The Gunston School celebrated its 114th commencement this past Saturday, June 7, honoring the Class of 2025 with a waterfront ceremony overlooking the Corsica River, as family and friends looked on. Despite the rain, the procession began on time with Bagpiper Andrew Jaecks, followed by school faculty and staff, and then graduating seniors. This year’s 62 members of the senior class were accepted to 149 colleges and universities, earning nearly $12 million dollars in merit scholarships.

Head of School John Lewis introduced the commencement speaker, Director of ShoreRivers, Isabel Hardesty, who works to protect Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-backed advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. She had this advice for the graduates: “You all are entering a really exciting and energizing time of your lives, where you have so many new opportunities to experience and new people to meet. So for the next 2-4 years, say yes. Do stuff that scares you. Go outside and move your body. Character and attitude matter more than hard skills. I look forward to seeing your confident, driven, risk-taking, problem-solving, happy, well-rounded selves in my applicant pool when you graduate college. Good luck!” she said.

Mr. Lewis and Gunston’s Chair of the Board Joe Janney, P’21 then presented each graduate with their diploma, individually handcrafted by faculty member Michael Kaylor on an antique letterpress. This year’s valedictorian honor (also called the Samuel A. Middleton Award after one of the school’s founders) was bestowed upon Brayden Hamm of Smyrna, Del., the day prior at the school’s Green & White Awards Ceremony.

“It goes without saying that this student’s academic record is exceptional, having earned a perfect grade 4.0 point average across perhaps the most rigorous course load ever taken at Gunston, including 12 AP courses ranging from Computer Science, to Spanish, to English Literature, to several histories,” said Mr. Lewis. “Without question, we expect to learn in July that he will earn a National AP Scholar distinction. He is also a person of exceptional attitude and character. Outside of the classroom, he is the beating heart of the Math Club and the Rowing Team, and he has volunteered his time in activities ranging from Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s to the Delaware Aerospace Academy. As you will hear in his speech, he is a deeply intellectual, philosophical, studious, kind, and ethical person.”

Hamm had this parting wisdom for classmates: “We are comprised of talented designers and engineers, of dedicated environmental advocates, of prospective medical practitioners, of creative writers and essayists, of stunning artists, of gifted musicians, of skillful athletes, of distinguished coders, and of incredibly knowledgeable trivia junkies – all just to name a few. We have spent countless hours of hardship in charting our way forward with commendable course rigor, while also finding sufficient time to enjoy the company of one another and keep our experience tangible and enjoyable. But, of course, not much of this would have ever been possible if it weren’t for the greater community at Gunston.”

Presented by Assistant Head of School Christie Grabis, the prestigious Gunston Award, which began in 1969, is unique in that it’s chosen by the vote of the entire school community, including students, faculty and staff and is given to the senior who embodies Gunston’s core values on a daily basis. This award was given to Mia Walker (Easton, Md.). “Their actions reflect a genuine commitment to connection and have helped build lasting relationships that strengthen the fabric of our school. Being chosen by a vote of the entire community affirms this student’s lived example of true camaraderie,” said Mrs. Grabis.

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Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located on 75 waterfront acres in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

The Woman’s Club of St. Michaels presented two scholarships, each in the amount of $5,000 at the Saint Michael’s High School awards ceremony on May 15, 2025.  The scholarship awards were given to graduating seniors Ayla Gowe and Gabrielle Pickens.

Ayla will attend Towson University in the fall and will study nursing.  Gabrielle will attend the University of Mississippi in the fall and will also study nursing.

Through its annual scholarship to Saint Michaels seniors, the Woman’s Club of Saint Michaels is dedicated to helping young people who have demonstrated academic excellence and service to the community achieve their potential.  This year’s combined scholarship award of $10,000 is the club’s major philanthropic outreach.  

The Club extends it warmest congratulations to the 2025 scholarship recipients and wishes them great success in all their future endeavors.

For more information about the Woman’s Club of Saint Michaels and its programs, please visit 

http://www.womansclubofstmichels.org

The Talbot County Free Library is gearing up to celebrate the 10th Annual Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival (CCBF), on Saturday, June 7th, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Easton Branch on 100 W Dover Street. 

