The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area (SMNHA) has introduced the Heritage Passport Program, a new initiative that encourages residents and visitors to discover the region’s historic sites, museums, and landmarks by collecting unique stamps in a dedicated booklet. The program highlights Southern Maryland’s layered past, spanning from early colonial settlements and Revolutionary War connections to Civil War events and broader cultural legacies across Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and southern Prince George’s counties.
Participants obtain a passport booklet—often free or at minimal cost—from participating locations. They then visit sites to receive distinctive cancellation stamps, creating a personal record of their explorations. The SMNHA, designated by Congress in 2023 and signed into law by President Joe Biden on January 5, 2023, promotes this program to boost heritage tourism while showcasing the area’s socio-political, maritime, agricultural, and natural resources. The initiative aligns with the heritage area’s mission to enhance the region through innovative experiences, resource conservation, and educational opportunities.
The program began rolling out in late 2025, with announcements shared via the SMNHA’s official channels. The first location revealed was the Surratt House Museum in Clinton, Prince George’s County, where visitors could pick up a free passport and obtain the initial stamp. This site, tied to Civil War history through its association with Mary Surratt and events surrounding the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, serves as an accessible starting point.
Additional sites joined progressively. The Maryland Veterans Museum at Patriot Park in Charles County was added during a special George Washington-General Rochambeau Reception event, with participation from local officials including Charles County Commissioner President Collins, Commissioner Bowling, La Plata Mayor James, and Museum President Abell. This addition emphasizes the region’s military contributions.
Darnall’s Chance House Museum in Upper Marlboro, Prince George’s County, an 18th-century Georgian mansion, integrated into the program during its annual gingerbread contest and display, offering insights into early Maryland life.
Historic Sotterley in Hollywood, St. Mary’s County, a 1703 estate recognized as a National Historic Landmark and UNESCO Site of Memory for the Routes of Enslaved Peoples, received its stamp during a team visit. The site preserves over 94 acres, including a manor house, an original 1830s slave dwelling, nature trails, and gardens, interpreting stories of all who lived and worked there across three centuries.
The Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum, also in Charles County, began offering passports during the holiday season. Known for its Victorian Christmas displays, the museum is currently closed for winter but plans to reopen in spring, with updates provided on social media.
Historic St. Mary’s City, Maryland’s first capital in St. Mary’s County, joined with stamps available at the visitors center, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors can pick up booklets or get stamped there.
Other mentioned locations include Serenity Farm at Benedict in Charles County, the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum in Lexington Park, St. Mary’s County, and Jefferson Patterson Park in Calvert County.
The SMNHA encourages participants to call ahead to confirm hours, availability, and stamp locations, as details may change seasonally. Some sites allow homemade booklets or online purchases, providing flexibility.
This program draws on Southern Maryland’s unique position in American history. The region includes the site where religious freedom was first codified into law in the Western World at St. Mary’s City, early examples of African American legislative participation, and key roles in the nation’s defense and maritime traditions. The heritage area encompasses themes such as the Piscataway People’s connection to the land, tobacco’s economic impact, faith and law developments, and national defense contributions.
By engaging with these sites, participants gain a tangible connection to stories that shaped Maryland and the nation, from indigenous heritage to colonial settlements, enslavement, emancipation, and modern preservation efforts. The initiative supports broader goals of raising the region’s profile, fostering economic benefits through tourism, and preserving resources for future generations.
As more locations join, the program continues to expand, inviting ongoing exploration of Southern Maryland’s defining landscapes and narratives.