Fun Fact: Did You Know Southern Maryland National Heritage Area Has A Passport Program?

The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area has launched a new regional passport program. Residents and visitors are invited to explore historic, cultural, and natural sites throughout Southern Maryland.

Recently designated as a National Heritage Area, Southern Maryland National Heritage Area’s mission is to strengthen the region through innovative heritage tourism, cultural and natural resource conservation, and high-quality educational experiences. The new passport program was created to encourage exploration across Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and southern Prince George’s counties, helping visitors connect with the area’s rich and diverse heritage.

The free passport booklet is available at 15 designated heritage sites and includes space for unique stamps collected at participating locations. The program highlights a wide range of destinations, including museums, historic landmarks, natural landscapes, and cultural sites that showcase the stories of Southern Maryland.

“The passport program is a fun and engaging way to showcase the extraordinary heritage found in every corner of Southern Maryland,” said Lucille Walker, Executive Director of the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area. “Each site represents a chapter of our shared regional story—encompassing Indigenous, Black, and European history, maritime and agricultural traditions, and the creativity and innovation that continue to shape our communities. We hope this program inspires visitors to explore, learn, and form deeper connections with the places that make Southern Maryland remarkable.”

Participating Sites:

  • Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center

  • Calvert Cliffs (stamping available in the spring)

  • Calvert Marine Museum

  • Darnall’s Chance House Museum

  • Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House

  • Historic Sotterley

  • Historic St. Mary’s City

  • Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum

  • Maryland Veterans Museum

  • Patuxent River Naval Air Museum

  • Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Historic Park

  • Piscataway Park

  • Serenity Farm

  • The Surratt House Museum

  • Thomas Stone National Historic Site (stamping available in the spring)

Visitors are encouraged to pick up a passport at any participating site and collect stamps as they explore the region.

The passport program offers a meaningful and interactive way to discover the people, places, and stories that define Southern Maryland’s heritage.

To see photos of the passports and some locations visit the Heritage Area’s Instagram or Facebook.

For general information about the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area and updates on programs and initiatives, please visit destinationsouthernmaryland.com.

If you would like your county featured in Fun Facts, please get in touch with Amanda Grosskrueger at agrosskrueger@mdcounties.org.