Celebrating the Nation's Semiquincentennial in Dorchester County, MD
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary, or semiquincentennial, of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking the formal founding of the United States. This anniversary is an opportunity for history organizations of all sizes and locations across the country to help audiences explore and learn from our shared American history and to build stronger connections with the people in our communities.
The Dorchester250 Commission is dedicated to celebrating our nation's 250th anniversary by creating awareness and engaging with the community to encourage celebrations of this once- in- a- generation opportunity to reintroduce history to our communities. We will be promoting 250th themed events, programming and celebrations all year long throughout our county and encourage you to check back often to see newly planned events. Additionally, you can visit the MD250 website at: https://mdtwofifty.maryland.gov/ for more information about events planned throughout the entire state of Maryland.
Re-Opening of the Transformed Harriet Tubman Museum
Jun 13, 2026
Experience the newly renovated Harriet Tubman Museum & Education Center in Downtown Cambridge during the grand re-opening on June 13. New murals on all the walls and floor help tell the Underground Railroad hero’s story. The murals were created by Dorchester County artist Michael Rosato, t... READ MORE
America's 250 Music Series at 447 Venue
This special music series honors the rich heritage, community spirit, and live music traditions that continue to shape Dorchester County and the Heart of the Chesapeake. Join in most Tuesday nights through October for local and regional musicians performing Motown, rock and roll, jazz, bluegrass, bl... READ MORE
Celebrate Juneteenth at the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center
Jun 19, 2026
Celebrate Juneteenth at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park & Visitor Center in Church Creek, Maryland with special programming Friday through Sunday:
FRIDAY, JUNE 19:
“Thenceforward and Forever Free!”: Collective Reflections on American Freedom
A day of... READ MORE
Commemoration of a New Nation
Jun 27, 2026
Join the Dorchester County Historical Society for crafts, live period music by Ampersand at 11am and 1:30pm at the historic 1760s Meredith House, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence by the City of Cambridge Town Crier. No cost admission day, but donations of $5 per person are appre... READ MORE
Dorchester Historical Society Presents 250th Birthday- Celebrate America's Story
Jul 3, 2026
The Dorchester Historical Society presents a 250th Birthday event to celebrate America's story on Friday, July 3. Kick off the July 4th holiday weekend with a full day event from 11am- 7pm, filled with family friendly fun, including a kid's zone from 11am- 3 pm and live music beginning at 4p... READ MORE
July 4 Fireworks!
Jul 4, 2026
Watch a beautiful display of fireworks over the Choptank River in Cambridge, Maryland at dusk (a little after 9pm) on July 4! Bring your own blankets and chairs, snacks, and bug spray. View from Long Wharf (High and Water Streets), Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh (at the end of Somerset Avenue at th... READ MORE
Battle of Vienna 1779- 1780
Aug 29, 2026
SAVE THE DATE for the Battle of Vienna 1779- 1780
A commemoration of a series of British and Loyalists attacks on the Merchant Port of Vienna, Maryland. Co- sponsored by the Nanticoke Historic Preservation Alliance and the Vienna Heritage Society.
Join us for a day of Military re- enactments a... READ MORE
Harriet Tubman Inaugural Summit- SAVE THE DATE!
Sep 1, 2026
Join us in downtown Cambridge beginning September 1 for the Harriet Tubman Inaugural Summit, a month-long Summit to honor the life, legacy, and leadership of a true American Heroine!