The festival is a free, one-day event that celebrates early literacy, community, and the joy of reading — rain or shine. It’s also the launch of the Talbot County Free Library’s popular Summer Reading Program. Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities for the entire family, including author readings, crafts, games, giveaways, music, and more.

Children who sign up at the Festival for Summer Reading will receive a voucher for one free book from one of the 20 visiting authors and get a free cookie (both while supplies last). This year, the special sugar cookie will showcase CCBF’s beloved blue crab mascot in celebration of its 10th anniversary.

In keeping with the festival’s fun spirit, there’s a new twist this year! Aligned with the “Color Our World!” theme of the Summer Reading Program, children attending the festival can submit their name suggestions for the CCBF blue crab. The winner will earn a special prize—and, of course, bragging rights!

“I enjoy seeing the look of wonder on the children’s faces when they peer into the meeting room, which is full of children’s authors and the books they brought to share” said Senior Youth Services Librarian, Laura Powell. “Noticing how they move from room to room, participating in the many literacy-based activities and seeing their friends from school, hearing them say: “This is such a fun party!” 

This year’s festival will feature 20 of the nation’s top children’s book authors and illustrators, including several whose work has been nationally celebrated. Among the guests will be a designer who helped bring Jim Henson’s Muppets to life, a Maryland disability advocate, and a New York Times bestselling author.

Many of these writers have earned prestigious awards for their work, and all were carefully chosen in a thorough selection process. As always, they’re excited to meet and interact with their young fans. Throughout the day of the festival, authors and illustrators will be available to discuss their books, and several of the authors will be giving readings.

This year’s festival will also include an appearance from the beloved Opera Bears, Maryland Opera’s talent trio of performers and their bear puppets who dazzle children with spectacular singing and storytelling. The trio will perform at 12:00 p.m. in the Children’s Area. 

Funding for the festival has been provided in part by grants from the Friends of the Talbot County Free Library, Easton Utilities, Maryland Opera, the Talbot County Government, and Talbot Arts (with revenues provided by the Maryland State Arts Council). Maryland Public Television (MPT) is the media partner for the festival.

The following partner organizations will help us celebrate CCBF 10: The Friends of the Library, the Judy Center, Imagination Library, Raising a Reader, The Radcliffe Creek School, Master Gardeners, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and MPT.

For more information about the 10th Annual Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival, including a biography of each participating author and illustrator and a schedule of the day’s events, please visit https://chesapeakechildrensbookfestival.com/ or call 410-822-1626.

Talbot County Public Schools held their annual Community Partner Recognition Breakfast on Friday, April 25 at the Easton Volunteer Fire Department. Guests were welcomed by the Easton High School Band, performing on the lawn as they arrived, and treated to a delicious breakfast provided by the Easton High Culinary Arts program.  Other highlights included presentation of the colors by the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) and a performance from the recent Easton High theatre production of “Sister Act”.

Community partners share time, talent and resources with one or more Talbot County Public Schools.  The list includes business, organizations, volunteers, advisory groups, parent-teacher organizations, grandparents clubs, and the TCPS Education Foundation, which sponsored the event for the last three years.

The Talbot County Public Schools Community Partners of the Year for 2025 are:

District – Talbot County Health Department
Chapel District Elementary School – Lightnin’ Customs
Easton Elementary School – CarePacks of Talbot County
Easton Middle School – Easton Middle Family Teacher Organization
Easton High School – The Orthopedic Center
Tilghman Elementary School – Deputy Ryan Andrew Talbot County Sheriff’s Office
White Marsh Elementary School – AE Productions
St. Michaels Elementary School – Card My Yard Easton
St. Michaels Middle High School – St. Michaels High School Alumni Association
TCPS Internship/Apprenticeship – Talbot County Government
TCPS Early Learning and Judy Center Early Learning Hub – Tilghman Area Youth Association

“The Talbot County community comes together to support every important initiative,” said Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Superintendent of Schools.  “I am constantly amazed by the commitment, energy, and enthusiasm that I witness in support of our schools and our students, and we are truly grateful.  From newcomers, to those who were raised here like I was, there is a passion in and about this community that I would hold up against any other.”

 

 

Talbot County Public Schools held their annual Community Partner Recognition Breakfast on Friday, April 25 at the Easton Volunteer Fire Department. Guests were welcomed by the Easton High School Band, performing on the lawn as they arrived, and treated to a delicious breakfast provided by the Easton High Culinary Arts program.  Other highlights included presentation of the colors by the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) and a performance from the recent Easton High theatre production of “Sister Act”.

