St. Mary’s County Government’s Museum Division announced a pause on the annual Maryland Day mainland ceremony and event in 2026 due to ongoing construction of a new St. Clement’s Island Museum facility in Coltons Point, with the full tradition set to resume in 2027 at the completed modern building.
The announcement, released in early March 2026 from Leonardtown, explains the decision stems from the multi-million-dollar project that broke ground in August 2025. Construction began in September 2025 after a $4.4 million contract award to W.M. Davis Inc., with the current museum building closing to the public on August 27, 2025, and expected completion targeted for December 2026. The new two-story facility will expand exhibit space, include children’s activity areas, and feature an open event space to better showcase the site’s historical significance.
Maryland Day, observed annually around March 25, commemorates the 1634 landing of Maryland’s first colonists on St. Clement’s Island and the first Catholic Mass in the English New World, a foundational event in state history. While the mainland ceremony—typically held at the museum with community activities—will not occur in 2026, the commemorative Mass on the island remains scheduled for Maryland Day 2026 at 10 a.m. Attendees can access the island via water taxi service starting at 9 a.m., with return trips provided after the Mass concludes.
The Museum Division emphasized continuity for this spiritual observance while noting logistical constraints from active construction. Officials expressed anticipation for welcoming visitors back in 2027 to celebrate Maryland Day in the upgraded facility, which aims to enhance historical education and community engagement in Southern Maryland.
St. Clement’s Island holds key importance as the site of Maryland’s founding, where Ark and Dove colonists first arrived under Lord Baltimore’s charter, establishing religious tolerance principles later enshrined in state law. The museum preserves artifacts, exhibits, and stories tied to this heritage, drawing visitors from across the region for its role in interpreting early colonial history.
During the closure period, some limited services continue through the annex building across the street, though major events have been paused or relocated as needed. Similar adjustments occurred for other programs, such as the Appraiser Fair’s one-year hiatus in 2026. For inquiries, contact St. Clement’s Island Museum at (301) 769-2222.
The project reflects St. Mary’s County’s investment in cultural infrastructure, supporting tourism and education amid growing interest in Southern Maryland’s historic sites.
