Honoring Our Past. Celebrating Our Future.
2026 marks 250 years of independence — and here on Maryland’s Lower Shore, we’re celebrating our unique role in that incredible journey. Lower Shore 250 encourages everyone to look beyond 1776, and reflect upon the stories that transpired before, during, and after the American Revolution so that we may look forward with a more wholistic understanding of our past.
From working waterfronts, fertile farmlands, and to the cultural crossroads of Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester County, our communities have shaped — and been shaped by — the American story. Whether through military service, civic leadership, innovation, or everyday resilience, the people of the Lower Shore have played a vital role in our nation’s development.
As part of the national commemoration, Maryland Lower Shore 250 invites you to explore our shared diverse heritage and engage in meaningful ways. Through local events, educational programs, exhibits, and storytelling, we will honor the generations who came before us and inspire future leaders and changemakers.
From working waterfronts, fertile farmlands, and to the cultural crossroads of Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester County, our communities have shaped — and been shaped by — the American story. Whether through military service, civic leadership, innovation, or everyday resilience, the people of the Lower Shore have played a vital role in our nation’s development.
As part of the national commemoration, Maryland Lower Shore 250 invites you to explore our shared diverse heritage and engage in meaningful ways. Through local events, educational programs, exhibits, and storytelling, we will honor the generations who came before us and inspire future leaders and changemakers.
Maryland 250
More information on the larger statewide initiative can be found here. We encourage people to learn more about this effort to recognize all Marylanders’ journeys toward life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Lower Shore 250 Events
There are countless events happening across the Lower Shore that are commemorating the 250th and recognize our place in American history . From lecture discussing early African American history on the Chesapeake to street festivals, Lower Shore 250 events bring the community together to celebrate our shared past and inspire our future. Click the button to see a list of events on the Lower Shore.
Voices 250
Residents of Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore have a unique relationship with the heritage and future of our state and country. This project will gather 250 of these stories across Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset Counties through in-person, audio interviews. Interviews will explore ideas of pride in the ideals of our nation’s founding, reckoning with historical and contemporary wrongs that have caused the nation to fall short of its ideals, and aspiration for a multiracial and inclusive democracy governed by the principles of equality, fairness, and opportunity.
Stories will be collected from individuals and groups across Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties, with a goal of 85 stories per county. Interviews will be archived at the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture at Salisbury University. Segments of the interviews will be broadcast on Delmarva Public Media.
Stories will be collected from individuals and groups across Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties, with a goal of 85 stories per county. Interviews will be archived at the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture at Salisbury University. Segments of the interviews will be broadcast on Delmarva Public Media.
There are an abundance of local and state wide initiatives to celebrate America's 250th birthday. Below are some updates on these programs and initiatives. Details on more national and state wide initiatives can be found on the Maryland 250 Commission's website.
Smith Island Cake Trail
In 2008, Smith Island Cake was proclaimed the official dessert of the State of Maryland. While the exact date that this cake originated is uncertain, what is known is that it has been a Smith Island tradition for decades.
The iconic 8-10 layer cake originated in Smith Island and was made from ingredients that were easy to obtain and stayed fresh longer on the island. The baking of these cakes became a tradition within the island community and these cakes have been sought after by people across the world.
Somerset County Recreation, Parks & Tourism has created a neat guide to help people dig into these delicious cakes: the Smith Island Cake Trail. The trail highlights 11 places where Smith Island Cakes can be found. Registering, and visiting these locations can get you entered to win a free Smith Island Cake!
How the Trail Works:
The iconic 8-10 layer cake originated in Smith Island and was made from ingredients that were easy to obtain and stayed fresh longer on the island. The baking of these cakes became a tradition within the island community and these cakes have been sought after by people across the world.
Somerset County Recreation, Parks & Tourism has created a neat guide to help people dig into these delicious cakes: the Smith Island Cake Trail. The trail highlights 11 places where Smith Island Cakes can be found. Registering, and visiting these locations can get you entered to win a free Smith Island Cake!
How the Trail Works:
- Register once. Enter your name, email, and zip code and you will be sent a personal trail link, no password needed, works on any device.
