Join us on Saturday, June 27, as the Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River proudly celebrates America 250 with a special patriotic program honoring our nation’s history—and our community’s role in it. This event, including the new flagpole installation and our featured speaker presentation, is made possible through a generous grant from the Baltimore Community Foundation.
Saturday, June 27 • Free Event for All Ages Doors open at 10:30 AM • Flag Dedication at 11 AM • Rosalie of Riversdale at 12 PM
Flag Dedication
Our celebration begins at 11:00 AM with Honor Guard ceremony. We will also dedicate the newly installed flagpole and American flag at the front of the Museum—an inspiring moment made possible by the Baltimore Community Foundation’s support.
Living History Performance: Rosalie of Riversdale – Rosalie Calvert’s War of 1812 – The Star-Spangled Banner
At 12:00 PM, step inside the Museum for a captivating performance by Mary Ann Jung, award‑winning actress and Smithsonian scholar. Jung portrays Rosalie Stier Calvert (1778–1821)—a remarkable woman whose life intersected with some of the most dramatic moments in early American history.
Relive the dramatic War of 1812 with Rosalie Calvert, the unusual and feisty Mistress of Riversdale Plantation in Bladensburg. She takes you on an exciting interactive journey through the Battle of Bladensburg, Burning of Washington and the dramatic creation of the Star-Spangled Banner. Some lucky guests will even get to portray James and Dolley Madison and Francis Scott Key. This is a fascinating personal look at what is called our Second War for Independence and the inspiring story of our National Anthem. Huzzah!
🎉 Free, Family‑Friendly, and Fun
This event is free and open to all ages. Refreshments will be served.
Visitors are welcome to explore the Museum before or after the presentation. The Museum Gift Shop will be open with local history books, Essex–Middle River flags, Cubey ornaments, and a new line of jewelry.
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with history, community, and an unforgettable performance—thanks to the generous support of the Baltimore Community Foundation.
Click on photos above to enlarge.
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.