ST. MARY’S CITY, Md., June 20, 2025 — Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC) has entered a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with four international partners to advance collaborative efforts in history, archaeology, and education. The agreement, signed with the Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC), Kiplin Hall and Gardens in the United Kingdom, the Colony of Avalon Foundation in Canada, and the Society of The Ark and The Dove in the United States, establishes a transatlantic network focused on research, public programming, and educational initiatives tied to Maryland’s early history and the Atlantic world.
The partnership aims to develop joint exhibitions, archaeological studies, digital resource sharing, and public events, with a key focus on Maryland’s 400th anniversary in 2034. The five organizations will collaborate on research into history and material culture, coordinate interpretive strategies, facilitate staff and student exchanges, and plan commemorative events to engage global audiences.
“We’re very excited to formalize a productive and growing partnership between five organizations that share an important goal: exploring and interpreting for the public the early transatlantic exchanges,” said John Seidel, PhD, CEO and Executive Director of Historic St. Mary’s City. “These interactions helped to form our world and remain critically important today.”
Rear Admiral Timothy L. Heely, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Chair of the Historic St. Mary’s City Commission, emphasized the broader impact. “This agreement reflects our shared belief in the power of public history to connect people across borders and centuries,” said Heely. “By working together, we strengthen our ability to educate, inspire, and preserve the stories that shaped the world we live in.”
Each partner brings distinct expertise to the collaboration. HSMC, Maryland’s first capital, houses a nationally significant archaeological collection. MCHC serves as a key repository of Maryland’s historical narratives. Kiplin Hall in North Yorkshire connects transatlantic heritage, while the Colony of Avalon in Canada specializes in 17th-century colonial archaeology. The Society of The Ark and The Dove links descendants of Maryland’s founding families, enriching the partnership’s historical scope.
The MOU, effective for five years with potential renewal, allows for future inclusion of other organizations. The collaboration will enhance public access to historical knowledge through shared digital platforms and coordinated exhibitions, making the stories of early Maryland and the Atlantic world more accessible. Archaeological research will deepen understanding of colonial interactions, while educational programs and exchanges will foster cross-cultural learning.
The agreement positions HSMC and its partners to lead global conversations on colonial history as the 2034 milestone approaches. By pooling resources, the institutions aim to preserve and share the legacies of early transatlantic exchanges. For more information on HSMC’s initiatives, visit www.hsmcdigshistory.org.
This partnership underscores the value of international cooperation in preserving history. As HSMC and its allies prepare for Maryland’s 400th anniversary, their work will illuminate the region’s role in shaping the modern world.
