More than 380 years ago this week, colonists who’d sailed from England on the Ark and the Dove stepped onto the shores of what would become St. Mary’s City, Maryland, and took “possession of this Countrey for our Saviour and our soveraigne Lord the King of England.”
The anniversary of the state’s formal founding is commemorated every year with Maryland Day festivities—this year March 20 through 22.
Throughout the weekend, historical and cultural attractions in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County will offer special tours and events, many for free or for a discounted $1 admission.
Among the Saturday highlights: A free tour, from 10 a.m. to noon, of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (advance reservations are required, and the tour is limited to 50 people); $1 guided walking tours of the United States Naval Academy (you must print a coupon to get this deal), which will also offer free children’s activities—think knot tying, tattoo painting, and the making of paper sailor hats—from noon to 3 p.m.; and $1 admission into Historic London Town and Gardens, where costumed interpreters and displays tell of daily life in Colonial times.
There’s even a “Picture Yourself in History” selfie contest at participating sites. For more information about Maryland Day events, click here.
Sherri Dalphonse joined Washingtonian in 1986 as an editorial intern, and worked her way to the top of the masthead when she was named editor-in-chief in 2022. She oversees the magazine’s editorial staff, and guides the magazine’s stories and direction. She lives in DC.