Community partners share time, talent and resources with one or more Talbot County Public Schools.  The list includes business, organizations, volunteers, advisory groups, parent-teacher organizations, grandparents clubs, and the TCPS Education Foundation, which sponsored the event for the last three years.

The Talbot County Public Schools Community Partners of the Year for 2025 are:

District – Talbot County Health Department
Chapel District Elementary School – Lightnin’ Customs
Easton Elementary School – CarePacks of Talbot County
Easton Middle School – Easton Middle Family Teacher Organization
Easton High School – The Orthopedic Center
Tilghman Elementary School – Deputy Ryan Andrew Talbot County Sheriff’s Office
White Marsh Elementary School – AE Productions
St. Michaels Elementary School – Card My Yard Easton
St. Michaels Middle High School – St. Michaels High School Alumni Association
TCPS Internship/Apprenticeship – Talbot County Government
TCPS Early Learning and Judy Center Early Learning Hub – Tilghman Area Youth Association

“The Talbot County community comes together to support every important initiative,” said Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Superintendent of Schools.  “I am constantly amazed by the commitment, energy, and enthusiasm that I witness in support of our schools and our students, and we are truly grateful.  From newcomers, to those who were raised here like I was, there is a passion in and about this community that I would hold up against any other.

Local school systems straining to comply with the state’s sweeping Blueprint for Maryland’s Future have had to report to both the Maryland Department of Education and the Blueprint’s Accountability and Implementation Board, a setup creating confusion “since the get-go.”

Now, more than three years into the process, the two agencies said they are working on a memorandum of understanding that could make things a bit smoother for all concerned.

Alex Reese, chief of staff with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), did not tell the state Board of Education on Thursday how long it would take to finalize an agreement, but he said a memorandum is in the works.

State law requires the seven-member AIB to oversee the 10-year plan and approve any Blueprint documents submitted by the state’s 24 school systems and other state agencies that craft elements of the Blueprint.

The law also requires the department to provide technical assistance and lend expertise on education policy. The AIB and state Board of Education also hold occasional joint meetings and approve certain policies associated with the multibillion-dollar Blueprint plan.

Reese said “MSDE will be fully owning Blueprint implementation. We feel good about that as practitioners. We really do feel like we possess that expertise to be able to be poised to fully implement the Blueprint.”

An AIB spokesperson confirmed in an email Thursday evening an agreement is being worked on with the department.

“AIB and MSDE attorneys are working together on an MOU [memorandum of understanding] relating to the agencies’ respective roles and duties,” the spokesperson said.

“There is not currently a timeline confirmed for finalizing it. Because it is an MOU directly between the AIB and MSDE, there would be no need for General Assembly approval,” the email said.

In a quick summation to the state board Thursday, Reese said certain processes will remain the same such as the Blueprint board providing instructions to school systems on what is required in each Blueprint plan. It will continue “interagency collaboration” with agencies such as the state Higher Education Commission, which focuses on two of the Blueprint’s five pillars, or priorities – hiring and retaining high-quality and diverse teachers, and preparing students for college and technical careers.

The news was welcomed by school leaders, educators and advocates who have expressed frustration over the process of implementing the comprehensive education reform plan.

“One of the biggest complaints, if not the biggest, has been the lack of clarity and final guidance and where we get questions answered. We’ve got to run every decision by both entities [MSDE and AIB],” said Mary Pat Fannon, executive director of the Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland.

The association released a 12-page document in December that outlined proposals to help improve the plan. One of those recommendations was clearing up the relationship between the two agencies.

“Restructuring and clarifying the relationship of the MSDE and AIB would be very beneficial in the implementation of the Blueprint. This change would clarify roles and responsibilities, and establish clear guidance to the LEAs [local education agencies, or school systems] that they are governed by the procedures and processes promulgated by the MSDE and the State Board,” the December report said.

“Somebody’s got to be the point. Somebody’s got to be the team captain on certain things,” Fannon said.  “Otherwise, it’s just completely frustrating.”

“We are happy they are doing this. This is all going to help in implementation when these guys are 100% clear with us,” Fannon said of the work on an MOU.

