Celebrate Maryland Day

Experience the rich heritage and natural beauty of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Join us on March 25th for the Maryland Day celebrations, a festive event commemorating our state's birthday through a weekend of activities focused on its art, heritage, and culture. Bee Inspired, a local honey business, proudly operates in this iconic state, located near stunning seaside views and bustling Baltimore.

Want to know more about Maryland Day? You've come to the right place.

Maryland Day originated from a deep sense of state pride. In the 1630s, English citizens were encouraged to settle in the New World. These day settlers, commemorated on Maryland Day, embarked on a voyage to North America following a charter granted by the king in 1632, departing in the winter of 1633.

When the ships reached the American coast, the native inhabitants were horrified.

The colonists formed peace treaties with the American natives, although it is well known that these treaties often took advantage of the indigenous populations.

These settlers then traveled to what would become St. Clement's Island on March 25, 1634.

This is the day that we remember as Maryland Day; when the official founding of the Maryland colony took place. St. Mary's City, the site of the colony's first settlement, holds significant historical importance and is a venue for celebrations and educational activities that promote Maryland's history.

St. Mary's County, the birthplace of Maryland, hosts various events and ceremonies in Historic St. Mary's City to commemorate the arrival of the first European settlers and the founding of the colony in the 17th century.

Celebrating Maryland’s Heritage in Anne Arundel County

Discover the rich history and cultural significance of Maryland Day in Anne Arundel County, where the past meets the present in vibrant celebrations.

1. Experience the Best of Maryland’s History: Anne Arundel County is a treasure trove of Maryland’s history and cultural significance. Nestled along the scenic Chesapeake Bay, this area offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks. Southern Anne Arundel County, in particular, is rich with stories from the past, making it the perfect place to celebrate Maryland Day.

2. Maryland Day Weekend Celebrations: Maryland Day Weekend is packed with fun and festivities that bring history to life. From captivating reenactments to immersive living history museums, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. These events showcase the best of Maryland’s history and culture, providing an educational and entertaining experience for all.

3. Celebrate Maryland’s Birthday: March 25, 1634, marks the formal founding of the Maryland colony, a day we now celebrate as Maryland Day. On this special day, many cultural sites and historic landmarks in Anne Arundel County offer free admission, allowing everyone to partake in the celebrations and learn more about our state’s rich heritage.

4. Step Back in Time to St. Clement’s Island: St. Clement’s Island holds a special place in Maryland’s history as the landing site of the first settlers on Maryland soil in 1634. Visiting this historic site is a must for anyone interested in the early days of Maryland. The island offers a glimpse into the past and the beginnings of what would become our great state.

5. Explore the Best of Maryland’s Cultural Sites: Anne Arundel County is home to a wealth of cultural sites that highlight Maryland’s history and heritage. From the historic city of Annapolis, known for its charming streets and maritime history, to the picturesque waterfront of the Chesapeake Bay, there’s so much to explore. On Maryland Day, many of these sites offer free admission, making it the perfect opportunity to dive into Maryland’s past.

6. Bring the Family for an Unforgettable Day: Maryland Day is a celebration for the whole family. With a variety of activities and events designed for all ages, it’s an unforgettable day out. From historical reenactments that captivate the imagination to living history museums that offer hands-on experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

7. Discover the Significance of Maryland Day: Maryland Day commemorates the formal founding of the Maryland colony and celebrates our state’s rich history and cultural heritage. From the early settlers who first set foot on Maryland soil to the vibrant communities that thrive today, Maryland Day is a time to reflect on our past and celebrate our present.

8. Experience the Best of Maryland’s History and Culture: Anne Arundel County is the ideal place to experience the best of Maryland’s history and culture. Whether you’re exploring the scenic Chesapeake Bay or visiting the historic sites of Southern Anne Arundel County, you’ll be immersed in the rich heritage that makes Maryland unique. Celebrate Maryland Day by discovering the stories and sites that have shaped our state.

Kara got to watch these Black-Eyed Susans grow at her Chesterhaven Farm

A Little more about Maryland Day Celebrations

Maryland Day became an official holiday in the early 1900s when it was used as a way to teach Maryland history in schools. Today, it is a day of cultural celebrations, with events happening statewide to honor Maryland's birthday.

In some places, you might find festivals or feasts. In others, historical reenactments and demonstrations. To find events near you, visit marylandday.org.

Maryland is home to so many delicious rare treats

Whether you're planning to attend historical reenactments, explore local landmarks, or simply put Old Bay on your wings and look forward to the start of crab season on April 1st. Our blog has everything you need to make this Maryland Day memorable with family and friends!  Serve spring oysters and rockfish and finish with our Maryland State Dessert - Smith Island cake!

Recipes from Bee Inspired

• Maryland Crab Cakes

• Southern Cornbread

• Honey Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
  
  

Fun Facts about Maryland

• The State Flower of Maryland is the Black-Eyed Susan.

• Jousting is the official sport of Maryland even though everyone thinks it's lacrosse.

• Maryland State flag is the only state flag to be based on English heraldry. The black and gold design on the quartered flag is based on the coat of arms of the Calvert family.

• Kent Island is the third oldest English settlement and the first in the state of Maryland in 1631.

• In 1696 King Williams School opened. It was the first school in the US.

• In August 1813, there was a planned attack by the British on the community of St Michaels. Citizens were alerted and they hoisted lanterns into the trees surrounding the area. The height of the light caused the British to overshoot the town. An interesting side note: those British soldiers camped out overnight on Chesterhaven Beach Farm!

• Annapolis, once served as the Capital of the United States, it is now known as the Sailing Capital of the world, sees over 4 million visitors a year.

• Francis Scott Key was inspired by the flag sewn by Mary Pickersgill that waved over Fort McHenry when he wrote our National Anthem.

Famous people from Maryland

• Mike Rowe was born in Baltimore Maryland.

• Harriet Tubman was born in 1820 in Dorchester County. She was the conductor of the underground railroad.

• Babe Ruth was born in Baltimore.

• Frank Zappa was from Maryland.

• Clara Barton was from Maryland.

• Counting Crows lead singer Adam Duritz was born in Baltimore.

• Tom Clancy was born in Baltimore. He wrote The Hunt For Red October while working at an insurance company in Owings Mills, where our Honey House is located. He was part-owner of the Baltimore Orioles when he died in 2013.

• Oprah Winfrey's career started in Baltimore at WJZ-TV.

• Michael Phelps was born and raised in Maryland.

• Billie Holiday was born in Maryland.