More details coming soon... READ MORE
Harriet Tubman Summit: Service Day of Beautification
Sep 5, 2026
Join in for a quiet day of service, on Saturday, September 5 between 9am and 1:30pm, as volunteers care for the Beacon of Hope Harriet Tubman Statue. This is a personal effort to honor her legacy with intention and respect, taking time to clean and preserve a symbol that holds deep meaning for our c... READ MORE
Harriet Tubman Summit: Day of Resilience
Sep 12, 2026
All are invited to participate in the Day of Resilience commemoration and ribbon cutting of the Harriet Tubman Pavilion at the Harriet’s Take My Hand mural. Wear your comfortable shoes. This event is $1 to attend, with an opportunity to give more in support of the Harriet Tubman Summit and its... READ MORE
General Harriet Tubman Tribute- SAVE THE DATE
Sep 26, 2026
SAVE THE DATE for a Harriet Tubman Tribute ceremony beginning at 11am at the Dorchester County Courthouse where 250 women veterans will unite in honor of General Tubman. At 2pm, Pulitzer Prize winning author Dr. Edda Fields- Black will be a keynote speaker and at 6pm there will be a Beacon of Hope V... READ MORE
Harriet Tubman Summit: Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black Lecture
Sep 26, 2026
As part of the Harriet Tubman Summit, join in Saturday, September 26 at from 2 to 4pm at Chesapeake College at 418 Race St., Cambridge, MD, for a lecture by Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of COMBEE: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom During the... READ MORE
Harriet Tubman Summit: Beacon of Hope: Veterans Gala
Sep 26, 2026
Join us on Saturday, September 26th from 6pm-10pm at 447 Race Street. The Beacon of Hope: Veterans Gala is more than a formal evening. As part of the inaugural Harriet Tubman Summit, this black-tie event is rooted in gratitude, resilience, and community. Inspired by the courage and service of both H... READ MORE
General Harriet Tubman Tribute- SAVE THE DATE
Sep 27, 2026
SAVE THE DATE! Join us for a day long retreat at Patriot Point with a community cookout and veterans mixer, and help us celebrate the life, legacy and leadership of General Harriet Tubman. Visit our website for more details as this event takes shape. READ MORE
Harriet Tubman Summit: Veteran Retreat and Cookout Day
Sep 27, 2026
On Sunday, September 27, from 11am to 5pm, we invite you to join us at Patriot Point, 750 Taylors Island Road in Madison, MD. As we wind down the Harriet Tubman Summit, come spend the day with us in connection, reflection, and legacy. This is a free event. However, any donation for this event will b... READ MORE
Harriet Tubman Summit: Pride of Baltimore II Tour
Oct 3, 2026
As part of the Harriet Tubman Summit, on Saturday, October 3, join a tour of the tall ship, Pride of Baltimore II, while it’s docked at Long Wharf in Cambridge, MD. We will set sail and officially close out the Harriet Tubman Summit at 6pm under the Choptank River sunset.
Register here.... READ MORE
Richardson Maritime Museum Boatyard Bash “Where Heritage Drops Anchor”
Oct 10, 2026
Save the date for this year's Boatyard Bash featuring live music with headliner band "Chesapeake Sons".
Live Auction
Antique & Classic Boat Society boats
Tours of RMM boatworks and museum
Area Boatyards competiton
Food trucks and Beer/Crushes
Vendors (crafts &... READ MORE
Pirates and Privateers
Oct 24, 2026
Must be 21 + to attend.
$25 Per Adult
Admission includes two drink tickets per person
Costumes welcome, but not required! Gather around the fire for a snack and spooky stories, enjoy a grog or two, and celebrate the season like a true "Sea Rat" of the past! READ MORE
Talk: The Old Line State; Earned in Blood
Jun 3, 2026
The South Dorchester Folk Museum presents an evening with author and historian Jonathan Beasley, talking about Maryland's Revolutionary War, "The Old Line State, Earned in blood." Learn about Maryland's vital role int he Revolutionary War – how the name "Old Line State&q... READ MORE
Spring "Witness House" Soiree
May 29, 2026
The Nanticoke Historic Preservation Alliance and Janet Hannsz cordially invite you to the Spring "Witness House" Soiree at historic Glasgow Manor, c. 1760, 1500 Hambrooks Blvd., Cambridge, MD on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 5pm- 8pm. Appetizers will be provided by Gardens and Garnishes C... READ MORE
An 18th Century Soirée
May 29, 2026
You are invited to the “Witness House Spring Soiree” on Friday, May 29, 2026 at the historic Glasgow Manor, circa 1760. This is a fundraising party to benefit Handsell and the Nanticoke Historic Preservation Alliance. Proceeds benefit the “Handsell Restoration Fund”... READ MORE
CANCELED: Triple B Festival: Brews, Blue Catfish, and Boat Racing
May 23, 2026
UPDATE AS OF MAY 22: Triple B Festival has been canceled because of the weather forecast for rain. Food trucks will still be on site at the boat races, but there won't be any live music, vendors, or kids zone.