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-Lower Shore) was also pleased by the discussions, which she said would help improve the process at the local and state levels. But the senator hopes an agreement can be reached before the 2025-26 school year begins in the fall.

“I would like to think they would make every effort to use the time between now and [when] school starts to give as much clarity to the roles and responsibilities, since it will only have a positive impact at the local level,” Carozza said. “That would be my expectation to keep that on track and to keep it moving.”

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by William J. Ford, Maryland Matters
May 30, 2025

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: [email protected].

Just before school lets out for the summer, Mrs. Kelsey Cook’s 4th grade science students at Easton Elementary will be getting their hands dirty in the name of oyster restoration. Together, with the Phillips Wharf Environmental Center and the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Maryland, students will build oyster reef balls as part of the Living Reef Action Campaign. 

This experience is the final piece of a year-long Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) being provided by the Phillips Wharf Environmental Center. This project is funded by a Bay Watershed Education and Training grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Education. As part of the program, students learn about how important oysters are to the health of the Chesapeake Bay and discuss some of the issues that oysters face, such as disease and population declines due to overfishing in the 1800’s. Students take a field trip to the new Phillips Wharf location inside Easton Point Park and learn about oyster anatomy, food webs, watersheds, and water quality, along with the opportunity to think about how our daily choices can impact the Bay and oysters. The program ends with students choosing an action project to support healthy oyster populations. 

“At the 4th grade level, we see a lot of action projects that are education based, such as stickers, videos, or t-shirts to help spread awareness about oysters and how important they are,” says Dr. Kristen Lycett, the Executive Director of the Phillips Wharf Environmental Center. “When Mrs. 

Cook’s students chose to do an oyster reef ball building project, we were really excited but we had to figure out how to make it happen.” This is where the CCA Maryland was brought in to help. In 2015, they developed the Living Reef Action Campaign (LRAC) to support hands-on student learning in environmental education. The program utilizes two mobile reef ball building 

trailers that provide students with hands-on building experiences at their school. “Finding outside help was so important for making this project a reality,” says Dr. Lycett. “From purchasing supplies, to running the building session, to having the permits and connections to get these reef balls actually out in the water, the team at CCA Maryland are providing the expertise needed to bring this project to life.” 

Oyster reef balls are man made structures, often made of concrete, that provide habitat for oysters and other marine life. They can be used to help build new oyster reefs and restore or

expand existing reefs. Here in Maryland, reef balls have been deployed all over the Chesapeake Bay, from the Magothy River, to the waters off Tilghman Island, to the St. Mary’s River, to Herring Run Bay. 

The LRAC program has become so popular that fundraising is currently underway for a third trailer that will focus on providing these hands-on experiences to students on the Eastern Shore. As it stands, the two existing trailers are constantly on the move to meet the demand for reef ball building programs, traveling from the Western Shore to the Eastern Shore and back in the same week. “The eastern shore is no stranger to participating in LRAC and building reefs,” says Jim Talbott, the president of Gillespie Precast and the Coastal Conservation Association leader who kicked off the efforts to fund a new trailer. “As an angler and someone who has spent a career in concrete, I’m proud to see those two worlds collide through this program. The new trailer and equipment will provide for decades of connecting our local communities to enhancing habitat and learning important skills. That is a win-win.”  

Enhancing oyster habitat is exactly why Mrs. Cook and her students chose to do a reef ball build. “My 4th grade students and I are grateful for this opportunity to experience a hands-on project that will directly contribute to the protection and habitat enhancement of oysters right here in our backyard,” says Mrs. Cook. “It has been exciting to work alongside Phillips Wharf and the Coastal Conservation Association Maryland this year to educate our students about the benefits of oyster reef balls in the Chesapeake Bay. After our first education session with Phillips Wharf, my students were eager to have our MWEE action project be something that would benefit our local ecosystem in a powerful way. After research, we found that oyster reef balls were the perfect, long-term solution for us to positively support our oyster restoration goals. I am beyond proud of my students and am so thankful for every helping hand in this journey to make this project happen!” In order to cover the costs associated with the reef ball building session, Phillips Wharf applied for and received a Youth Environmental Education grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust. These funds are provided by sales of the “Protect the Chesapeake & Coastal Bays” license plates, so if you have one of these specialty plates, you’re on that list of helping hands.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Shipyard is the place to be this summer with a variety of hands-on workshops on tap to share traditional skills.

