The Maryland Historical Trust was formed in 1961 to assist the people of Maryland in identifying, studying, evaluating, preserving, protecting, and interpreting the state’s significant prehistoric and historic districts, sites, structures, cultural landscapes, heritage areas, cultural objects, and artifacts, as well as less tangible human and community traditions. The Trust is the principal operating unit within the Division of Historical and Cultural Programs, which is an agency of the Maryland Department of Planning.
Sparked by the 300th anniversary of the signing of Annapolis’ Royal Charter, the people of Annapolis are celebrating for an entire year, with events all over town, from the US Naval Academy to neighborhoods, shops, schools, and restaurants and more.The celebration called Annapolis Alive! joyfully marks this unique city’s independence and truly participatory democracy. Annapolis Alive! was officially kicked off by the Queen Anne Ball on September 30, 2007, and the rest of 2007 and the year 2008 will be like no other. Major arts, cultural and historic events will share the stage with community festivals, parties, special historical tours, pub crawls, and even a Town Crier competition.
The Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis is one of the premier colonial houses remaining in America from the British colonial period. The house was designed by the architect William Buckland in 1773-74 for wealthy farmer Matthias Hammond. The museum is open to the public for guided tours. Special activities which focus on colonial history, art and architecture are scheduled throughout the year.
Maryland’s World War II Memorial is unique. Visitors will walk through history when visiting the four-sided open-air amphitheater surrounded by a 100-foot diameter ring of 48 pillars, that represent the 48 states at the time of the war. Etched in granite are the names of 6,454 Marylanders who lost their lives, providing a lasting tribute to their ultimate contributions. Twenty plaques describe wartime milestones and key events, in addition to contributions made by those 288,000 Maryland military men and women and those who served in industries at home.
My River Speaks
My River Speaks: The History and Lore of the Magothy River is the first and only book detailing the history of the Magothy River. It reflects anecdotal and archival research on the history, geography, and lore of the Magothy. The once “forgotten river” of the Chesapeake now speaks.
The author, Marianne Taylor, has lived along the banks of the Magothy River for more than 30 years. In the midst of her 22-year career as an English teacher, she served as a docent for the Baltimore Museum of Art. It was there she discovered her passion for history.
Steeplechasing has a long history in Maryland. Steeplechase races rose from competition between various fox hunting clubs. Steeplechasing has not changed much since those early days. The races are still run on fine, warm Spring days over similar courses with an audience of horse-lovers and race fans alike. Maryland Steeplechasing’s goal is to provide you with the information you need to have a great day at the races. The Maryland Steeplechasing website has infomation about the sport of steeplechase racing in Maryland.
In 1883 the Sandy Point Shoal caisson with a 37-foot Empire-style eight-sided, red brick tower with a white roof and black lantern housing a 4th order Fresnel lens was built. This caisson replaced an earlier Sandy Point Light that had been built on land where Sandy Point State Park is located now. It was an on shore brick tower constructed in 1858 that was situated in a poor location. Sandy Point Shoal Light has a wooden caisson foundation supporting a round 35-foot-diameter cement-filled cast-iron cylinder on which a 2 1/2-story octagonal brick structure rests. The structure is 24 by 24 feet with truncated corners giving it an octagonal shape. Although not originally painted, the brick portion of the structure is now painted red.
The W-26 site was opened in 1955. It was upgraded to the Nike Hercules missile in 1961. The site was manned by Battery A, 36th Anti Aircraft Missile Battalion which was replaced by Battery A, 1st Missile Battalion, 562nd Artillery. This unit was then replaced by Battery A, 1st Missile Battalion, 70 Artillery; Maryland Army National Guard. A/1/70 was the first National Guard unit to operate with the Nike Hercules missile. The site was closed in 1968. The launch area is now controlled by the Navy. The sign at the gate says “Naval Sea Systems Command” “Naval Surface Warfare Center” “Nike Site”. The IFC is now the area head quarters for the Army Reserve. The radar towers are all gone but many of the buildings still remain. The IFC still has a nice military look to it since the Army is still using it.
