One of history’s most famous figures nearly had a connection to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. After Napoleon’s final defeat at Waterloo in 1815, the British exiled him to Saint Helena. Despite heavy guards, family and supporters continued discussing escape plans. By then, Bonaparte's connections spanned influential Americans from Maryland to the rest of the United States. One escape plan would have taken Napoleon to America. He would first be spirited away to Beverly House, a secluded…

Few characters are more recognizable than Jim Henson’s Kermit the Frog, and his origins trace back to Prince George’s County and the University of Maryland. A graduate of Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, Jim Henson cultivated his creativity in the puppetry club. He was able to further explore this creativity as a student at the University of Maryland. He entered the university as a studio arts major but ended up with a degree in…

Memorial Day weekend in Maryland will gallop into a new tradition this year with the debut of the Fair Hill Turf Showcase. The inaugural Fair Hill Turf Showcase is a two-day horse racing event bringing Thoroughbred turf racing and steeplechase competition to Cecil County. Featuring the first all-turf Thoroughbred racing program in the region held at a nationally recognized course, the event highlights Fair Hill’s distinctive dual focus on flat and jump racing—a rarity in…

To celebrate America’s 250th, the Maryland Park Service is encouraging visitors to explore the outdoors and hike 250 miles through the “Miles for Maryland” Trail Challenge. The challenge encourages visitors to hike a total of 250 miles in Maryland State Parks during 2026 — one mile for every year since the founding of the United States.  From the beaches of Assateague State Park to the mountain views at Deep Creek Lake State Park and the…

Wicomico County’s name directly connects Maryland’s Eastern Shore to its Indigenous heritage, reminding us of the Native roots embedded in the region's identity. Flowing through the heart of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the Wicomico River has shaped the region's history, culture, and identity for centuries. Long before modern towns lined its banks, the river served as a lifeline for Native communities, colonial settlers, fishermen, and merchants. Even today, it remains one of the defining waterways of…

Not all legendary creatures are confined to fairy tales; some, like the Snallygaster of Frederick County, once had locals glancing up at the sky just in case! This phantom was first reported torturing the residents of South Mountain, Maryland, in the 1730s. At that time, German immigrants described being terrorized by a Schneller Geist, which translates to “quick ghost” in German. Over the next 200 years, the creature's name changed to the more Americanized “Snallygaster.”…

For the first time in its history, Maryland will train its own veterinarians—and it’s happening at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. No universities in Maryland offer a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. Some schools provide degrees and certificates in veterinary technology and veterinary science. However, to become practicing veterinarians, Maryland students must leave the state. Currently, a collaborative program between Virginia Tech and the University of Maryland lets Maryland students earn the required…

The Artemis II blasted off into outer space last week, and Maryland is along for the ride. In 1970, Apollo 13 traveled 248,655 miles from Earth, while the crew of Artemis II is expected to travel 252,757 miles. The launch is sending astronauts around the moon for the first time in more than 50 years, and Maryland has a bigger role in the mission than you might know. The commander of the Artemis II, Reid…

The Carroll County Arts Council will be hosting the 19th Annual PEEP®show this year, a sweet fundraising event featuring marshmallow masterpieces. Each participant crafts a piece of art, such as sculptures, dioramas, mosaics, or even videos.  The only requirement – to be crafted from or inspired by PEEPS®!  Entries each year range from Disney characters, recreations of classic paintings, building models and more. PEEPshow – Carroll County Arts Council Beginning in 2007, this unique tradition…