Whether you’re looking to learn something new or grow your experience in the workshop, CBMM’s Apprentice for a Day Program can help with upcoming offerings that highlight marlinspike seamanship, woodworking, half-hull modeling, leatherworking, and decoy carving.

These limited-capacity programs are led by Shipyard staff and experienced guest instructors and offer discounted pricing for CBMM members. To register and get more information about Apprentice for a Day programming, visit cbmm.org/AFAD.

Participant scholarships are available for these workshops through CBMM’s Regional Folklife Center under the Maryland Traditions program of the Maryland State Arts Council. Email Vessel Conservation Manager Sam Hilgartner at [email protected] for more information on scholarship opportunities.

“We’ve worked to put together a diverse schedule of programs that are equal parts challenging, approachable, useful, and fun,” Hilgartner said. “We look forward to a busy and productive summer in our Education Workshop, sharing these programs with our community. If you’ve been considering signing up for your first AFAD workshop, it is a great time to pick a program and join us.”

Up first, Hilgartner will lead an advanced marlinspike seamanship course on the weekend of June 6-8. Participants will construct a wood-bottom, canvas ditty bag, a project requires a range of skills in canvas and rope work that make it an excellent test of competence in marlinspike seamanship and sailmaking.

This class is perfect for those who have attended CBMM’s introductory marlinspike seamanship course, yet accessible enough for beginner students who are up for a challenge. All tools and materials are provided in the cost of registration, which is $300 with a 20% discount for CBMM members.

Jenn Kuhn, CBMM’s former Shipyard Education Programs Manager, will lead a pair of women’s wood-working workshops this summer. In the introductory course on June 28-29, participants will construct a custom mallet while learning how to make a cut list, buy lumber, measure lengths and angles, and safely use a variety of hand and power tools. The cost is $300, with a 20% discount for CBMM members.

The advanced course, held across two weekends in late August, will expand on these workshop skills as participants build their own Adirondack chair. The cost is $650, with a 20% discount for CBMM members.

Coming on July 11-13, the Half-Hull Modeling Workshop, led by Master Shipwright Thom Price, blends artistry, history, and hands-on creation.

For centuries, shipwrights and boatbuilders have relied on half-models to visualize and perfect their designs. During this workshop, participants will carve their own half-hull model of a vessel of their choice. The cost is $600, with a 20% discount for CBMM members.

Led by Hilgartner, the Leatherworking Workshop on July 26-27 is designed to share the basics of leatherworking.

Participants will craft a leather tool sheath for a rigging knife and marlinspike, also known as a rig kit. The tools and skills required to create the sheath are perfect for beginning to build a foundational knowledge in leatherworking. The cost is $200, with a 20% discount for CBMM members.

On Aug. 8-10, CBMM’s Shipyard is proud to present Introduction to Decoy Carving with guest instructor Jeff Coats of Pitboss Waterfowl. Over the three days, participants will carve a contemporary flat bottom, hollow high-density cork body with a northern white cedar head, with the option to choose a black duck, green-winged teal, or canvasback. All supplies and materials are included in the registration fee, which is $450 with a 20% discount for CBMM members.

The Apprentice for a Day Program is also hosting a visit from Roger Barnes, who is President of the Dinghy Cruising Association, author of “The Dinghy Cruising Companion,” and star of a popular YouTube channel highlighting his adventures and vast sailing knowledge.

As part of his first North American tour, Barnes will share a lecture, titled “Escaping the Everyday,” followed by a Q-and-A and book signing, in the Van Lennep Auditorium on Saturday, June 21, at 4pm.

Registration is also open to learn how to trotline for crabs on the Miles River in a historic vessel on from 5-9am on Fridays in August and September.

Early risers will learn the history of crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay, its importance to the culture and economy, how the fishery has defined various traditional vessel forms, and how to bait, set, and work a trotline. It’s a chance to experience sunrise on the Miles River while collecting a day’s catch of crabs to take home. The cost is $60 per day, with a 20% discount for CBMM members.

And, there’s plenty more to explore daily in CBMM’s working Shipyard. Get the latest on all that’s happening in the Shipyard at Coffee & Wood Chips with Hilgartner on the first Friday of each month. This program is free for CBMM members and $10 for non-members. Learn more at cbmm.org/Shipyard.

