Visioning for a Meaningful Semi-Quincentennial
With the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence fast approaching in 2026, communities across the country are planning ways to engage the public in acknowledging this historic milestone in ways that are inclusive and meaningful to all Americans. While the anniversary begins with the signing of the Declaration, America’s 250th is also about understanding all Americans’ historic contributions as we strive towards a more perfect union of our own, and it can be the start of something bigger and longer-lasting.
Preservation Maryland and NPS Chesapeake Gateways invite you to participate in workshops designed to support local communities across the Chesapeake Bay watershed in envisioning a 2026 that will create a positive legacy for history, democracy, tourism, and beyond.
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Workshop Schedule
In total there will be 10 workshops scheduled September through November 2024 with a mix of virtual and in-person sessions across the region. Bringing together regional stakeholders, these three-hour long workshops will encourage participants to envision future-focused legacy projects, using 2026 as a starting point for thinking about the next 50 years. These workshops are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required and will close 48 hours before the workshop.
Click on the links below for more information about each location and to register for the workshop.
- Southern Maryland Workshop | September 25 (registration coming soon)
- Frederick Workshop | Monday, September 30
- Northern Neck, VA Workshop | October 2
- Virtual Workshop #1 | October 9
- Harpers Ferry, WV Workshop | October 16
- Baltimore Workshop | October 18
- Chestertown Workshop | October 23
- Annapolis Workshop | October 24
- Susquehanna Workshop | November 15 (registration coming soon)
- Virtual Workshop #2 | November 18
Legacy 250: Visioning + Planning for the Semisesquicentennial is brought to you by Preservation Maryland and NPS Chesapeake Gateways.
Preservation Maryland is a non-profit harnessing the power of historic places by revitalizing and reinvesting in communities, advocating, and building the historic trades workforce for the benefit of all Marylanders.
NPS Chesapeake Gateways Program (NPS Chesapeake Gateway) is a community assistance and partnership network. The program manages Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails Network (Chesapeake Gateways), represents the National Park Service in the Chesapeake Bay Program, and co-convenes the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership.
