LEONARDTOWN, MD — The St. Mary’s County Museum Division, in partnership with the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC), will host free Juneteenth open houses at both the Drayden African American Schoolhouse and the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) Interpretive Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 19, 20, and 21, 2026.
At the Drayden African American Schoolhouse, visitors can explore one of the nation’s best-preserved one-room African American schoolhouses, whose story represents an important part of St. Mary’s County’s African American history. Guests are invited to learn more about the restored schoolhouse, its rich history, and its significance to education in St. Mary’s County. Visitors will also hear firsthand stories about how African American students learned in the school through the mid-20th century.
At the U.S. Colored Troops Interpretive Center, visitors can learn about two St. Mary’s County Congressional Medal of Honor recipients who served in the 38th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Colored Troops and fought for the Union during the Civil War. Both men received the Medal of Honor for their valor and bravery during the Battle of New Market Heights in Virginia in 1864.
Along the trail connecting the Interpretive Center at Lexington Manor Passive Park and John G. Lancaster Park, visitors can further explore the Civil War era in St. Mary’s County and learn about African American troops through interpretive panels leading to the USCT soldier statue.
Staff and volunteers will be available at both locations to answer questions and provide additional information about these important local stories.
The U.S. Colored Troops Interpretive Center is located at Lexington Manor Passive Park, 21675 S. Coral Drive in Lexington Park, Maryland. For more information, call (301) 994-1471 or visit Facebook.com/USCTCenter and click on “Events.”
The Drayden African American Schoolhouse is located at 18287 Cherryfield Road in Drayden, Maryland. For more information, call (301) 994-1471 or visit Facebook.com/DraydenSchool and click on “Events.”
About the St. Mary’s County Museum Division
The St. Mary’s County Museum Division was established by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County to collect, preserve, research, and interpret the historic sites and artifacts which illustrate the natural and cultural histories of St. Mary’s County and the Potomac River.
These sites include St. Clement’s Island Museum, Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, the Old Jail Museum, and the Drayden African American Schoolhouse. With this as its charter, the Museum Division serves as a resource, liaison, and community advocate for all St. Mary’s County public and private cultural assets. For more information, please visit Museums.StMarysCountyMD.gov.