Exploring 250 years of the nation’s cultural life and imagining its shared future.
To mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Maryland Humanities is joining the national initiative, By the People: Conversations Beyond 250.
By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
We’re celebrating the richness of Maryland’s history, community, and voices by hosting Revolution, Reaction, and Reform: From Maryland’s Past to Our Shared Future, a series of six community gatherings marking Maryland’s 250th anniversary.
This series invites Marylanders to explore how we arrived at this moment and collectively shape where we go next. The series unfolds through three powerful themes that move from remembering our history to reimagining our future.
Revolution, Reaction, and Reform
Revolution explores key moments that changed Maryland. Through two designed activities (one at a museum and another at a historic site), we’ll use the power of place to uncover the events, movements, and turning points that made Maryland what it is today.
Reaction examines how Marylanders have responded to upheaval, progress, and persistent challenges across generations. First, we’ll spotlight Maryland History Day students and their work on contemporary social issues, showing how young people are already responding to the challenges we face. Then, we’ll host an interactive community gathering using an everyday experience to showcase how the humanities can help us understand people’s experiences.
Reform turns toward the future by asking the most important question: What Maryland do we want to build together? This theme invites you to imagine Maryland’s next 50 years through community panels, reflective essays, and hands-on activities. These activities serve as opportunities to envision alternatives grounded in your wisdom, your experiences, and our collective aspirations for Maryland.
These six gatherings create space for your voice, your vision, and your ideas. Join us in this journey.
Events
See below for the schedule of events for our series, Revolution, Reaction, and Reform: From Maryland’s Past to Our Shared Future.
Reimagining Revolution
January 24, 2026
Location: Accokeek Foundation (Accokeek, MD)
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Description: Our first gathering, “Reimagining Revolution,” will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Accokeek Foundation. This workshop invites participants to reflect on the past, connect with the present, and consider future possibilities through engaging discussions and hands-on activities. The session will explore ideas and movements that have shaped our region and nation, highlighting diverse voices and perspectives.
Light refreshments will be provided. Space is limited to 30 participants, and registration is required. See our event page for more information.
Asian Americans Celebrating America 250 for the Next Centuries
March 28, 2026
Location: Greencourt Innovation Center (Rockville, MD)
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Description: This event will be a signature America 250 public forum and community celebration that highlights Asian American leadership, civic participation, and cultural contributions across Maryland—while centering youth, education, and cross-sector dialogue. Thank you to our partners and sponsors, the Yuan Foundation and MD250 Commission.
Light refreshments and a food tasting will be provided. Registration is required.
Art as Response: A Conversation on Creativity, Community, and Change
May 9, 2026
Location: Marquee Lounge (Baltimore, MD)
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Description: What happens when art meets the moment? Join us for an intimate morning conversation with Baltimore artists whose practices are rooted in social transformation, collective memory, and community resilience. Featuring the work of Bria Sterling-Wilson, Edgar Reyes, Ayana Gordon, and Artists Against Apartheid, this moderated dialogue explores a central question: How does art respond to the needs, changes, and challenges communities face?
The Maryland Humanities’ Reaction theme examines how communities navigate upheaval, respond to change, and address persistent challenges across generations. This event invites you into an exchange about the relationship between creative practice and lived experience. Come ready to listen, engage, and make something. Thank you to our partners at Creative Alliance.
Light refreshment will be provided. Registration is required.