Message from the Director, Bob Schaller – Maryland in Miniature

Today is Maryland Day, the 377th one. As the Mother County, we especially honor this day. Our forefathers (and mothers) saw Maryland first at the mouth of the Potomac River, entered, then sailed past St. George’s Island and landed further upriver at Heron and St. Clement’s Islands at the mouth of St. Clement’s Bay. Heron Island, then about the size of the present St. Clements’s Island, was bypassed because of its small size. (Heron Island is no more.) St. Clement’s Island, then 10 times its current size, was where the early settlers came ashore March 25, 1634. We honor that historic moment today at St. Clement’s Island Museum. Later today at Historic St. Mary’s City, the celebration continues to commemorate where the settlers chose as their permanent settlement place. Tomorrow at 1pm the celebration continues, followed by the official inauguration of incoming President Joseph Urgo of St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Very fitting.
 
Maryland means many things. Recently, the moniker ‘America in Miniature’ recognizes Maryland’s diversity of landscapes, occupations, and livelihoods. The first industries of agriculture and seafood are still strong in Maryland, while newer industries such as technology, science, and business are leading the nation in innovation and exploration. Extending this further, St. Mary’s could aptly be called ‘Maryland in Miniature’. Almost a century ago, Maryland earned the nickname ‘Free State’ from Marylanders’ strong opposition to prohibition of the sale and use of alcohol in 1919, believing this law violated their state’s rights. The Free State nickname is also representative of Maryland’s historic tradition of political freedom and religious tolerance.
 
Earlier, Maryland earned the moniker as the ‘Old Line State’ when 400 soldiers in the First Maryland Regiment fought a British force of 10,000 during the Revolutionary War, helping General George Washington’s army escape.
 
On June 30, 1632, The Charter of Maryland was penned, granting the official name of the new province to be colony to be state: “Now, That the aforesaid Region, thus by us granted and described, may be eminently distinguished above all other Regions of that Territory … We do, for Ifs’ our Heirs and Successors, erect and incorporate the same into a Province, and nominate the same Maryland, by which Name We will that it shall from henceforth be called.”
 
So remember to proudly bear (or wear) your colors of black, gold, red, and white today and this weekend. Take a moment to remember our roots as Marylanders, and as Mother Countians where the depth of tradition are felt the most.

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UPDATE: 3/28/11

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LEONARDTOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

FEEL FREE TO SUBMIT PICS OF YOUR MARYLAND CELEBRATION TO: toni.byrd@thebaynet.com