St. Mary’s County museums will offer free admission for mothers on Mother’s Day Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum in Piney Point. The special promotion runs during normal operating hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate local families and highlight historic sites in Southern Maryland.
St. Mary’s County Museum Division announced the offer on April 27 2026. Regular admission prices apply to other family members. Piney Point Lighthouse Museum charges 7 dollars for adults, 3 dollars 50 cents for children ages 6 to 18, seniors, and military, and remains free for those 5 and under. The Old Jail Museum and Leonardtown Visitor Center provide free admission for everyone year-round. St. Clement’s Island Museum stays closed for reconstruction, but its museum store operates daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can call for water taxi information.
Museum stores at all three locations stay open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They feature books, jewelry, children’s products, home accessories, and items from local artisans and authors. These shops support Southern Maryland makers and provide unique souvenirs that connect visitors to the region’s maritime and colonial heritage.
Piney Point Lighthouse Museum anchors the promotion. The site includes the historic 1836 lighthouse exhibits on the U-1105 Black Panther German submarine shipwreck preserve a pier and a kayak launch. Families can explore maritime history, climb the lighthouse for Potomac River views and enjoy outdoor space perfect for Mother’s Day gatherings. The location draws residents from Leonardtown, Lexington Park and surrounding communities who value accessible family activities.
Southern Maryland families often seek affordable outings, especially during spring when tourism boosts the local economy. St. Mary’s County, with its waterfront communities and historic ties to Maryland’s founding, offers several family-friendly sites. The free admission for moms encourages multi-generational visits that strengthen community bonds while supporting preservation efforts.
The Old Jail Museum in Leonardtown serves as a free year round destination. It highlights local history and functions as a visitor center providing information on area attractions. This complements the Mother’s Day event by offering an easy stop for families after visiting Piney Point or exploring Leonardtown shops and dining.
St. Clement’s Island Museum remains under reconstruction but represents another key piece of Southern Maryland heritage. The island played a pivotal role in Maryland’s 1634 founding. Its temporary closure underscores ongoing investment in county museums to improve facilities for future visitors. The open museum store allows shoppers to browse while planning return trips.
This promotion fits broader museum programming in St. Mary’s County. Monthly Second Saturday activities return throughout 2026 with hands-on events at Piney Point St. Clement’s and related sites. Past programs included nature-based learning, bird courses, bat box building, and community cleanups that engage families year-round. These efforts align with county goals to promote education tourism and local pride.
Southern Maryland residents benefit from such initiatives amid rising costs for family entertainment. Free or low-cost access to museums supports learning about the region’s lighthouse history, colonial roots, and Chesapeake Bay connections. Local tourism data shows increased interest in heritage sites that offer both education and recreation, particularly during holidays like Mother’s Day.
Commissioners of St. Mary’s County support these museum programs to enhance the quality of life. The sites preserve artifacts tell important stories and provide gathering spaces. For mothers in St. Mary’s County the free admission recognizes their role while inviting families to discover or rediscover local treasures.
Visitors should plan for weather typical of early May on the Potomac. Comfortable shoes suit lighthouse tours and outdoor areas. Museum staff can answer questions about exhibits and future events. Social media pages provide updates. Follow St. Clement’s Island Museum at Facebook.com/SCIMuseum, Old Jail Museum at Facebook.com/TheOldJailMuseum and Piney Point Lighthouse Museum at Facebook.com/1836Light.
The Mother’s Day offer highlights how St. Mary’s County invests in accessible cultural experiences. It gives families a meaningful way to spend time together while celebrating history and supporting local institutions. As Southern Maryland grows this type of programming keeps heritage central to community life.
