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Registration Opening Dates

Programs have staggered registration dates. We advertise programs before registration opens which is why you may see that registration is closed, yet there are spaces available.  See details >

Lower Marlboro Freedom Day

  • 10/07/2023
  • 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Lower Marlboro, MD

Registration


Registration is closed

Registration is not required.

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. 

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.

As part of the Lower Marlboro Freedom Day commemoration, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host a free day of fishing at the pier!  Children 16 and younger do not require a fishing license; those older than 16 should apply for their license before the event, as a valid Maryland fishing or crabbing license is required. Visit the Maryland DNR website at http://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/service_fishing_license.aspx for fishing license information.

Fishing rods and bait will be provided by MD DNR. Get ready to cast your lines and reel in some unforgettable memories. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-time fisherman, this event is for everyone!


The daylong celebration includes:

  • A walking tour  Download the Walking Tour Brochure
  • Speakers
  • Naturalist-led activities
  • Exhibits at the historic Lower Marlboro United Methodist Church and the Lower Marlboro Hall 
  • Food Vendor (TBA)
  • 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 Historical Society; Calvert Library; Calvert County Historic District Commission; Maryland State Archives; Gray-Ray American Legion Post; 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

Location: Lower Marlboro Hall, 3911 Lower Marlboro Road, Owings, MD

Registration is not required.

If you are interested in volunteering, go to our Calvert Steward event, call 410-535-5327 or volunteer@calvertparks.org 

Sponsors include:
Calvert Nature Society, Calvert County Parks & Recreation Natural Resources Division,  Residents of Lower Marlboro, 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, and Mt. Harmony – Lower Marlboro United Methodist Church

The schedule of events is subject to changed based on the status of the coronavirus response, weather, staffing, and other situations that may arise. If Calvert Nature Society or Calvert County Natural Resources Division cancels a program, a full refund will be issued. 

COVID policies   Cancellation and Refund Policies

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