SOLOMONS, Md. – The Calvert Marine Museum launched a series of programs, performances, and exhibitions to mark Maryland’s 250th anniversary, inviting residents across Southern Maryland to explore the region’s history through immersive storytelling, live music, community events, and public art.
Museum officials announced the lineup on Thursday, March 26, 2026, highlighting how the initiatives connect Calvert County’s past with its present while celebrating the people and traditions that define the area. The efforts tie into broader statewide commemorations of Maryland’s role in American history, leading to the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.
A new exhibit, “Farmers, Patriots & Traitors: Southern Maryland and the War of 1812,” opened earlier in March at the museum located at 14200 Solomons Island Road. Created originally by Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum and adapted for the Calvert Marine Museum, the display examines the tough decisions faced by residents in the decades after the American Revolution. Visitors encounter questions about whether citizens acted as patriots defending their homes or faced accusations of treason while protecting their livelihoods. Interactive elements and locally significant artifacts help bring these stories to life for all ages.
The exhibit remains open during regular museum hours and offers a grounded look at Southern Maryland’s complex history during a pivotal time.
On Friday, April 17, the museum will host the Maritime Performance Series event “Music of the American Revolution” from 7 to 9 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. Renowned historians David and Ginger Hildebrand will perform in period attire, presenting patriotic songs, ballads, dance tunes and theatrical pieces familiar to figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. The program features historical instruments, including hammered dulcimer, violin, and Spanish and English guitars. Performers will explain the music’s role in both refined and everyday life in early America. Tickets cost $20 when purchased online up to the day before the event and $25 on the day of or at the door. Beverages will be available for purchase. The event directly ties into the 250th anniversary of America’s War for Independence.
The following day, Saturday, April 18, the Calvert Marine Museum Society will hold the third annual Otter Trot 5K at 8 a.m. The waterfront race welcomes runners and walkers of all abilities and embraces the Maryland 250 theme. Registration fees are $35 for museum members using the discount code, plus service fees, and $45 for non-members, plus service fees. Proceeds support the museum’s operations and programs. Organizers describe the event as a blend of fitness, community spirit and celebration, open to competitive participants and casual strollers alike. The race occurs rain or shine, with strollers and dogs welcome under event guidelines.
In May, the museum will unveil a new community mural developed in partnership with the Arts Council of Calvert County and supported by the Maryland Two Fifty Commission. The project incorporated community input and historical research to create an inclusive representation of Calvert County’s history, people, and natural environment. Artist Sandra Steeple contributed to the design. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the Solomons Maritime Festival at the museum. The free event offers the public a chance to view the completed mural and celebrate local storytelling through public art.
These activities build on the museum’s mission to preserve and interpret the maritime, natural, and cultural heritage of Southern Maryland. Calvert County, situated along the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River, played notable roles in early American conflicts, including the War of 1812, with events such as the Battle of St. Leonard’s Creek nearby. The 250th programs allow residents to engage directly with that legacy while fostering community connections.
Museum leaders emphasized the value of inclusive programming that reflects diverse perspectives in local history. The initiatives also support tourism and education in the region, where attractions like the Calvert Marine Museum draw visitors interested in fossils, maritime traditions, and Chesapeake Bay ecology alongside historical topics.
Additional details and ticket information for the performance and 5K are available through the museum’s official channels. The full calendar of Maryland 250 events in Calvert County continues throughout 2026, with more activities planned across Southern Maryland.
The Calvert Marine Museum operates daily and welcomes families, students, and history enthusiasts to participate in these commemorative offerings. By combining exhibits, music, fitness, and art, the programs provide multiple entry points for the community to reflect on Maryland’s contributions to the nation’s founding era while looking ahead.
