed events, programming and celebrations all year long throughout our county and encourage you to check back often to see newly planned events.
An immersive three-floor exhibition that explores these remarkable journeys through powerful artifacts, interactive experiences, and unforgettable stories—including the stunning blonde piano of legendary Baltimore native Billie Holiday.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to discover something new, this exhibition offers an experience that will inspire, challenge, and stay with you long after you leave.
