Join community members in a collective reading of Frederick Douglass’s powerful 1852 speech, delivered on the same date more than 170 years ago. This annual event invites reflection on the meaning of independence through the lens of one of America’s most important voices for freedom and justice.

Hosted by the Frederick Douglass Honor Society.

The Academy Art Museum presents it's annual Juneteenth celebration featuring an outdoor concert with exceptional musical talent from the region, local fashion, art exhibitions, a hands-on art project for families, with delicious food vendors as well as merchant vendors. This event is presented in partnership with BAAM, the Frederick Douglass Honor Society, and the Talbot County Free Library.

On the weekend of June 21/22 additional quilts will be on display at St. Paul’s Church, 225 S. Morris St., Oxford. On Saturday, June 21 from 10 am – Noon, Kay Butler and Catherine Spence will conduct a quilt-turning program, also known as a bed-turning.

Tilghman Watermen’s Museum celebrates, preserves and shares the history and heritage of Tilghman Island. Our new exhibit highlights the history of Sharp’s Island, the critical function of the lighthouse, and the tireless dedication of the lighthouse keepers.

Join us for a powerful presentation by Dr. Clara L. Small, Emerita Professor of History at Salisbury University, as she shares the remarkable story of over 600 United States Colored Troops (USCT) from Talbot County—both enslaved and free—who fought courageously during the Civil War for their freedom and the preservation of the Union. Their legacy of service and sacrifice includes the founding of Unionville, a community established upon their return home.

This event is part of the Date With History lecture series and is presented by the Talbot Historical Society in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library.

Join The Oxford Museum - If you own a quilt and would like to know more about it, you can schedule a 30-minute Documentation Day appointment at the museum with guest curators Kay Butler and Catherine Spence from The Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore.

MONDAY, MAY 19 at SMCC (St. Michaels Community Center): "Bear Me Into Freedom Project: The Talbot County of Frederick Douglass" by Jeff McGuiness, Harriette Lowery, and project team members at 6 pm. Learn about Douglass's journey, self-liberation, and lasting legacy.

A powerful evening of reflection and conversation will take place Monday, May 19, as the Talbot Family Network partners with Building African American Minds (BAAM) to present a screening of the documentary film ‘Get on the Bus’ as part of the ongoing Conversations on Race series.

SATURDAY, MAY 17 at CBMM (Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum): "We Freed Ourselves" with Vienna Carroll and the Folk in Concert. Come and enjoy a fascinating blend of music, history, and storytelling commemorating the maritime underground railroad. Family concert at 1 pm and public performance at 5 pm - both FREE!

Mark your calendar for Oxford Day on April 26, 2025, and enjoy a fun-filled day for the whole family! This beloved annual event is free to attend and open to all. Food, drinks, and shopping will be available from local merchants.

With Talbot Day, we aim to highlight our diverse community celebrating our citizens and the history of Talbot County. We anticipate this to be an annual celebration, falling on or about April 25th, the official birthday of Talbot County, each year.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism hosts the summit in partnership with the Talbot County Economic Development Commission.

The annual event’s Community Impact Awards celebrate the local business community and honor businesses, projects, and individuals who have made a significant impact in the community.

Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, as we honor Vietnam Veterans, Vietnam Era Veterans, and the families of Vietnam Veterans. This event is proudly sponsored by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 648 and EE Streets Memorial Post 5118.

Celebrate Women’s History Month with a special screening of Harriet at Water’s Edge Museum! 🎬 This inspiring film tells the incredible true story of Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist and freedom fighter who led hundreds to freedom through the Underground Railroad.

The Tilghman Watermen’s Museum Speaker Series will host Jim Duffy, author of the popular Secrets of the Eastern Shore series of books, along with Shore Fun! The Wanderer’s Guide to Delmarva, You Wouldn’t Believe! 44 Strange and Wondrous Delmarva Tales, and Tubman Travels: 32 Underground Railroad Journeys on Delmarva. Jim will regale us with tales from Talbot County and the Delmarva region.

Join Preservation Maryland and Talbot Historical Society on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM for Researching Your Historic Property in Talbot County. During this in-person lecture, Christiana Limniatis, Preservation Maryland’s Program & Outreach Manager, will focus on how to research historic properties for use in the landmarking process. She’ll review the major goals when researching buildings, detail the key types of documents and research sources to consult, and detail how to organize and process complete research for the use in landmarking whether at the local, state, or national level.

Join the Cordova Historical Society for the third annual Cordova Day, a special event that highlights the rich history and vibrant culture of Cordova and the Chapel District Elementary School.

Hosted by the Talbot County Free Library, this book club is a mini-series, featuring engaging crafts, games, activities and discussions related to each time period of the historical American Girls. March’s theme is Great Depression (Kit) and World War 2 (Molly).

Hosted by Talbot County Free Library, the Easton Book Group (open to all) will meet in March to discuss “The Women” as part of Women’s History Month. Any questions, contact Linda Ferguson or Jean Wortman at eastonbookclub@tcfl.org

The Water’s Edge invites you to a movie night on the last Friday of every month! Each month, the museum staff selects a film that explores themes related/relevant to African American communities including race, identity, history, culture, etc. Due to limited space, attendance will be capped at 50 people. Please use the RSVP form below to reserve a spot. Snacks will be provided!

Celebrate History and Honor Heroes at the 207th Birthday Celebration of Frederick Douglass and Civil Rights Heroes Day at the Avalon Theatre.

Shoreside communities like St. Michaels were once home countless packinghouses that processed seafood and produce for more distant markets. In recognition of the 2025 Black History Month theme “African Americans and Labor,” CBMM’s Chief Historian Pete Lesher will share stories of the Black workers and packinghouse owners who drove this local industry.

Join the Ward Foundation, the Waterfowl Festival, and Maryland State Arts Council for an evening of short films from the Maryland State Arts Councils Folklife Apprenticeship program and try your hand at a tradition by painting a bufflehead silhouette with Master Carver and National Heritage Award Winner Rich Smoker.