Every corner of St. Mary’s County has a story to tell — from the first footprints along the Potomac to the families, the farms, and the watermen who shaped our community. The St. Mary’s County Historical Society exists to ensure those stories aren’t lost. We're here to advance understanding of who we are and to inspire curiosity about how we came to be.
In today's world, our mission matters more than ever. Each generation drifts a little further from the memories of those who came before us. It’s up to us to preserve and pass them on. Each record, each exhibit, each family tree we research, and every program we offer connects people — young and old — to a history that unites us and lessons that guide us.
Of course preserving and sharing our collective past takes people and resources: people who care for aging documents and photographs, computers to aid research and digitization, speakers for programs that spark understanding, and public events that bring our past to life.
Your support makes all this possible. With your donation, we can continue to open doors to the past — not just today, but for future generations. When your children or grandchildren ask: “What was it like in St. Mary’s County?” you will know where to turn for the answers.
Help us continue to provide answers. Please donate by clicking on this link or by printing and returning the form you'll find at the bottom of this newsletter.
Together, we’ll ensure that St. Mary’s history continues to inform, inspire, and unite our community — now and for years to come.
Thank you!
Annual Christmas Open House
We look forward to seeing you at the Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 6th from 1:00p to 4:00p.
This annual event is a most enjoyable occasion! Tudor Hall will be decorated, the piano ready to inspire joyous song, and good-cheer abundant.
We ask that you let us know that you're coming by clicking on the link just above - and, please, if you can bring along something wonderful to share, that would be delightful! We're also collecting nonperishable food items and diapers to donate to the Feed St. Mary's food bank.
See you on the 6th!
St Mary's College of Maryland Student Research Project
The Historical Society has been asked by St. Mary's College of Maryland Professor of Anthropology, Dr. Liza Gijanto, to provide assistance with a class-wide research project.
Dr. Gijanto (center of the photo in green blouse) was approached for help with by a group tied to the Galilee Cemetery. The project involves genealogical, cemetery, and property research relating to families interred at the cemetery and is being conducted under a grant from the Maryland Historical Trust.
Students in Dr. Gianto's Public Engagement and Heritage course will undertake the research at Historic Tudor Hall with the guidance of Research Volunteer, Joan Wise. The twelve students include Sophomores and Juniors, most of whom are in the Museum Students curriculum.
This project reflects trust in the breadth and depth of Historical Society resources. And it provides these students with an excellent forum to learn how to approach complex research with a rigor and discipline. We are proud and grateful that Dr. Gijante looked to us for assistance.
2026 is our 75th Anniversary!
Can you believe it - next year we turn seventy-five! We don't feel that old and a few folks have even mentioned that we look and act much younger. Love it!
We're planning on making 2026 a special year, not only by celebrating our anniversary but by acknowledging that your Historical Society occupies a unique role in the County. That is, by embracing the full sweep of St. Mary’s
County’s story - every place, every time, every voice - we have grown into the place where the County’s memory lives.
If you have memorabilia about the early days of the Historical Society - photos, invitations, documents - or the County - please let us know. We'd love to showcase them.
And we want you to be part of the celebrations by sharing with us your memories and stories, especially in our Stories From St. Mary's County series.
Keep in Mind
The Historical Society and Historic Tudor Hall will be closed all Thanksgiving week, reopening on December 3rd.
Our Winter hiatus will begin at the close of business on Friday, December 12th. We will check email and, periodically, voice mail but please be patient with our replies. If you have a special research or other request, please don't hesitate to ask and we will do what we can to help. We will reopen Wednesday, February 18th.
Past issues of the Tudor Hall Times can be found on our website under Publications