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January 12, 2026 |  |
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From the Editor
If it feels like you are suddenly seeing “250” everywhere, you are not wrong - did you catch the Washington Monument lit up on New Year's Eve?
As the country enters its 250th anniversary, there is a lot happening at the national and state level. New campaigns, new programming, and many organizations focused on this milestone. It is exciting...but it can also feel overwhelming!
Here's what you need to know: Talbot250 is Talbot County’s official Maryland 250 / America 250 organization. Our role is to highlight Talbot County’s history, people, and places, and to create opportunities for the community to engage in ways that feel meaningful right here at home.
Throughout the year, Talbot250 will host and share local programs, events, and opportunities to get involved. Follow along and stay tuned for what’s happening right here in Talbot County as we celebrate our nation's semiquincentennial!
That being said, there is strong programming happening beyond Talbot County, and we encourage people to explore it. America 250 and Freedom 250 are offering resources and events that look at America’s story on a broader scale.
Warm regards,
Sarah Kilmon
Communications Coordinator
Talbot County Government
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JAN 14
The Avalon Theatre
40 East Dover Street, Easton, MD 21601
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SIGNATURE EVENT
 FREE Special Screening and Discussion of "The American Revolution"
Join the Talbot250 Commission and friends as we officially kick off Talbot County’s 365th anniversary and the nation’s Semiquincentennial year with a special program at the Avalon Theatre featuring The American Revolution, a new documentary series directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, and written by Geoffrey Ward.
This one-hour event includes a 31-minute screening of selected moments from the six-part series that highlight the “Spirit of Service”, the courage, sacrifice, and civic duty that united ordinary people in the fight for independence. Following the film, Craig Fuller will lead a panel discussion exploring how the spirit of service that shaped America’s founding continues to define Talbot County’s story today.
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JAN 20
Talbot County Free Library,100 West Dover Street, Easton, MD 21601
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Date with History: When Claiborne Bridged the Chesapeake
This program explores Claiborne’s forgotten role as a major Chesapeake Bay transportation hub, connecting the Eastern and Western Shores by steamer, railroad, and later car ferry. Using Claiborne as a lens, the story traces how transportation, politics, and technology shaped life and commerce in Maryland from the Civil War through the Cold War, leaving a legacy still visible today. Learn more
Talbot County Free Library100 West Dover Street, Easton, MD, 21601
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STARTS FEB 14
Easton Family YMCA, 202 Peach Blossom Rd, Easton, MD 21601 or Online
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 Celebrate America 250: Discover Your Patriot Ancestors
Led by Commissioner Wesley Hagood!
Many Americans are descended from Revolutionary-era patriots without realizing it. This introductory genealogy class teaches participants how to research their family history, locate key documents, and explore eligibility for lineage societies such as the Sons of the American Revolution or Daughters of the American Revolution. Whether you are just beginning or looking to deepen your research, this workshop provides practical tools to trace your roots and better understand your family’s place in American history. Learn more.
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EYE ON NATIONAL: In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, America’s Field Trip is expanding with more exciting field trips, and more opportunities for students to win. A total of 250 students will be awarded a special behind-the-scenes field trip experience this summer or a cash prize. Learn more at america250.org/fieldtrip |
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The Talbot County Garden Club recently kicked off planning for its 2026 Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage / Talbot County Tour. The Tour, which invites visitors to explore notable private properties in the area, will take place the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend – May 9, 2026.
Learn More
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Save the Date: Planning is underway for the Maryland 400 Remembrance Ceremony on Saturday, August 22, 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn. The event is expected to include a remembrance ceremony, living history, and visits to key historic sites in Brooklyn, New York. Maryland Two Fifty is currently gauging interest in group travel options for 2026 as planning continues.
Take Survey
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As part of this yearlong celebration, we hope to inspire local organizations to create their own 250-themed programs and events. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide—full of ideas and resources to get you started!
View Community Guide
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 As we look ahead to 2026—Talbot County’s 365th anniversary and the Nation’s Semiquincentennial—we’d love to hear how our community is thinking about the year overall.
Is your organization planning:
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a special commemoration?
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a themed dinner?
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a performance, song, or creative project?
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or something else entirely?
We want to know!
We’ve put together a short, informal survey to gather ideas, early thinking, or plans (if you have them!). This is simply a snapshot of how our community is approaching 2026—nothing needs to be finalized.
FILL OUT THE SURVEY HERE ➡️ https://talbotcounty.jotform.com/253564450163051
Your input will help us better understand what’s taking shape across the county and identify opportunities to connect, collaborate, and coordinate as plans develop.
Survey results will be reviewed at the Talbot250 Commission’s first meeting of the year on January 26, 2026, which is open to the public if you’d like to attend.
Thank you for being part of Talbot250 and helping shape this once-in-a-generation year.
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Follow Along & Join Us!
Through various events and initiatives, the Talbot250 Commission encourages local participation to ensure that everyone has a voice in commemorating this significant milestone.
We encourage the public to reach out to any commission member or attend one of meetings to learn more!
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