As we approach July, communities across the nation gather and ponder the meaning of 250 years of American independence.
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding – and this semiquicentennial anniversary will result in endless commemorations, parades, exhibits, and events. From sea to shining sea, it will be a time to celebrate – and explore the true meaning of our creed.
Here in the Old Line State, which earned that nickname in service to General Washington, the history of the nation runs deep. It should come as no surprise then that Preservation Maryland would have a full line of events, programs, projects, and collaborations focused on meeting this moment. For the preservation community broadly – the 250th is an opportunity to capture imagination of a new generation, to make the case for our work and efforts, and to engage the present in a conversation about the past and how it impacts our future.
Each of our planned projects is designed to be collaborative, though-provoking, and open to discussion and debate – hallmarks of the revolutionary generation which left for posterity a declaration and constitution each imbued with equally great vision and unfinished work.
For the 250th, our organization’s major projects include:
Maryland Liberty Tree Project
The Maryland Liberty Tree Project, of which Preservation Maryland is a founding partner and lead organization, will plant a direct descendant of Maryland’s original 1775 Liberty Tree in each of the state’s 23 counties and Baltimore City by the end of 2026, creating a powerful living commemoration. In addition to the events and physical legacy, the trees are designed to open a dialogue around the meaning of liberty to all Americans and what the legacy of the revolution can and should be in our own lives.
Revolution@250
In 1818, John Adams reflected that the Revolution “was not a common Event,” arguing that it lived not only on battlefields, but “in the Minds and Hearts of the People.” Revolution@250 takes that idea seriously. The Revolution did not begin at Lexington and Concord, nor did it end with the Treaty of Paris. It was—and remains—a set of ideas that reshaped the globe.
Hosted by Katie Caljean, President & CEO of the Maryland Center for History and Culture, and Nicholas Redding, host of PreserveCast and President & CEO of Preservation Maryland, this new special-release podcast series explores the enduring meaning of the American Revolution as we approach its 250th anniversary.
In this special series, we’ll examine the revolutionary thinking sparked and accelerated by the self-evident idea that “all men are created equal,” and explore the bold, complicated, and ongoing consequences of that declaration.
Join us as we consider not just what happened 250 years ago—but how revolutionary ideas continue to shape our world today.
Building Communities
In 2023, Preservation Maryland launched Building Communities, an initiative designed to help
Marylanders explore the state’s history and architecture through tactile, hands-on paper model
construction. By combining accessible design with place-based storytelling, the program invites
learners of all ages to engage with Maryland’s past through the act of making.
With the support of the Maryland 250 Commission, Preservation Maryland will complete the collection – with at least one structure from every county in the state – all freely available for download and at-home construction. Additionally, the organization will convene a contest to help us select an additional 5 structures that are meaningful to communities across the state.
These low-cost models, printable on a basic home printer with no special equipment, offer a simple, engaging entry point into architectural history. Each free, downloadable model includes concise historical context and easy-to-follow instructions, making them well suited for classrooms, libraries, and home use alike.
250th Legacy Projects
In addition to the new, special 250th themed projects, the primary work of Preservation Maryland continues, with direct and strategic investment in some of the state’s most iconic historic places. Saving these places, in partnership with a host of organizations and agencies, requires significant capital – but also has the potential to leave a significant legacy to be enjoyed by generations to come.
Some of the most significant 250th Legacy projects include our work in partnership with the Marylan Department of Natural Resources in Maryland State Parks – including the largest rehabilitation of Fort Frederick’s 1756 stone walls in nearly half a century; the planning and development of the new Freedman State Park in Patuxent State Park.
In Howard County, the organization will break ground on the Preservation Innovation Center at the Historic Ellicott City Jail (ca. 1851). This project, which will activate a long-vacant structure will also create collaborative community space along with an educational hub for students and staff of the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. This dynamic, multi-million-dollar project will positively impact generations of students with real world preservation experience in a historic community which sits at the crossroads of critical issues.
A Future Deserving of our Efforts
In 1931, local leaders banded together and formed what would today become Preservation Maryland. Now, 95 years later, we are the beneficiaries of their vision.
Famed scientist Jonas Salk once wrote that, “Our greatest responsibility is to be good ancestors.”
That’s why I’m writing today to ask for your support for our 250th Legacy Fund. We are hoping to raise $250,000 additional dollars to support these broad, engaging, and lasting projects in the coming year.
I’ll chip in the first $250 – will you join me?
With pride in our past and faith in our future,
Nicholas Redding, President & CEO
Preservation Maryland