Legacy 250 will engage local communities to create a positive legacy for history, democracy, tourism, and beyond
Preservation Maryland today announced the schedule for a series of workshops that will bring together regional stakeholders to plan and coordinate approaches commemorate the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding.
Preservation Maryland and National Park Service’s Chesapeake Gateways are collaborating to offer the capacity-building workshops at eight locations across the Chesapeake Bay watershed and two virtual options for those that can’t attend in person. Attendees will learn about the “who” and “how” of developing partnerships for fundraising and programming, access to real-world examples of successful local commemorative activities, and receive guidance on what to consider when planning activities.
“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,” said Christiana Limniatis, Preservation Maryland’s Program & Outreach Manager. “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.”
“Telling an inclusive story about our nation’s founding and the inspiring accomplishments of Americans throughout the last 250 years, as well as acknowledging the adversity and anguish faced and experienced by many, is vital,” added Preservation Maryland’s President & CEO Nicholas Redding. “Bringing these workshops to the stakeholders in the community is how these stories will get told, and we could not do this without the support and partnership of NPS Chesapeake Gateways.”
The schedule is as follows. More information about each workshop and registration can be found at www.preservationmaryland.org/250
- Southern Maryland Workshop | September 25
- 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
- Virtual Workshop #2 | November 18