Southern Maryland National Heritage Area Unveils Vision for Region’s Future, Dedicates Liberty Tree

PORT TOBACCO, Md. — The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area officially unveiled its long-awaited master plan Monday at Thomas Stone National Historic Site, marking a major milestone for the federally designated heritage area and outlining a vision for preserving the region’s history, culture and natural resources over the next decade.

The event brought together elected officials, heritage leaders, conservation organizations and community members for a public preview of the plan, which will guide future efforts to expand heritage tourism, strengthen local economies, conserve significant landscapes and historic sites and increase educational opportunities throughout Southern Maryland.

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who helped champion congressional designation of the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area in 2022, delivered keynote remarks during the ceremony. The event also included the dedication of a Maryland Liberty Tree, part of a statewide initiative commemorating Maryland’s role in the nation’s founding and encouraging civic engagement ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.

Van Hollen emphasized the national significance of Southern Maryland’s history and the importance of preserving and sharing those stories. He highlighted the congressional effort that secured the National Heritage Area designation and announced that federal funding for the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area increased from $48,000 annually to $150,000 this year.

“This site and the whole region is home to a very important part of not just Maryland’s history, but really of American history,” Van Hollen said. “Today we are unveiling the roadmap for preserving and sharing the historic, cultural and natural resources that make Southern Maryland one of the most remarkable places in our entire country.”

Van Hollen said Americans have a responsibility to preserve and share a complete and honest account of the nation’s history as the country approaches its 250th anniversary.

“Let’s commit that as we approach the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, we each take on the responsibility not to rewrite the American story but to tell it fully and honestly, both the good and the bad,” Van Hollen said. “It’s only by telling it honestly that we can learn from our past to build a more perfect union together.”

The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area encompasses Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s and southern Prince George’s counties. One of 62 National Heritage Areas in the United States, the organization promotes heritage tourism, conservation and education throughout the region. Congress formally designated the region as a National Heritage Area in December 2022, recognizing its nationally significant collection of historic, cultural and natural resources.

According to the master plan summary, Southern Maryland contains more than 250 cataloged heritage resources, including national historic landmarks, national park units, federally designated trails, a national marine sanctuary and a national wildlife refuge.

The plan establishes five primary interpretive themes intended to guide future programming and storytelling efforts: the history and continued presence of the Piscataway people; the region’s relationship with water and maritime culture; the legacy of tobacco agriculture; the evolution of religious freedom, law and civil rights; and Southern Maryland’s role in national defense.

Lucille Walker, executive director, Southern Maryland National Heritage Area, said the plan was developed through a community-driven process in partnership with the National Park Service and is intended to serve as a blueprint for the next 10 to 15 years.

Walker formally unveiled the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area master plan preview and highlighted the significance of the federally designated heritage area.

“This land, these waters, these people, these stories have shaped our nation,” Walker said. “This national heritage area represents America in all of its complexity.”

Walker described Southern Maryland as a region shaped by both triumph and struggle and emphasized that the master plan is intended to guide preservation, education, tourism and community development efforts. 

“This region has seen freedoms gained, freedoms lost, freedoms fought for,” Walker said. “This region has a story to tell.”

In addition to preserving historic and cultural resources, the plan identifies broader goals focused on economic development, environmental stewardship and community engagement. Priorities include promoting regional identity, supporting family farms, increasing educational opportunities, protecting sensitive cultural sites, expanding access to waterways and historic places, and creating sustainable jobs tied to heritage tourism.

The plan also outlines several potential future initiatives, including expanded heritage trails, additional grant opportunities, preservation of historic tobacco barns, oral history projects, heritage gardens, educational programming, enhanced visitor experiences and preparations for Maryland’s 400th anniversary in 2034.

Walker encouraged residents, business owners and community stakeholders to participate in the upcoming public comment period, which will help shape the final version of the master plan before its adoption.

“The master plan is a roadmap for the work ahead,” Walker said. “This is your plan, and we’ll need to hear from you.”

The ceremony also featured exhibits from local heritage, cultural and conservation organizations, along with musical performances and activities highlighting the region’s diverse history and traditions.

Additional information about the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area master plan and opportunities for public comment are expected to be released later this summer.

Liberty Tree Dedicated As Symbol Of Civic Engagement

A ceremonial dedication of a Maryland Liberty Tree served as one of the event’s signature moments, connecting Southern Maryland’s heritage initiatives with broader efforts to commemorate the nation’s approaching 250th anniversary.

The newly planted tulip poplar is part of the Maryland Liberty Tree Project, a statewide initiative planting genetically linked descendants of Maryland’s historic Liberty Tree in all 23 counties and Baltimore City. Maryland’s original Liberty Tree, a tulip poplar associated with Revolutionary-era gatherings, survived until 1999 when it was felled by Hurricane Floyd. The new tree was presented as a symbol of civic engagement, public discourse and the continuing responsibility to nurture democratic ideals.

Francis Gray, chairman of the Piscataway-Conoy Tribe, said liberty was self-determination and connected the newly planted tulip poplar Liberty Tree to Indigenous traditions, noting the historical importance of trees and natural resources to the Piscataway people. Gray emphasized stewardship, sustainability and the responsibility to care for both the land and future generations.

“To me, as a Piscataway, liberty is the basic foundation of being free. Free from a tribal perspective is to live under a process of self-determination,” Gray said. “The symbolic nature of being under this majestic tree still resonates in our governing structures.”

Located on the grounds of Thomas Stone National Historic Site, the dedication highlighted the connection between Southern Maryland’s colonial history and the region’s continuing role in preserving stories of democracy, civic participation and self-governance.

“Like liberty itself, a tree cannot thrive without attention, nurture, care and protection,” Walker said. 

The Maryland Liberty Tree Project is a partnership involving the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area, the Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Preservation Maryland, the Maryland Center for History and Culture and the Maryland 250 Commission. Organizers say the effort is intended to encourage civic engagement while recognizing Maryland’s contributions to the American story.

---