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October 20, 2026 |  |
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From the Editor
For the last three Octobers, Talbot County has honored one of its most notable Revolutionary War figures, Colonel Tench Tilghman, whose service to General George Washington helped shape the course of American history.
As we commemorate America's 250th anniversary, Tench Tilghman Week offers an opportunity to explore the people, places, and stories that connect Talbot County to our nation's founding.
We hope you'll join us in celebrating Tench Tilghman Week, October 19–24, and discovering the important role our community played in America's fight for independence.
Warm regards,
Sarah Kilmon
Communications Coordinator
Talbot County Government
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October 24
9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
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Celebrate Colonel Tench Tilghman Week
Join the Colonel Tench Tilghman Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution for a morning of patriotic ceremonies, a parade, and a special historical presentation honoring Talbot County's Revolutionary War heritage.
9:00 a.m. | Opening Ceremony
Talbot County Courthouse, Easton
The celebration begins with a reading from the Talbot Resolves.
9:05 a.m. | Patriotic Parade
Talbot County Courthouse to Spring Hill Cemetery
Follow the parade through downtown Easton as participants commemorate Colonel Tench Tilghman and the patriots who helped secure American independence.
9:45 a.m. | Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Spring Hill Cemetery, Easton
Honor Revolutionary War veteran Solomon Barrott with a wreath-laying ceremony at his gravesite.
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Guest Speaker Presentation
Avalon Theatre, Easton
Historian and bestselling author Patrick K. O'Donnell will present Washington's Immortals: The Untold Story of an Elite Regiment Who Changed the Course of the Revolution, exploring the extraordinary contributions of Revolutionary War soldiers.
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November 7
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Scotts United Methodist Church
3748 Main Street, Trappe, MD
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159th Annual Nace's Day Celebration
Join the Trappe community for the 159th Annual Nace's Day Celebration, honoring Nathaniel "Uncle Nace" Hopkins and the tradition he established in 1867.
This year's theme, Mapping Our Way Forward, celebrates the community's history, heritage, and future.
10:00 a.m. | Worship Service
Scotts United Methodist Church
Featuring Minister Eddie Roberts, a descendant of Nathaniel Hopkins.
1:00 p.m. | Nace's Day Parade
Downtown Trappe
Enjoy a community parade featuring bands, classic cars, civic groups, and local participants.
LEARN MORE
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The Tilghman Legacy: Matthew Tilghman (1718–1790), uncle of Colonel Tench Tilghman, helped lead Maryland's movement toward independence. While Tench served alongside George Washington, Matthew helped shape the political foundation of the new nation as a delegate to the Continental Congress. |
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Community members, historians, and descendants gathered in Trappe for the unveiling of a historical marker recognizing Nathaniel Hopkins, who organized one of the region's earliest Emancipation Day celebrations in 1867.
The marker honors Hopkins' legacy and the community tradition that continues today as Nace's Day.
READ MORE
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A Talbot County resident who served in the Maryland Line during the American Revolution, Solomon Barrott later became a familiar figure in Easton, where he operated a tavern and participated in community celebrations.
His story offers a glimpse into the lives of the local men who helped secure American independence and returned home to build the new nation.
READ MORE
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Talbot250 and community partners gathered at Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe to dedicate a Liberty Tree, recognizing the ideals of freedom and independence that shaped the American Revolution.
The dedication connected the nation's founding principles with Talbot County's ongoing efforts to recognize and preserve its diverse history.
LEARN MORE
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 The Power of Community in Preserving Our History
Did you know Tench Tilghman Week began just three years ago?
What started as an effort by a group of dedicated local residents to recognize one of Talbot County's Revolutionary War heroes has grown into an annual celebration of our community's history and heritage.
But Tench Tilghman Week is just one example of how local residents have helped keep history alive.
In Trappe, Nace's Day has been celebrated for generations, tracing its roots to 1867 when Nathaniel "Uncle Nace" Hopkins organized a community celebration of emancipation. More than 150 years later, the tradition continues through the dedication of local families, volunteers, and community organizations committed to honoring his legacy.
Though these celebrations began more than a century apart, they share something important: both were made possible by residents who believed their community's history deserved to be remembered.
That same spirit of local involvement is at the heart of Talbot250. As we commemorate America's 250th anniversary, our mission is not simply to recognize historical milestones, but to bring people together, encourage curiosity, and ensure that the stories of our past continue to be shared with future generations.
Whether through historical research, organizing events, volunteering, sharing family stories, or simply attending a local celebration, everyone has an opportunity to contribute.
As we celebrate Tench Tilghman Week, we recognize not only the historical figures who helped shape our nation, but also the neighbors, families, and organizations who keep their stories alive today.
History belongs to all of us, and preserving it takes all of us.
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Get Involved
Talbot250 is powered by community voices. Whether you join an event, share a story, volunteer, or explore local history, you're helping preserve Talbot County's past and inspire its future.
Discover upcoming programs, historical stories, and opportunities to participate in America's 250th anniversary at Talbot250.org.
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