The inaugural Triple B Festival: Brews, Blue Catfish, and Boat Racing is being held... READ MORE
Dorchester Liberty Tree Planting
Apr 27, 2026
All are welcome to join in the planting of Dorchester County's Liberty Tree on April 27 at 11am at the Cambridge Women's Club, Sycamore Cottage, 417 High St., Cambridge, MD.
The Maryland Liberty Tree project commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence by planting gen... READ MORE
Chicone Village Day
Apr 25, 2026
This day-long celebration of Native American culture features demonstrations, workshops, talks, and displays at Handsell’s Chicone Village, which includes a Native dwelling house, work shelter, and garden. It’s a must-see, family-friendly event that brings history to life. READ MORE
Children's Tales Tea Party
Apr 25, 2026
Join Dorchester County Historical Society for a children’s tea on Saturday, April 25. Three stories and seatings at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. Event is best for reading level ages 9-12, though all ages welcome, below age 6 not recommended. $20 per adult and child pair. $5 for each additional child.&nb... READ MORE
Historic Fashion Show with Cambridge Woman's Club
Apr 18, 2026
In preserving and interpreting the legacy of The Cambridge Woman's Club, you are invited to join us for a Historic Fashion Show from the 1900s through the 1970s. As we walk back in time with the Women of Dorchester County, including fashion, lifestyle, music and more, this presentation supports... READ MORE
Tavern Night: Celebrating Maryland Day
Mar 28, 2026
See the 1760 Meredith House at the Dorchester County Historical Society transformed into a busy 18th century busy tavern! Then celebrate like it's 1776 with colonial era music, authentic drink recipes, and the newly opened exhibit, "Doctors of Dorchester." $10 per adult; one drink... READ MORE
Harriet Tubman Museum Soft Re-opening
Mar 28, 2026
Be the first to see the new and improved Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center as they open our doors to the public for the first time since suffering significant water damage in May 2025. The space has been transformed with murals by Michael Rosato on the walls and floors, along with special... READ MORE
5th Annual Iron Sharpens Iron Heritage Gala
Mar 7, 2026
Honoring the Legacy of the late Hansel Greene and the late Dr Theresa Stafford. We will be unveiling six Commemorative Banners of community leaders, educators and business owners. Plus live performances and dinner. This is a formal affair. Hosted by Denise Parrington. READ MORE
Legacy Reconnected: Maryland- Liberia Sister Relationship Announcement- Honoring 250 Years
Feb 28, 2026
Save the Date!
Join us for a powerful and inspiring event as we officially announce the establishment of a Sister State/County/City relationship between Maryland (with special focus on Cambridge and Dorchester County) and Liberia.
This special Maryland 250 event celebrates deep historica... READ MORE
Explore the Shore Outdoor Expo
Feb 21, 2026
This one-day event will bring together outdoor brands, local businesses, and community members for an immersive celebration of Maryland’s Eastern Shore as a hub for outdoor recreation and connection. All at the Packing House in Cambridge, Maryland. Guests can expect: Outdoor gear exhibits, vendor bo... READ MORE
National Celebration
America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. This multi-year effort, which extends beyond July 4, 2026, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look toward a future we want to create for generations to come.
In July of 2025, Governor Wes Moore authorized the Maryland 250 Commission to develop a commemoration of Maryland's many contributions to America's 250 years. With a change to create the most inclusive commemoration in state history, we set out to build what will culminate in 2026—a statewide observance that recognizes all Marylanders' journeys toward life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
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