- Visit a stop. Head to any of the 11 locations on the trail. Look for the Cake Trail sign and QR code at each participating business.
- Scan & stamp. Scan the QR code with your phone. Each scan logs your visit automatically and adds a stamp to your passport. No app required.
- Complete & win. Collect 6 stamps to be entered to win a free Smith Island Cake!
Trail Stops:
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We're Planting Liberty Trees
The Maryland Liberty Tree project is a statewide commemorative project marking the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. Using seedlings grown from the only surviving genetically identical Liberty Tree scion in the United States—descended from Maryland’s original 1775 Liberty Tree in Annapolis—the project will plant a Liberty Tree in each of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City by the end of 2026.
The lead partnerships are the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Preservation Maryland, Maryland Center for History and Culture, and the Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition. BBHA has worked with local partners to select a site for the Liberty Tree in each lower shore county.
The first “Liberty Tree” was an elm that stood in Boston, Massachusetts, and under which protests were held in 1765 to resist the unfair British tax policies. Liberty Trees became symbols in the late 18th century as a place to meet and condemn the oppression and launch a resistance that would end in our independence. Maryland's Liberty Tree was a tulip poplar located at St. John's College in Annapolis.
In 1889, a scion (In horticultural use a scion is defined as “a detached living portion of a plant, such as a bud or shoot, joined to a stock in grafting”) was planted nearby to guarantee the Maryland's original tree would always live on. In 1999, Hurricane Floyd felled the original, appx. 400-year-old tulip poplar – but the genetically identical scion survived. Today, that scion casts off seedlings which are grown to saplings – keeping the spirit of this original liberty tree alive.
The lead partnerships are the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Preservation Maryland, Maryland Center for History and Culture, and the Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition. BBHA has worked with local partners to select a site for the Liberty Tree in each lower shore county.
The first “Liberty Tree” was an elm that stood in Boston, Massachusetts, and under which protests were held in 1765 to resist the unfair British tax policies. Liberty Trees became symbols in the late 18th century as a place to meet and condemn the oppression and launch a resistance that would end in our independence. Maryland's Liberty Tree was a tulip poplar located at St. John's College in Annapolis.
In 1889, a scion (In horticultural use a scion is defined as “a detached living portion of a plant, such as a bud or shoot, joined to a stock in grafting”) was planted nearby to guarantee the Maryland's original tree would always live on. In 1999, Hurricane Floyd felled the original, appx. 400-year-old tulip poplar – but the genetically identical scion survived. Today, that scion casts off seedlings which are grown to saplings – keeping the spirit of this original liberty tree alive.
Planting Locations on the Lower Shore:
Worcester County — Calvin B. Taylor House Museum, April 25, 2026 [See Photos]
Wicomico County — Pemberton Hall, May 17, 2026 [See Photos]
Worcester County — Rackliffe House, May 18, 2026 [See Photos]
Somerset County — Janes Island State Park, July 1, 2026
Wicomico County — Pemberton Hall, May 17, 2026 [See Photos]
Worcester County — Rackliffe House, May 18, 2026 [See Photos]
Somerset County — Janes Island State Park, July 1, 2026
Education is Everybody's Business
Education is Everybody's Business, presented by The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce - Education Committee Network and airing on Public Access Channel (PAC) 14, is available on YouTube. Hosted by Ladd Colston, the program covers different topics pertinent to education and workforce development on the Eastern Shore.
Throughout 2026, the show will promote America's Semiquincentennial with the theme "The Shore Celebrates 250 Years (1776-2026) and by closing with a "Did You Know?" Shore-based historical fact.
Throughout 2026, the show will promote America's Semiquincentennial with the theme "The Shore Celebrates 250 Years (1776-2026) and by closing with a "Did You Know?" Shore-based historical fact.
DELMARVA 250
Shore Education Success Stories
The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce - Education Committee Network (SACC-EN) recently published year 4 episode 4 of their show "Education is Everybody's Business." This episode's focus was "DELMARVA 250 - Shore Education Success Stories" and was hosted by Ladd Colston and Dr. Clara Small (renowned local historian, author, and board member of many organizations including Beach to Bay Heritage Area).
