ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. – Two iconic Maryland tall ships, Pride of Baltimore II and Maryland Dove, will sail together for the first time in a historic event marking the start of Maryland’s 400th-anniversary countdown. The event, “Sail into Maryland’s Future,” is organized by the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area and the Baltimore National Heritage Area. It will take place on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at the Historic St. Mary’s City Dock.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will provide a rare opportunity to witness two of Maryland’s most storied ships sail together. Both vessels represent key moments in Maryland’s maritime history, with the Maryland Dove modeled after one of the original ships that helped establish the Maryland colony in 1634 and Pride of Baltimore II, a replica of an 1812-era Baltimore Clipper, symbolizing Maryland’s role in defending American interests during the War of 1812.
The ships will depart from the St. Mary’s Dock at 1:00 p.m. and return by 3:00 p.m., offering spectators two hours to observe the ships in action from the banks and bluffs surrounding Historic St. Mary’s City. After the sail, a public reception will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., featuring remarks from state and community leaders.
Speakers will include Senator Jack Bailey, Maryland Secretary of Planning Rebecca Flora, and Francis Gray, Tribal Chair of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe. Representatives from the Governor’s Office on Community Initiatives, the National Park Service, and the offices of U.S. Senators Ben Cardin, Chris Van Hollen, and U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer will also be in attendance. Additional statewide and local leaders, including Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and other senators and delegates from the Maryland General Assembly, have been invited to join the event.
The “Sail into Maryland’s Future” event will not only mark a symbolic start to Maryland’s 400th-anniversary celebrations, culminating in 2034, but it will also highlight the state’s rich maritime heritage and cultural significance.
Visuals and Interactive Features
The two ships sailing along the St. Mary’s River will offer striking visuals for both attendees and the media. Historic St. Mary’s City, the site of Maryland’s first capital, provides a scenic backdrop, with spectators expected to line the banks and bluffs for optimal viewing. After the sail, speeches and a reception will take place under the Pavilion at Historic St. Mary’s City.
To follow the Pride of Baltimore II’s journey, a live map of the ship’s progress through the St. Mary’s River will be made available on the day of the event, with its path possibly adjusting based on wind conditions. Event organizers have encouraged participants to RSVP for the event via the link provided in the official invitation.
About the Ships
The Maryland Dove, which is based at Historic St. Mary’s City, is a wooden replica of the original Dove, a 17th-century vessel that was one of the two ships (along with The Ark) that brought settlers to the Maryland colony. The modern-day Dove represents the spirit of exploration and colonization that helped shape early Maryland.
The Pride of Baltimore II, based in Baltimore, is a topsail schooner built to replicate the famed Baltimore Clippers that played a crucial role in the War of 1812. Today, the ship serves as a goodwill ambassador for the state of Maryland, regularly visiting ports around the world to represent Maryland’s history and maritime culture.
Collaborating Heritage Areas
The event is being co-hosted by two key heritage areas: the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area and the Baltimore National Heritage Area.
The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area, established by the U.S. Congress in 2022, encompasses Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and southern Prince George’s counties. Its mission is to promote heritage tourism, preserve natural and cultural resources, and strengthen the regional economy. It recognizes the area’s significant contributions to the nation’s history and strives to protect the region’s environmental and cultural assets.
The Baltimore National Heritage Area focuses on preserving Baltimore’s historic and cultural legacy. It works to protect the city’s natural resources and promote its history to current and future generations.
Both organizations have worked together to highlight Maryland’s rich history as the state approaches its 400th anniversary.
Event Details
- Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
- Time:
- 1:00 p.m.: Ships begin sailing from St. Mary’s Dock
- 3:00 p.m.: Ships return to dock, followed by a public reception from 3:00–5:00 p.m.
- Location: Historic St. Mary’s City Dock, 47414 Old State House Rd., St. Mary’s City, MD 20686
For more information about the event and to RSVP, please visit the official event page.
