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].

 

The Talbot County Board of Education has approved three additional leadership appointments for the 2025-2026 school year effective July 1, 2025.

Mr. Logan Kurtz has been appointed Assistant Principal at Easton Middle School, filling  the vacancy resulting from Mr. Todd Stoker’s promotion to Principal at St. Michaels Middle High.  Mr. Kurtz earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Latin American Studies from Penn State University and a Master of Education from LaSalle University.  He holds Level I Administrator, History 7-12 and Spanish K-12 certificates.  He joined TCPS in 2024 as a Social Studies teacher at Easton Middle School, after previously teaching Spanish and Social Studies in Dorchester County.

Ms. Nicole Sherrod-Hill will transfer from Easton High to Easton Elementary School as Assistant Principal.  She joined the TCPS team in 2022, having previously been a School Administrator in Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Schools (NC) and a Teacher Leader in Prince George’s County. Ms. Sherrod-Hill holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Carlow University and a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Administration from McDaniel College, where she also completed a Principal and Assistant Principal Certification Program.  She is certified as a Level I and II Administrator and in Elementary Education (grades 1-6).

Mr. John Strickland will return to TCPS as Assistant Principal at Easton High School.  He has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Salisbury University. His professional certificates include Level I and II Administrator, Elementary 1-6 and Mathematics 4-9.  Mr. Strickland first joined TCPS in 2011 as a math teacher at Easton Middle School.  He served as Assistant Principal at St. Michaels Middle High from 2018 – 2023.  For the past two years, he has worked on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board CTE Committee as an Expert Review Team Manager.  

“Congratulations to Mr. Kurtz, Mr. Strickland, and Ms. Sherrod-Hill,” said Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Superintendent of Schools. “They will be great additions to our school leadership teams and their prior experience in the district should allow for smooth transitions at EES, EHS and SMMHS.”

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is excited to invite education personnel from across the Eastern Shore and beyond to celebrate the end of the school year at its third annual Education Professionals Gratitude Day on Friday, June 20, from 10am-2pm.

This is an opportunity for anyone involved in education – teachers, administrators, and support staff – to experience all that CBMM’s waterfront campus has to offer as a thank you for their impact on children in our communities through daily instruction, support, and leadership.

During the celebration, PK-12 education professionals and their families will enjoy free admission, plus a host of special activities designed to highlight CBMM’s mission, educational programming, and community partnerships.

Education Professionals Gratitude Day has quickly become an anticipated event on CBMM’s annual calendar. Last year, more than 50 educators and their families, including guests spanning the state of Maryland and from as far away as Texas and Maine, joined in the fun.

The festivities are open to all PK-12 public, private, and charter school personnel, including teachers, paraprofessionals, school and district administrators, and support staff providing maintenance, transportation, security, clerical, food and other services within schools.

This Your Museum, Your Community recognition initiative is made possible by the generous support of Easton Velocity, Mid-Atlantic Truck & Equipment, PNC Bank, Chaney Enterprises, Preston Automotive Group, PepUp, and Shore United Bank.

“We are excited to continue to grow Education Professionals Gratitude Day,” CBMM’s Vice President of Education & Interpretation Jill Ferris said. “This is a chance for us to honor a special group of people who make a difference in our communities with a day of fun and celebration while sharing more about the resources available to continue to support the important work that they do. We look forward to reconnecting with friends and making new ones on June 20!”

This edition of Education Professionals Gratitude Day features live music from duo Fresh Squeezed OJ, free frozen treats from Hoots Shaved Iced, a visit from the Phillips Wharf Fishmobile, story time with Talbot County Free Library, Touch a Truck with the St. Michaels Fire Department, giveaways including books from Appleseed Books, face painting and bubble stations, and a host of field trip-favorite, hands-on activities and demos with CBMM staff throughout the day.

In addition, the honored guests receive a 10% discount at the Museum Store and on CBMM memberships and savings on Narrated Historical Cruises aboard PATRIOT that day.

There is no need to RSVP to join in the fun. PK-12 education professionals can simply check in at the Welcome Center and enjoy their visit. For any questions or additional information, contact Ferris at [email protected].

Education has been key to CBMM’s mission across its 60-year history. Last year, the organization hosted more than 3,500 students, teachers, and chaperones for field trips from schools across the county, state, and region.

Talbot County Public School students in third, fifth, and seventh grade learn from CBMM staff through field trips and in-classroom experiences, and CBMM’s Rising Tide after-school program engages local middle school students with the opportunity to learn new skills and work with tools while exploring the history and environment of the Chesapeake region.

