It's National Ice Cream Day! BRIEF HISTORY OF ICE CREAM The history of ice cream in the United States dates back to 1744. An official from Virginia named William Black dined at the house of Maryland Governor Thomas Bladen in Annapolis. Black’s journal entry about the...
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Then & Now: Glen Echo Park
Today Glen Echo Park in Montgomery County is a lively campus of open space, arts studios, and plays host to many community events. Some portions of the Park are operated by the National Park Service and some by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture. What...
Made in Maryland: The Phillips Packing and Seafood Company
The Phillips Packing Company began in Cambridge, Maryland in 1902 with a single plant and went on to become the largest employer in Dorchester County and one of the most recognized names in seafood. As the company expanded so did its legacy on the Eastern Shore...
Flag Day: History of the Maryland Flag
Maryland's flag stands out! Every Marylander has had at least one occasion to lament - or defend it's bold colors and eye-catching design. Here's the story of how the flag came to be. For those unfamiliar with the Maryland state flag, it features four alternating...
How the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Connected Maryland
On it's way to celebrate 65 years of connecting Maryland, take a quick trip into the history of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. BEFORE THE BRIDGE The Chesapeake Bay separates the two sides of Maryland, the main land and the Eastern Shore and they were relatively isolated...
Highland Beach: Douglass Family-Founded Beach Town on the Chesapeake
On the Bay sits a historic beach community founded by the youngest son of activist and abolitionist Frederick Douglass as a resort town for the African-American community. Incorporated as a year-round town in 1922, it is still home to many descendants of the original...
Why are Maryland’s Sports Teams Called Terps?
The history of the diamondback terrapin turtle in Maryland can be traced at least as far back as the Native Americans with two important contemporary milestones that led to the University of Maryland mascot and team name - the Terps. What's a terrapin? These turtles...
The History of the Preakness at Pimlico in Baltimore
All of your questions about the Preakness and Pimlico are answered below - by history! How'd Baltimore get the race? Why is it called the Preakness? And how much does the winner take home? Read this blog before the annual race starts: What we know today as the...
International Museum Day
May 18, 2017, marks the 40th anniversary of International Museum Day. Museums are imperative to preserving and interpreting cultural heritage and history, and this celebration of museums hopes to encourage education and understanding about what museums mean to our...
Four Hip and Historic Coffee Shops in Maryland
Marylanders looking to get their caffeine fix, you’re in luck! We’ve put together this list of coffee shops in historic buildings throughout the state. Each of these stores artfully integrates the character of their historic buildings into their cafes, offering...
Maryland Tradition: The 44th Annual Sheep and Wool Festival
Maryland hosts the largest and longest-running sheep and wool festival in the United States! It's a Maryland tradition that teaches us about heritage breed conservation, historic spinning and weaving, and - it's a fun and entertaining event taking place this month in...
Jane’s Walk: Exploring Urbanism and Preservation in Silver Spring
As the great urbanist and author, Jane Jacobs, spent her life challenging citizens, planners, and architects to design better, safer, and more interesting cities, it's fitting that an annual celebration of her work takes form in an international day for...walking!...
Old Bay was Created in Baltimore by a German-Jewish Immigrant
Summer is here and every Marylander knows that that means two things: piles of steamed crabs and family-size tins of Old Bay. And did you know that Maryland’s favorite spice was created by a refugee? Read on for the story of Gustav Brunn, the German-Jewish immigrant...
Maryland’s Aviation History and Achievements
While North Carolina and Ohio battle it out on their licence plates for aviation accolades, Maryland is home to its own unique set of aeronautic firsts! Did you know Maryland was home to the first helicopter flight, the flight of the first government-owned airplane,...
World Heritage Day: Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism in Maryland
Today, April 18, 2017, is World Heritage Day! While we consider the natural and historic wonders of the world, let's also look around Maryland at the special places we're proud to call part of our home. And for this year's international theme, especially those places...
The History Channel’s American Pickers are Coming to Maryland
It turns out Maryland isn’t only good for picking crab - but also antiques. American Pickers, a hit show on The History Channel is returning to the Old Line State this May. Antique enthusiasts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are constantly on the lookout for large,...
O! Say, Can You See Its Opening Day?
Today is Opening Day for Major League Baseball! It’s time to revive the game day traditions, play catch, and warm up those voices. Why? Find our why we sing the Star Spangled Banner at the beginning of sporting events, and why Marylanders hollar, "O!" every chance...
The Maryland Signers of the Constitution
On September 17, 1787, three representatives of Maryland signed their names to the freshly-inked United States Constitution, beginning the path towards full ratification and establishing a new government. Signing on behalf of Maryland were James McHenry, Daniel of St....
National and State Parks and Forests in Maryland
The National Park Service recently celebrated 100 years of exemplary park service, preservation of natural resources, and conservation efforts nationwide. By working to preserve our national parks, current and future generations can appreciate the beauty of our...
Maryland’s Historic Wineries
Maryland has a fine culinary history and wine making is no exception. In fact, our foodways traditions are common themes in promoting the history and culture of Maryland, like Wine Trails, and yet another way you can support a local economy. So, today we will...
Columbia, Maryland in Context
An early planning document pertaining to the development of the Columbia Mall, a major component of Columbia’s Town Center, summarizes James Rouse’s aims for the city he founded: "Columbia is designed to provide the best possible environment for the growth of people....
Celebrating Johns Hopkins’ Birthday in Maryland
Let's celebrate Johns Hopkins' birthday by reflecting on his contributions to Maryland's scientific culture, and also, current efforts to preserve sites of his life, including his childhood home, Whites Hall. Johns Hopkins (May 19, 1795, Anne Arundel County,...
Events
Preservation Maryland participates in and hosts many events in and around Maryland. Take a look at our upcoming events to see where we’ll be next.