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…

Among the many historic lighthouses on the Chesapeake coastline, the Turkey Point Lighthouse has a lengthy background of women keeping the light burning.  Of the lighthouse’s 114 years of service, 86 were led by women.   Located in Elk Neck, in Cecil County, Turkey Point was built in 1833.  The tower was constructed at a pivotal point on the coastline, marking a necessary change in a mariner’s course.  Sailers coming from the Chesapeake Bay would…

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…

When most people think about iconic Maryland foods, blue crabs, Smith Island cake, and Old Bay seasoning are the first things come to mind. However, there is one uniquely Southern Maryland dish that has deep historical roots stretching back more than three centuries - stuffed ham! St. Mary's County has been designated as the official birthplace of stuffed ham, and a historic marker will be erected and dedicated to this honor by the St. Mary’s…

If you follow local government issues in Maryland, you're probably familiar with the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) - the statewide organization representing Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City. But did you know that nearly every state in the United States has its own association of counties/local government? Out of the 50 states, 47 states have at least one state association. There is a total of 53 state associations with some states having more than…

Did you know that "Mountain Maryland," particularly Allegany County, has quietly played host to American presidents for more than 275 years? Long before interstates, highways, campaign buses, and motorcades, the mountains of Western Maryland were a critical gateway to the west. Presidents didn't just pass through; they shaped history there. Let's dive in and see which presidents made the trek.  George Washington: Before the Presidency In 1748, a young George Washington began surveying land along…