For more information on CBMM’s youth education programming, including Homeschool Workshops, Lighthouse Overnight Adventures, CBMM Summer Camp, and more, visit cbmm.org/youtheducation.

The Gunston School is proud to announce the induction of the legendary 2000 Varsity Field Hockey Team into the Gunston’s Athletic Hall of Fame. This exceptional team carved their place in Gunston history with a dominant season, finishing with an impressive 13-3-2 record and clinching both the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference’s (ESIAC) regular season and tournament championships, a first for the newly-reincorporated Gunston Day School at the time. Not only was this their first season in the ESIAC, but it was also the first time Gunston had won a championship of any kind. They’re also the first team to be inducted into the hall of fame.

Under the guidance of Coach Anita Gruss—who also won the ESIAC’s Coach of the Year Award in 2000—the field hockey team not only demonstrated athletic excellence but also set the standard for teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Captains Carrie Fredland ’01 (ESIAC Player of the Year), Rachael Osberger ’01, and Chrissie (Terpeluk) Parker ’01 (ESIAC Tournament MVP) led the team. The team’s success was widely recognized across the conference and region. Seven players earned ESIAC All-Conference honors: Jenny Dey ’03, Carrie Fredland ’01, Rachael Osberger ’01, Shaw Strannahan ’02, Chrissie (Terpeluk) Parker ’01, Summer Veltman ’02, and Laura Williams ’03. Four players—Diana Jeffra ’01, Fletcher Johnson ’01, Strannahan ’02, and Terpeluk Parker ’01—were named to the ESIAC All-Tournament Team. Terpeluk Parker also earned First Team honors on the Star Democrat All Mid-Shore Field Hockey Team, with Strannahan and Osberger named to the Second Team, and Fredland receiving Honorable Mention.

“The biggest part of this team’s success was our three captains, [Fredland, Osberger and (Terpeluk) Parker]. It was like having three assistant coaches, which was a luxury,” said Ms. Gruss. “They helped manage things and they believed in my plan and they supported it and the team one hundred percent.”

The full roster of the Hall of Fame inductees includes: Katie Willis ’01, Elizabeth Miller Walters ’01, Sarah Ross ’02, Katie Scott ’01, Cullen West Raphael ’01, Diana Jeffra ’01, Chrissie (Terpeluk) Parker ’01, Rachel Osberger ’01, Carrie Fredland ’01, Rita Baghdadi ’03, Cristina (Laggini) Mudge ’03, Ora Beth (Mika) Mills ’03, Summer (Veltman) Denise ’02, Katie (Graham) Phillips ’04, Megan (Moore) Dunne ’04, Fletcher Johnson ’01, Laura Williams ’03, Shaw Strannahan ’02, Lauren Breslin ’03, Jenny Dey ’03, and Coach Anita Gruss, who previously served as Gunston’s Director of Athletics for years.

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 23 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 23 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 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.

A powerful evening of reflection and conversation will take place Monday, May 19, as the Talbot Family Network partners with Building African American Minds (BAAM) to present a screening of the documentary film ‘Get on the Bus’ as part of the ongoing Conversations on Race series.

The free event begins at 5:30 p.m. at BAAM’s Academic Center in Easton and includes a light dinner catered by BAAM’s Island Taste culinary team.

The contemporary ‘Get on the Bus’ film invites viewers to travel alongside 56 students and adults on a five-day journey from Kent County, Maryland, to historic civil rights landmarks in the Deep South.

Their pilgrimage, which began with a soil collection ceremony in Chestertown in May 2022, includes visits to the Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama—sites that explore the legacy of slavery, racial terror, and mass incarceration in the United States.

“The film captures not just the journey, but the transformation that happens when we confront history together,” said Dina Daly, executive director of BAAM.

“We believe these conversations are essential to building a stronger, more connected community,” Daly says. “And we are proud to partner with Talbot Family Network to bring this important event to Talbot County.”

Following the screening, participants will engage in guided conversation to reflect on the film’s themes and share personal perspectives. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required at bit.ly/may19convo.

“This event is part of our commitment to fostering deeper understanding and equity in our community,” said Nancy Andrew, executive director of the Talbot Family Network. “By creating safe, honest spaces for dialogue, we are laying the groundwork for lasting change in Talbot County and beyond.”

