Citizens are invited to revel in Calvert County history during Lower Marlboro Freedom Day, a celebration to commemorate the freedom of those who escaped enslavement with the help of the British during the War of 1812.

The daylong celebration will be held Sat Lower Marlboro United Methodist Church, located at 6519 Lower Marlboro Lane in Owings, and Lower Marlboro Hall, located at 3911 Lower Marlboro Road in Owings. Festivities include a walking tour, speakers, entertainment, fishing, food and exhibits. 

Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host a free fishing at the pier; under 16 years old do not require a fishing license; those older than 16 should apply for their license before the event. A valid Maryland fishing or crabbing license is required for those over 16 years old. Visit the Maryland DNR web site for fishing license information.

As the War of 1812 raged into the summer of 1814, British troops sailed up the Patuxent River in a bid to take Washington, D.C. While stopped at the port of Lower Marlboro – modern-day Owings – to commandeer supplies, the British offered freedom to local enslaved men and women in exchange for their service to the British war effort. Fourteen people won their freedom, an event which is now commemorated as Lower Marlboro Freedom Day.

The daylong celebration includes:

• A walking tour  Download the Walking Tour Brochure
• Speakers
• Naturalist-led activities
  
• Fishing at the Pier
• Exhibits at the historic Lower Marlboro United Methodist Church and the Lower Marlboro Hall 
• Melvin's Chicken, Fish & Ribs Food Vendor
• Ample free parking available

Calvert County Event Page

Lower Marlboro Freedom Day is sponsored by residents of Lower Marlboro; Calvert Nature Society; Calvert County Parks & Recreation Natural Resources Division; Calvert County Planning & Zoning; All Saints Episcopal Church; Calvert County Chapter of the NAACP; Calvert County Historical Society; Calvert Library; Calvert County Historic District Commission; Maryland State Archives; Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture; Mt. Harmony – Lower Marlboro United Methodist Church; Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum; Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory; and Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Contact: Karyn Molines 410-535-5327 karyn.molines@calvertcountymd.gov