The episode acknowledges leaders hailing from the Delmarva Peninsula, highlighting the historical impact that the Eastern Shore and its residents have had on Maryland and United States history. Watch the full episode.
The episode acknowledges leaders hailing from the Delmarva Peninsula, highlighting the historical impact that the Eastern Shore and its residents have had on Maryland and United States history. Watch the full episode.
Smith Island "Play Ball"
Smith Island baseball team photograph, History of Baseball on Delmarva, 2019.108, Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture, Salisbury University, Salisbury, Maryland.
You all know the saying- baseball is as American as apple pie ( or Smith Island Cake ! ) What better way to celebrate Maryland 250 than to create an exhibit at the Cultural Center dedicated to the history of baseball on Smith Island and the Eastern Shore! This is just one of the projects being undertaken by Smith Island United and the Smith Island Cultural Center.
The first part of the project will focus on capturing memories and stories of games played, home runs hit and bases stolen – preserving those tales for future players and spectators to enjoy! The goal is also to collect memorabilia for display in the museum that will help tell the story of how important baseball was to the waterman that played and their families that cheered them on.
Smith Island has started a fundraising campaign to make these plans a reality. Consider giving them a hand by donating on the Shore Gives 365 platform!
The first part of the project will focus on capturing memories and stories of games played, home runs hit and bases stolen – preserving those tales for future players and spectators to enjoy! The goal is also to collect memorabilia for display in the museum that will help tell the story of how important baseball was to the waterman that played and their families that cheered them on.
Smith Island has started a fundraising campaign to make these plans a reality. Consider giving them a hand by donating on the Shore Gives 365 platform!
Voices of the Eastern Shore
Voices of the Eastern Shore is a project by the Somerset County Historical Trust with the goal of publishing and providing access to the letters of Elizabeth Upshur Teackle. Her letters give insight into the Teackle family as well as life on the Eastern Shore during America's early history. The contents touch on topics such as slavery, women's history, economics, the War of 1812, daily life, and more.
The letters as well as other documents from the Teackle Family and other archival materials are being transcribed. Transcriptions are available online along with scans of the original document, making the project an essential tool for researching early Eastern Shore history through primary sources. |
Revolutionary Baseball
Get to know the MD Two Fifty team at minor league and independent baseball games across the state. MD Two Fifty’s promotional video will play at all games through July 5, 2026. At select games, stop by the MD Two Fifty table to answer trivia questions, win giveaways, and learn about historic sites in your community.
2026 Schedule
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America in Miniature |
Miles for Maryland |
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To commemorate the MD 250 and America’s semiquincentennial, Maryland State Parks are challenging you to the “America in Miniature: 2026 State Park Adventure Challenge”.
Maryland is often referred to as "America in Miniature" because so much is packed into its 10,460 square miles of land and waters. The nickname comes from the fact that within a few hours' drive, one can travel from ocean beaches to mountain forests. The "America In Miniature" title also applies to Maryland’s role in our nation's history. Maryland's story is America's story. Discover Maryland’s past, present and future, all while having fun and exploring Maryland State Parks. Adventures await! Just snap a photo or selfie, check off your list and once you’ve reached 250 points you’ll earn your challenge patch. The best part is- there’s no particular order, you decide where you want to go and what you’d like to see or do. |
To commemorate the MARYLAND 250, Maryland State Parks is challenging you to hike 250 miles in State Parks this year! Complete the “Miles for Maryland” Trail Challenge as either an individual or as a team. The program kicked off on January 1st with First Day Hikes across Maryland State Parks. Register online, explore Maryland’s State Parks’ trails, track your miles, and earn great prizes!
Registration starts at $25. This fee is a donation to the Maryland Park Service, entry fees will still apply. Everyone who registers for the “Miles for Maryland” Trail Challenge will receive a commemorative keepsake item for participating. Additional prize drawings will be available for those who complete 250 miles.(Unfortunately, Maryland DNR employees cannot participate in the prize drawing portion of this challenge.) |
Museum Passport Program
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Our local museums help interpret the long and complex history of the Lower Eastern Shore. Many of them are located within restored historic buildings adding to their unique character. Experience our unique cultural heritage by visiting a museum!