The Conversations on Race series is designed to bring people together around themes of racial equity, justice, and community healing. Events are open to all and aim to spark meaningful discussion and awareness through storytelling, art, and shared experiences.

Learn more about ‘Get on the Bus’ at bit.ly/gotbdoc. Find more about the Talbot Family Network at www.talbotfamilynetwork.org.

OPENING ON MAY 10

On Saturday, May 10, the Tilghman Watermen’s Museum will re-open for the 2025 season. Standard hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm, and tours at other times may be scheduled by emailing [email protected].

Committed to celebrating, documenting, preserving, and sharing the history, traditions, heritage, and culture of Tilghman’s Island, the Tilghman Watermen’s Museum has dozens of oral histories by local watermen; hosts an exceptional collection of paintings by local artists; and has a treasure trove of artifacts and boat models.

NEW SHARPS ISLAND EXHIBIT

Located about three miles south/southwest of Tilghman Island, Sharps Island once measured 700 acres. Now, none of it is visible above the water (except for its last lighthouse), making it one of roughly 400 islands to have disappeared into the Bay.

The new exhibit takes us back to when Sharps Island rose above the Chesapeake Bay and housed a community of families and lighthouse keepers. The history begins with the first patent granted in 1652 was continued by the Exhibit Committee, which has researched, collected, and archived the rich history of this region.

The exhibit is based on the geology and archeological findings of Dr. Darrin Lowery, a distinguished archaeologist, who is from the area and has done extensive work on Sharps Island.  It begins in time with geological and archeological findings along with timelines and maps, including a collection of arrowheads that were collected from Sharps Island by Dr. Darrin Lowery, prior to its disappearance, some dating back 16,000 years.

The history continues with narratives from families who owned and lived on the island, along with some of their personal family documents. And of course the exhibit covers the various lighthouses that have stood on Sharps Island and the lighthouse keepers who took care of them. This portion of the exhibit includes an actual logbook, beautifully written by the keepers, which captures their daily observations.

Admission to the museum is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

The museum is located in the Lee House at 6031 Tilghman Island Road. For additional information, contact us by email: [email protected] or visit our website: www.tilghmanmuseum.org.

The Gunston School’s annual spring fundraiser, Golfing “fore” Gunston VI, on Friday, May 2 welcomed parents, alumni and community members for a beautiful and warm day on the links at Queenstown Harbor. More than 80 golfers and 25 sponsors raised $40,000 for the school’s annual giving program, supporting the students and faculty of Gunston. Golfers began at 9 a.m. and enjoyed a lunch cookout at the Turn as well as refreshments and snacks throughout the day. After finishing 18 holes, golfers gathered for an awards ceremony.

Placing first for the Women’s/Mixed category was the “Fred Frederick Team” of Janell Frederick, P’23’25 (who also hit a hole in one that day!), Liz Brinster, Bonnie Castille and Julie Dixon, with a score of 59. First place for the Men’s category went to the “Angry Birdies,” with John Caron, P’17, Curtis Biggs, Jim Shifrin, P’21’21, and Brian Zottarelli, P’25’27 with a score of 55. Prizes for first place winners included Cooperstown Distillery bourbon whiskey bottled in golf club-shaped decanters with a set of nesting shot glasses. Winners for Men and Women’s Longest drive took home a new Stanley Cooler and included Charles Boyd and Julie Dixon. Dixon also won Closest to the Pin, receiving a foursome gift certificate from Queenstown Harbor.

Joining again this year was Professional Long Driver Scott Kalamar for an entertaining “Hole in 2” challenge, where golfers who made a qualifying donation can attempt to hole out the pro’s 400-yard drive on Par 5 for a chance to win a 3-day dream golf getaway to Pebble Beach, Cal.

Head of School John Lewis addressed golfers and sponsors at the awards ceremony. “First, I’d like to thank Golf Event Chair Brigitte Stranahan, P’25’27 for her leadership and help with this event, and I just really want to thank everyone here again for their generous support. Because of your commitment to the school, I get to say ‘yes’—yes to incredible experiences for our students and faculty that enrich their lives and expand their horizons. Just last week, I had the privilege of taking a group of students to Chicago for a national academic competition—a trip that simply wouldn’t have been possible without the kind of community support represented here today. On behalf of everyone at Gunston, thank you for making these moments possible.”

