In an Executive Order announced earlier this year, Governor Larry Hogan established the Maryland Semiquincentennial Commission to coordinate the commemoration and observance of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War, and founding of the United States. In honor of the 4th of July, we are again sharing the news and Preservation Maryland’s role as one of the statewide nonprofits to be represented on the commission.
America’s 250th: A Commemoration for All
The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by the U.S. Congress to inspire all Americans to participate in a momentous milestone—the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 1776. The Maryland State House was the site of the ratification of the Treaty of Paris on January 14, 1784, which formally ended the Revolutionary War. The semiquincentennial commemorative period runs from 2020 to 2027, peaking on July 4, 2026. Commemorative initiatives will fall into three thematic categories to educate, engage, and unite.
18th century depiction of Continental soldiers at Yorktown; on the left, an African-American Continental soldier. Image via Library of Congress.
Preservation Maryland is included in the Executive Order as one of the statewide nonprofits to be represented on the commission and will use its voice and seat to advocate for projects which improve, restore and interpret a diverse array historic places across the state.
Nicholas Redding, Preservation Maryland Executive Director, who advocated for the establishment of the Commission, explained, “This is an important step and we applaud Governor Hogan for making the history of the state a priority. Understanding our past — and exploring the diverse roots of modern-day America is critical to our future and we look forward to serving as a voice for preservation on the commission.”
According to the Governor’s office, in Maryland, the commission will:
- Coordinate, engage, and liaise with the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, and other local, county, and state commissions, as well as private and public organizations and partners, including, but not limited to, the America 250 Foundation and the American Battlefield Trust;
- Develop, encourage, and execute an inclusive celebration, commemoration, and observance of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War, and founding of the United States of America, and all its people, through civic, cultural, and historical education, events, and programming;
- Promote the documentation, identification, and preservation of cultural and historic resources, including archives, buildings, landscapes, objects, and sites related to the semiquincentennial period
The Maryland Semiquincentennial Commission will be staffed by the Maryland Department of Planning and Governor’s Coordinating Offices. The Maryland Historical Trust will help assist and guide the commission’s goals, mission, and recommendations.
Learn More about Preservation Maryland’s Revolutionary War Project