The Beach to Bay Heritage Area's Museum Passport Program encourages visitation to our museums in a fun way while also helping museums cross-promote each other. Visit six museums and get your passport stamped to win a free Beach to Bay Heritage Area hat! |
Indigenous History is American & Maryland History:
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Indigenous People also had a hand in shaping our history and heritage. People were present on the Eastern Shore long before the arrival of Europeans, and their presence is often overlooked. While people tend to think of our history starting with the Captain John Smith's exploration and mapping of the Delmarva Peninsula in 1608, it starts many years before. Humans were here as far back as 85000 C.E. and their descendants continue to live here. They have continued preserving their ancestral way of life while sharing it to raise awareness of their history.
Indigenous influences on our cultural heritage can be seen throughout the Lower Eastern Shore, from placenames to foodways. Descendants continue to live here, Indigenous Peoples have had a role in America's history as a nation, and it deserves to be recognized in this effort to commemorate America's and Maryland's 250th birthday. |
Helpful Resources:
Native American Heritage on the Eastern Shore
Pocomoke Indian Nation - Preserving the heritage and way of life of the Pocomoke Nation
Assateague People of Delmarva - Passing on and keeping the Assateague People's history alive
Nanticoke Indian Tribe - Raising awareness of American Indian cultures in rural areas
History, Heritage & Homelands on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore - A Guide to Native American Heritage on the Lower Shore
Liberty of Conscience: The Founding of Maryland - Acknowledges the Indigenous Role in Maryland's Founding and History
Maryland State Archives Indigenous Oral Histories Project Mayis - A series of oral history interviews
Native American Heritage on the Eastern Shore
Pocomoke Indian Nation - Preserving the heritage and way of life of the Pocomoke Nation
Assateague People of Delmarva - Passing on and keeping the Assateague People's history alive
Nanticoke Indian Tribe - Raising awareness of American Indian cultures in rural areas
History, Heritage & Homelands on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore - A Guide to Native American Heritage on the Lower Shore
Liberty of Conscience: The Founding of Maryland - Acknowledges the Indigenous Role in Maryland's Founding and History
Maryland State Archives Indigenous Oral Histories Project Mayis - A series of oral history interviews
Black History is American & Maryland History:
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People of African descendant arrived to Maryland and the Eastern Shore not long after Europeans did. Black history on the shore spans over three centuries and they had a founding role in this nation.
Antonio, also called Anthony Johnson, was a planter of African descent in Somerset County. Johnson was originally enslaved when he came to the colonies and was sold in Jamestown in 1621. He eventually came to be free and moved to Somerset County in the 1660s. In 1838, a church was built on the site of an open meadow where the enslaved gathered to worship. Founded by a group of freedmen, this church became known as the "Hill Church," but was officially incorporated as the "John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church" in 1876. It survives, along with the modifications made over time, as the oldest standing African American church on Delmarva. However, it is now the Chipman Cultural Center, a place that preserves and interprets Black history. In the 20th century, there was the Germantown School in Berlin. First built in the 1920s as one of over 5,0000 Rosenwald Schools in the South, this school provided improved facilities, built by the community, where African American children could receive an education. The school continues standing as a gathering place for all. |
A More Perfect Union: Stories Commemorating 250 Years of Maryland History
The 11 articles in this booklet published by Maryland Humanities are intended to inspire a middle and high school audience to discover local histories, and are linked to the National History Day theme of Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in History. The booklet was made possible by the funding of the Maryland 250 Commission's Inclusive History Grant.
The Pocomoke Indian Nation is featured in two articles, "Pocomoke Indian Nation: Stewarding Traditions and Reforming the Narrative" and "Pocomoke Indian Lifeways: Reactions and Resilience," in which their history and efforts to preserve their cultural heritage are explored.
Read the full booklet below and start thinking about Maryland's history in the context of America's 250th birthday.
The Pocomoke Indian Nation is featured in two articles, "Pocomoke Indian Nation: Stewarding Traditions and Reforming the Narrative" and "Pocomoke Indian Lifeways: Reactions and Resilience," in which their history and efforts to preserve their cultural heritage are explored.
Read the full booklet below and start thinking about Maryland's history in the context of America's 250th birthday.
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