LEONARDTOWN, Md. — St. Mary’s County Government’s Museum Division, alongside the Southern Maryland 250th Committee, Southern Maryland National Heritage Area, and local civic groups, will host Rebels & Redcoats: A Southern Maryland Revolutionary War Family Event on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park. This free event commemorates the American War for Independence, spotlighting the Battle of St. George Island—the only Revolutionary War clash fought on Maryland soil—near the venue.
The family-friendly gathering offers a deep dive into 18th-century Southern Maryland history with musket and cannon fire demonstrations, reenactor encampments, live military drills, and period programming. Visitors can explore exhibits from regional organizations, enjoy food trucks, and engage in kids’ activities. Highlights include stepping into a Revolutionary War militia camp, learning about soldiers’ gear, joining a rifle drill, and hearing military music from the era, all kicking off the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Parking will be off-site at Piney Point Elementary School, with free shuttles running to the museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Piney Point Lighthouse, Maryland’s oldest on the Potomac River, built in 1836, provides a historic backdrop, per St. Mary’s County tourism data. The event ties into the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area’s mission to preserve the region’s Revolutionary past, including the 1781 Battle of St. George Island, where local militia repelled British raiders, as noted by the Maryland Historical Trust.
A new prelude event debuts Friday, April 4, at 6:30 p.m., featuring author Patrick O’Donnell at the museum’s Maritime Building. O’Donnell will discuss his book Washington’s Immortals: The Untold Story of an Elite Regiment Who Changed the Course of the Revolutionary War, focusing on Marylanders’ pivotal role in the conflict. A Q&A and reception follow, with books available for purchase beforehand at the museum store. Free tickets are required for this talk, which highlights the resilience of Maryland troops under George Washington.
The Rebels & Redcoats event aligns with national efforts to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, supported by groups like the America 250 initiative. Organizers expect broad appeal, from history buffs to families, with educational displays and hands-on experiences. For details or tickets, contact Piney Point Lighthouse Museum at (301) 994-1471 or visit www.Facebook.com/1836Light.
St. Mary’s County, with a population of over 113,000 per U.S. Census data, leverages its rich history—once Maryland’s first capital—to draw visitors. The event underscores Southern Maryland’s Revolutionary legacy, offering a vivid look at the sacrifices and triumphs that shaped the nation.