Tournament sponsors include Heron Heroes Fred Frederick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (Janell & Jeffrey Frederick, P’23 ’25) and What’s Up? Media. Grill Station sponsors include Heron Heroes Joyce & Associates, LLC (Kevin & Christine Joyce, P’26), Easton Dermatology Associates (Brigitte & Dr. Donald Stranahan, P’25’27), and Horace K. Wood, DMD, PA (Leigh & Dr. Horace K. Wood, P’24’27). Awards sponsors include Heron Heroes McCallister, Detar, Showalter & Walker (Adele & Ryan Showalter, P’25’27 and Melissa & Doug Walker, P’25’27), “Friends of Gunston,” Paul Ewing’s Contractor Supply (Pam & Charlie Andrews, P’26), The Bent Family, P’25’27 and Serino Orthodontics. Eagle sponsors include Heron Heroes Ebb Tide Tent & Party Rentals, The Dreeke Family, P’28, Callahan’s Gas & Appliances (The Callahan Family, P’22), and PepUp (Melanie & Nash McMahan, P’27’28). Birdie sponsors include Heron Heroes Dr. Laurie & John Lewis, The Shifrin Family, P’21’21, Wye Mills Mechanical, LLC (Marie & Stephen Thomas), ShoreGate Partners (Chesley & Justin Nonemaker, P’27’29), Dogwood Acres (The Reichardt Family, P’21), Shore United Bank (The Augustus Family, P’26’28), The Country School, and Tred Avon Family Wealth. Hole sponsors include Lona Sue Todd of Taylor Properties, Wrench & Socket, LLC (Beth & Tim Lavery, P’26), and St. Anne’s School of Annapolis.

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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.

This past weekend, The Gunston School hosted the 2025 Maryland State High School Rowing Championships on its 75-acre campus situated on the Corsica River, bringing together 130 athletes and approximately 300 spectators from across the state. Participating programs included Roland Park Country School, Elizabeth Seton High School, Freedom Rowers, Blair Crew, and host team Gunston.

“I’m incredibly proud of our rowers—not just for their strong finishes, but for the teamwork, determination, and grace they showed throughout the regatta. Hosting this event is always an honor, and it was wonderful to see so many dedicated young athletes competing at such a high level,” said Assistant Athletic Director for Waterfront Athletics and Head Crew Coach Natalie Reading. Thanks to the Corsica River’s natural protection, race conditions remained consistent and calm all day—perfect for competition.

Roland Park Country School was named the overall state champion, with strong finishes across multiple events, including gold in the Women’s Varsity 4+ (WV4+) and Women’s Novice 4+ (WN4+). Gunston earned second place overall, highlighted by gold medals in both the Men’s Varsity 4+ (MV4+) and Men’s Junior Varsity 4+ (MJV4+). Medals were awarded for all first-place finishes, and the event served as a celebration of the dedication and sportsmanship of Maryland’s young rowers.

Support for the regatta was provided by USRowing, the Maryland Natural Resources Police, and the Maryland State Police. Thanks to strong collaboration between coaches, race officials, and safety agencies, this year’s regatta ran more smoothly than ever before, earning praise from participants and spectators alike. Additional images can be found online at row2k.com.

The Oxford Community Center (OCC) is excited to dive into the Gettysburg experience with guest host Mickey Terrone, a civil war expert and local historian. It will be a 2-phase event. On Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30pm, at the Oxford Community Center, there will be a showing of “The Gettysburg Episode” from the Ken Burns’ Civil War series.  The Tuesday screening will be entertaining as a stand-alone presentation for interested audiences. It is not required to attend the excursion and it is free and open to the public. But, the talk will definitely “set the stage” for those attending the bus trip. Save the date for both.

On Wednesday, May 21 at 8:30 am, the bus departs OCC for Gettysburg.  At the battlefield, the first stop is at Little Round Top for a brief description of the intense fighting on Day 2 of the 3-day battle.  The trip continues over to the Copse of Trees which marked the end of Pickett’s Charge on Day 3. Finally, the tour heads to the Gettysburg Visitors Center where everyone can have lunch and take in the wonderful displays and descriptions of this bloodiest of battles of the Civil War.

On the bus, Terrone plans to offer some interesting information to and from Gettysburg. He will be answering questions and filling in the blanks. The bus is targeting a 6:30 pm arrival back at the OCC.

The excursion costs $75 which covers the bus, driver’s tip, snacks and good conversation. For more information, and to secure your seats, visit oxfordcc.org.

The Oxford Community Center is a non-profit 501(c) (3) with a mission to provide the region with a year-round schedule of free or reduced educational, cultural, and recreational programs and events.