History

The Marylander Who Dreamed of The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Marylander Who Dreamed of The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is consistently ranked as one of the nation's most moving and powerful war memorials and its history started in Maryland with the vision and tenacity of Jan Scruggs. Jan Scruggs, a native of Bowie, joined the U.S. Army in 1968 as the...

Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024

Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024

Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the original inhabitants of the Americas – the first people who called this land home. Today we’re sharing an assortment of Preservation Maryland grant-funded projects, cultural heritage features, and resources so you can explore the histories that are a elemental part of life in Maryland.

Video Series: Discovering the Layers of History at the Antietam Battlefield

Video Series: Discovering the Layers of History at the Antietam Battlefield

On the 161st anniversary of the Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest single day in American history, we’re featuring a few of Antietam’s untold stories and unique layers of history. Follow along with Preservation Maryland’s President and CEO Nicholas Redding as he visits the battlefield, located in Sharpsburg, Maryland.

Historic Sites of Ocean City, Maryland

Historic Sites of Ocean City, Maryland

Is it summer in Maryland if you didn’t head downy ocean, hon? With a few more weeks of summer left, there’s still time for a visit. And it wouldn’t be a Preservation Maryland post if we didn’t tell you about Ocean City’s history and unique historic sites. 

The Origin of the “Old Line State”

The Origin of the “Old Line State”

In 1776, American independence was anything but certain. Maryland troops under General Washington fought a pitched battle that may have saved the entire army and earned the state its nickname; The Old Line State. On August 27, 1776, the British Army, under the command...

The History of Juneteenth with Dr. Dennis Doster

The History of Juneteenth with Dr. Dennis Doster

In 2021, 158 years after the first Juneteenth, the celebration became a federal holiday changing the understanding of awareness of the holiday for millions of Americans. PreserveCast, Preservation Maryland's weekly podcast, spoke with Dr. Dennis Doster, who runs the...

Maryland: Where Inspiration Was Sewn

Maryland: Where Inspiration Was Sewn

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." More than 100 years...

Baltimore-Built Bombers Cleared the Way for D-Day

Baltimore-Built Bombers Cleared the Way for D-Day

On June 6, 1944 the free men of the world marched on fortress Europe in a dramatic effort aimed at setting free those suffering under Nazi tyranny.  Among the nearly 12,000 planes engaged in D-Day, hundreds of B-26 Martin Marauders played a pivotal role in softening...

This Day in Maryland History: Francis Scott Key Bridge Opens in 1977

This Day in Maryland History: Francis Scott Key Bridge Opens in 1977

On this day in history - March 23, 1977 - the Francis Scott Key Bridge that spans the Patapsco River in Baltimore opened to traffic. Besides the famous name, the bridge was a major milestone in Maryland's transportation planning and remains the second longest...

Presidential History at Western Maryland’s Camp David

Presidential History at Western Maryland’s Camp David

This Presidents' Day we're exploring Maryland's role in major moments in American presidential history as the host to the official presidential retreat, Camp David, tucked away in Catoctin Mountain Park in Frederick County. ROOSEVELT'S RETREAT The presidential retreat...

Plow Monday: A Reminder of Our Agricultural Roots

Plow Monday: A Reminder of Our Agricultural Roots

Today, as the mechanized, technological world marches on, "Plow Monday," is all but forgotten. But, the once venerated date on the early agricultural calendar is reminder of our roots -- and of those who still toil to nourish us. "Venerate the plow" - American...

Event Recap: An Antietam Evening

Event Recap: An Antietam Evening

Last week the Preservation Maryland team hosted a book release party celebrating Scott Hartwig’s newest book, I Dread the Thought of the Place: The Battle of Antietam and the End of the Maryland Campaign, which sheds light on the visceral experience of the battle and the emotional aftermath for those who survived.

New Designation for a Church Destroyed by Civil War

New Designation for a Church Destroyed by Civil War

Members of the Antietam Institute helped hoist a new set of Civil War Trails signs into place where the Mount Calvary Lutheran Church once stood. This is the first Civil War Trails (CWT) site in downtown Sharpsburg officially adding the beautiful community to the multi-state program. The church was damaged beyond repair during the September 17, 1862 Battle of Antietam.

Celebrating 107 Years of The National Park Service

Celebrating 107 Years of The National Park Service

Happy 107th birthday to The National Park Service! Created on August 25, 1916 to “preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations” there are now more than 400 national parks and many programs that reach communities around the country—many in Maryland.

An Antietam Evening: A Book Release Party for Scott Hartwig

An Antietam Evening: A Book Release Party for Scott Hartwig

Join us Wednesday, September 13 from 6:30-8p at McClintock Distilling in Frederick to celebrate Scott Hartwig and the release of his latest book, I Dread the Thought of the Place: The Battle of Antietam and the End of the Maryland Campaign. The book release party will...

Getting a Plaque for Your Historic Home (Frederick County)

Getting a Plaque for Your Historic Home (Frederick County)

The Frederick County Landmarks Foundation has brought back a popular free series of how-to seminars on how to obtain a plaque for a historic home. At each event, staff from the Frederick County Public Library’s Maryland Room, which specializes in local history, will...

The Fort Frederick Market Fair: A Taste of Colonial America

The Fort Frederick Market Fair: A Taste of Colonial America

Of all the events on the Maryland calendar that fall into my family’s must-attend column, the Fort Frederick Market Fair in Big Pool, Maryland, is at the top of the list. I often regale my family with stories about my work here at Preservation Maryland—all the tidbits...

O! Say, Can You See It’s Opening Day?

O! Say, Can You See It’s Opening Day?

Today is Opening Day for The Baltimore Orioles. 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...

Maryland Icon: Frederick Douglass

Maryland Icon: Frederick Douglass

Few names conjure up as much respect, admiration or praise as that of Frederick Douglass. On the anniversary of his death in 1895, Preservation Maryland is proud to remember the contributions of one the state's most famous citizens. Unlikely is perhaps the word best...

TUNE IN: Podcast Episodes to Listen to This Black History Month

TUNE IN: Podcast Episodes to Listen to This Black History Month

PreserveCast brings you stories from around the world about the people who are doing the work to preserve, interpret, and save our past. Each weekly episode makes the case for the value, relevance, and importance of history in our lives. Tap the episodes linked below...

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.