Every Fourth of July, we celebrate the birth of a nation.
Fireworks light the sky, flags line our streets, and communities gather to reflect on the ideals of independence that took root 250 years ago. But the story of America wasn’t written in a single day and wasn’t confined to a single place.
Maryland was there from the beginning. As our country commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence, Maryland offers one of the richest collections of places that tell our national story. From Revolutionary-era landmarks to industrial communities, maritime heritage, and vibrant Main Streets, these places remind us that history isn’t something we simply read about, it’s something we can still experience today.
For nearly 95 years, Preservation Maryland has worked to ensure those stories endure.
Maryland’s Revolutionary Legacy
When Americans think about the Revolution, they often picture battlefields and famous speeches. But Maryland played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future. Annapolis briefly served as the capital of the United States, where General George Washington resigned his military commission in 1783, an act that demonstrated the peaceful transfer of power and helped define the early United States.
As Maryland commemorate America250, Preservation Maryland is proud to help tell these stories through initiatives like the Maryland Liberty Tree Project, which is planting descendants of the original Liberty Tree in every Maryland county and Baltimore City, and MD in Frames, one page comic-style illustrations that tell the stories of revolutionary historic sites across the state.
Every Building Has a Story
History isn’t only found at famous landmarks.
It’s found in historic homes, schools, mills, and commercial districts…places where everyday Marylanders lived, worked, learned, and built their communities.
From the restoration of Fort Frederick and the stabilization of the Burtis House in Annapolis to the rehabilitation of the Historic Ellicott City Jail, Preservation Maryland works alongside local partners to ensure these places continue serving their communities.
Preserving Skills Alongside Places
Historic places need skilled hands to care for them.
That’s why Preservation Maryland’s Campaign for Historic Trades is investing in the next generation of preservation professionals. Through the nation’s first group registered apprenticeship program dedicated to the historic trades, apprentices are learning specialized skills like historic window restoration, preservation carpentry, deconstruction, traditional masonry, and traditional roofing.
Historic tradespeople help ensure Maryland’s historic buildings can continue standing for another 250 years.
Preservation Is About Communities
Preservation is also strengthening Main Streets, protecting maritime heritage, supporting local organizations through grants, and even documenting historic places with digital technology.
Whether through the Heritage Fund, maritime preservation grants, revitalization initiatives, or educational programs like Building Communities, our paper model project with models from every county in the state, Preservation Maryland believes that preserving our shared history creates stronger, more resilient communities for the future.
Looking Forward
The Fourth of July invites us to celebrate where we’ve been. The 250th anniversary of the United States asks us to consider where we’re going.
The places that survived the last 250 years have stories to tell. Stories about innovation, hardship and resilience, community and change. They connect us to the generations who came before us and inspire the generations still to come.
This Independence Day, we invite you to look a little closer at the places around you. Visit a historic downtown. Walk through a neighborhood with deep roots. Explore a battlefield, a lighthouse, a monument, or a city block. Every place has a story, and every story helps us better understand who we are.
As we celebrate America’s past, Preservation Maryland remains committed to preserving the places that will continue telling Maryland’s story for the next 250 years.