 

Choptank Community Health System President and CEO Sara Rich, MPA, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Maryland Assembly of School-Based Health Care. Rich was nominated by MASBHC Board President Patryce Toye, MD, on behalf of all Board members. 

Rich received the award at the MASBHC’s Annual Awards dinner on May 14, 2025, held at The Meeting House in Columbia, Maryland. MASBHC Board Member and Choptank Health Director of Community-Based Programs Chrissy Bartz, PA-C, presented her with the award.

MASBHC’s Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have devoted their careers to enhancing the well-being of Maryland’s youth through unwavering support of school-based health care. 

This honor celebrates those whose steadfast leadership and advocacy have significantly advanced access to comprehensive health services for children, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive both academically and personally. 

“Sara’s contributions to school-based health are far-reaching and enduring,” remarked Bartz while presenting the award to Rich. “Her work has not only changed systems but has impacted thousands of individual lives—students, families, and communities who are healthier today because of her tireless efforts.”

Rich has dedicated more than 25 years to public health, holding leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. She earned her Master’s in Public Administration from Western Michigan University and has devoted her career to ensuring children and families have access to the care and services they need to thrive.

Rich joined Choptank Health in 2007 as Manager of Community-Based Programs. Under her leadership, the School-Based Health Centers expanded from four to 18 Maryland Department of Health-approved sites across five counties, offering medical, dental, and behavioral health services in schools, via telehealth, and through mobile units. In addition, dental-only services are now provided in 19 schools.

“It has been my absolute pleasure to see our program continue to grow under the leadership of our wonderful Director, Chrissy Bartz,” said Rich during her award acceptance. “A special thank you to Chrissy and our incredible Choptank Health team—your daily commitment inspires me.”

Since becoming CEO in 2017, Rich has led Choptank Health through a period of transformative growth, including opening new health centers with pediatric dental and integrated behavioral health services, and implementing a new electronic health record system to better support patients and care teams.

Rich has also made a lasting impact on school-based health care beyond the Eastern Shore. She served as president of the Maryland Assembly on School-Based Health Care (MASBHC), presented at national conferences, and advocated for children’s dental care during a congressional briefing with the late Senator Elijah Cummings, facilitated by the Pew Foundation—underscoring her unwavering commitment to health equity and access for all.

“Tonight’s recognition is a celebration of all of us and of what’s possible, even when the path is difficult,” said Rich. “We must keep moving forward together—focused on health care access, embracing innovation, and staying committed to our mission.”

MASBHC is an advocacy organization that promotes school-based health care to advance the belief that all Maryland children and youth have a basic fundamental right to access and receive comprehensive, quality health care. More is at www.masbhc.org. 

Choptank Community Health System provides medical, dental, and school-based health services to more than 30,000 adults and children in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties, with a mission to provide access to exceptional, comprehensive, and integrated healthcare for all. 

Services include primary healthcare, women’s health, pediatrics, pediatric dental, behavioral health, chronic condition support, lab services, and care navigation, with new medical patients welcomed in all Mid-Shore locations. More is at www.choptankhealth.org. 

The Talbot Historical Society, in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library, is proud to present the next installment in its Date With History lecture series: “Talbot County’s United States Colored Troops: A Story of Valor and Honor” featuring Clara L. Small, Ph.D., Emerita Professor of History at Salisbury University.

Dr. Small, one of Maryland’s most distinguished historians of African American life and culture, will explore the remarkable story of the more than 600 United States Colored Troops from Talbot County—both enslaved and free—who fought with extraordinary courage during the Civil War. Their heroic service not only contributed to the Union’s preservation but also laid the foundation for the historic community of Unionville, established by returning soldiers and their families after the war.

This powerful and inspiring lecture will take place on Tuesday, June 17 at 1:00 PM at the Talbot County Free Library in Easton.

Admission is free, but reservations are encouraged.

A Date With History Lecture Series Presents:
“Talbot County’s United States Colored Troops: A Story of Valor and Honor”
With Clara L. Small, Ph.D.

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 | 1:00 PM
Talbot County Free Library | 100 W. Dover St., Easton, MD 21601

To reserve a seat or for more information:
Call 410-822-0773 or email [email protected].