Maryland Day is approaching!

Celebrated each year on March 25, Maryland Day marks the founding of the state in 1634, when settlers arrived at St. Clement’s Island in St. Mary’s County. But beyond the history of the landing, Maryland Day is also a great time to spotlight one of the state’s most recognizable symbols: the Maryland flag.

Unlike any other state flag in the country, Maryland’s flag combines two distinct family crests. These are the Calvert and Crossland banners, representing the lineage of the colony’s founder, Cecilius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore. The gold and black pattern comes from the Calvert family coat of arms, while the red and white cross bottony design represents the Crossland family, the maternal side of the Calvert lineage.

While the design dates back to the 1600s, Maryland did not officially adopt the flag until 1904, nearly 270 years after the state’s founding. Learn more

Today, the Maryland flag is widely recognized as one of the most distinctive, and proudly displayed, state flags in the nation, seen everywhere from government buildings to local businesses, clothing, and even crab feasts. As Marylanders reflect on the state’s history this Maryland Day, the flag serves as a reminder that the story of Maryland is rooted not only in its founding, but also in the symbols that continue to unite its communities today.

While large-scale Maryland Day events are paused this year due to construction at the St. Clement’s Island Museum, a commemorative mass will still be held on the island, honoring the site of Maryland’s first landing at 10:00 AM. All are welcomed.

Note: The water taxi will be transporting participants starting at 9 a.m. and will make return trips following the mass.

For more information, please call 301-769-2222 or visit the event website Maryland Day Celebration 2026