Bringing The Past To Life: St. Mary’s Honors Preservation Projects And Leaders

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — In a county where history is woven into the fabric of daily life, St. Mary’s County officials marked Historic Preservation Month by honoring both the past and the people working to protect it.

During the May 12 meeting of the St. Mary’s County Commissioners, Commissioner Eric Colvin presented a proclamation recognizing May 2026 as Historic Preservation Month, emphasizing the county’s deep historical roots and the importance of preserving them for future generations.

“This is an exciting proclamation because here in St. Mary’s County, we are built on history,” Colvin said. “There is a lot of history in our county. Our county helps shape the nation that we have today, and it still has worldwide impacts.”

The proclamation highlights historic preservation as “an effective tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride, and maintaining community character while enhancing livability.” It also underscores the national theme for 2026, “All People Are Created Equal,” which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and encourages communities to protect the sites and stories that reflect the full American experience.

Following the proclamation, members of the county’s Historic Preservation Commission and Department of Land Use and Growth Management highlighted ongoing efforts to engage the public, including an upcoming lecture on Point Lookout and its role as the largest Civil War prison in Maryland.

“There’s no place in Maryland where historic preservation is more important than here in the mother county of Maryland,” said Eve Love, chairperson of the Historic Preservation Commission.

Honoring Preservation In Action

The ceremony also recognized individuals and organizations whose work brings local history to life.

Karen Stone received the Historic Preservation Service Award for her research and authorship of “Shipwreck on the Potomac: Disaster in Pursuit of Lincoln’s Killer,” documenting the long-overlooked Black Diamond disaster during the Civil War. County officials noted the book sheds light on a largely forgotten tragedy involving a collision on the Potomac River during the pursuit of John Wilkes Booth.

Several Historic Preservation Project Awards Were Also Presented

Historic Sotterley was recognized for relocating and restoring a historic tenant farmhouse, helping interpret the post-slavery transition and the lives of those who lived and worked on the property.

Jocelyn Copeland was honored for spearheading a pop-up museum experience at the 59th Annual U.S. Oyster Festival, showcasing the region’s oyster industry and watermen culture through artifacts and partnerships.

K.T. Harris received recognition for producing an immersive video exhibit exploring the story of the “Dancing Molly” and the Oyster Wars, engaging thousands of festival visitors in the region’s maritime heritage.

Officials said the projects reflect the diverse ways history can be preserved — from restoring physical structures to creating interactive educational experiences that connect residents and visitors to the county’s past.

A Call To Preserve The Past

As the proclamation concluded, commissioners urged residents to take an active role in safeguarding local history.

“[We] urge all citizens to join us in celebrating the heritage of our county and to actively participate in efforts to preserve, protect and promote our historic treasures,” the proclamation states.

From Civil War shipwrecks to oyster festivals and restored farmhouses, the stories honored this month serve as a reminder that preservation is not just about the past — it is an investment in the county’s identity and future.

You can watch the full proclamation and awards below at 26:26.

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