Mark your calendar now for St. Clement’s Island Heritage Day on Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Take a free boat ride on the St. Clement’s Island Museum’s water taxi or the Mildred Belle, an historic oyster buy boat used by the Living Classrooms of the National Capital region.
Discover St. Clement’s Island State Park and its history as the site of Maryland’s first colonial landing in 1634. Kids will enjoy playing heritage games and listening to the folk tunes of Joe Norris from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Other participants include Frank Maio with information and gear of the colonial militia, Cathy Gallagher from Historic St. Mary’s City with hands-on learning about the Native Americans, and reenactors portraying the island’s first colonial owner Dr. Thomas Gerard and his little daughter, Elizabeth.
Enjoy the scenic and natural beauty of the island, Potomac River, and waterfowl with a walk along the hiking trail with Greg Kerns from Patuxent River Park in Upper Marlboro, an Osprey expert. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the pavilion or any of the tables dotting the island shore. The recreated Blackistone Lighthouse will be open and available for tours. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sun screen, and bring the camera, binoculars and plenty of water (available for sale on the island and in the museum store). Children may enjoy making sandcastles on the beach area, but no swimming is allowed.
In addition, the St. Clement’s Island Museum will be open with free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is handicap accessible (the island is not handicap accessible). A 13-minute orientation film gives the visitor a comprehensive history of the island and the building of the Blackistone Lighthouse replica.