The Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River’s America 250 Celebration welcomed our community for a memorable, patriotic program honoring local history. The event, which featured a new flagpole installation and a living history presentation, was made possible through a generous grant from the Baltimore Community Foundation.
Our program featured an inspiring Honor Guard ceremony to dedicate the newly installed flagpole and American flag at the front of the Museum. Following the dedication, guests moved inside for a captivating performance by award-winning actress and Smithsonian scholar Mary Ann Jung. She portrayed Rosalie Stier Calvert (1778–1821), taking the audience on an exciting interactive journey through the War of 1812, the Battle of Bladensburg, and the dramatic creation of our National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Visitors also enjoyed exploring the Museum and browsing the Museum Gift Shop, which features local history books, Essex–Middle River flags, Cubey ornaments, and a new line of jewelry.
Thank you to everyone in the community who came out to support the Museum and celebrate this historic milestone with us!
Museum photos and clippings come from the Heritage Society Baumgartner Archives and other sources, scanned by Rita Gaunt, museum photos by Sue Carter and additional research by archivist Scott Huffines.
This print archive captures a historical snapshot of life in Essex and Middle River, Maryland. The archive contains nearly 300 categorical binders documenting our community activities with articles, pamphlets, and photographs from 1969 through the 1980s. The Heritage Society has been scanning the collection to our website to share with our extended community.
As we continue to build new collections, we are seeking new materials such as photographs and ephemera that pertain to the community and business history of Essex and Middle River. Please contact essexmuseum@gmail.com if you have historical memories or items to donate or would like to become a member.
Read more about the Heritage Society Baumgartner Archives.