Plan a visit to St. Michaels Museum to learn about the history of St. Michaels including the War of 1812, the life of Frederick Douglass when he lived in the town as a slave, and the commercial development of this busy town. In June a new exhibit about Historic St. Mary’s Square will open. St. Mary’s Square has a long history covering two hundred and forty years. It was the center of a 1778 town plan put together by English factor James Braddock during the American Revolution. Braddock’s plan featured the Square surrounded by twenty lots, a market house and two gates, north and south. It was the center of the early town and featured over the years Sadis Chapel, the early St Luke’s Church, several schools both public and private, and now the location of St Michaels Museum.

In addition to the new exhibit the museum has the following schedule of Walking Tours:

Docent-led walking tours – Saturdays from May through October 26, 2019

The walking tour of the town begins at the museum at 10:00, $10 adults, $5 youths (6-17), private tours for $50 Minimum. Other days and times can be arranged by calling Kate Fones at 410-745-4323.

“Frederick Douglass, as a Slave, in St. Michaels 1833-36”, First and Third Saturdays of Each Month

This tour is given as a 90-minute walking tour. The tour gives a view of the early life of St. Michaels’ most famous 19th century resident and the most important African American Abolitionist in the Civil War.

“Historic St. Michaels: its People, Places and Happenings”, Second and Fourth Saturdays of each Month

This tour is given as a 90-minute walking tour. It highlights St. Michaels during the 19 th Century. Stories will be told by viewing many restored structures from that era and describing life of famous and typical residents of these times including Frederick Douglass. The St. Michaels Museum is open Fridays from 1-4, Saturdays 10-4, Sundays 1-4. More information is available at https://stmichaelsmuseum.org/.

SOS Sink or Swim will again provide free swimming lessons at Talbot County’s two outdoor pools this summer. These lessons are provided free of charge to all children between the ages of 18 months to 18 years, with no questions asked. Free adult lessons are also available, thanks to a special grant received from concerned donors.

This year’s program will again be administered by Talbot County Parks & Recreation, with registration forms now online at bit.ly/freeswimminglessons or at sossinkorswim.org.

Two-week swimming sessions begin June 17 at the Bay Hundred Community Pool in St. Michaels, Md., and the George Murphy Community Pool in Easton, Md. The first registration deadline is June 7, and lessons run Mondays through Thursdays. Sessions for child lessons and Jr. Lifeguard training run through early August. Adult swimming lessons will be held at both pools during the week of July 4.

“These lessons are provided free of charge with no questions asked, and now free adult lessons are also available, thanks to a special grant received from concerned donors,” said SOS President Elizabeth Moose. “Talbot County has more than 600 miles of shoreline, yet many children and their family members don’t have the opportunity to ever get in the water, much less to feel safe and secure when they are close to a pool, a river or the Bay.”

This is the sixth summer SOS is offering these free lessons. Through donations and local support, SOS has provided 3,999 swimming lessons since the program started, and has raised more than a quarter of a million dollars to support its program.

“Last summer, 1,121 children learned to swim, 16 children took lifeguarding training, and 61 adults came out for our special adult sessions,” continued Moose. “Children from Critchlow Adkins Daycare Centers, the Community Resource Center, Talbot Mentors, and those through the referrals of local police organizations, churches and other local organizations, look forward every summer to learn how to swim.”

“We understand through a recent agreement between Talbot County Council and the Y of the Chesapeake, that the Y will begin managing the Bay Hundred and George Murphy pools this season,” commented Moose. “The SOS Executive Council wishes the County and the Y well in their efforts to ensure that the public pools and swimming are available to all county residents.”

John Wesley Preservation Society is hosting a mostly-Motown dance at the Oxford Community Center on Saturday, June 8th from 7pm to 10pm. Tickets are available on the group’s website—johnwesleychurch.org—for $25 and include light refreshments. Beer and wine will be available at a cash bar. Be sure to get your tickets early as space is limited. Music will be provided by Jason Bailiff, who was the deejay at this year’s Oxford Day.

Proceeds benefit continued renovation on the John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church building and Cook Shop. Plans are underway to open the site as a small museum. Site excavation for the required parking and walkways is being coordinated with an archaeologist who will identify any remaining unmarked graves. That work is expected to begin later this summer. One of the Society’s missions is to research the families interred in John Wesley Church’s cemetery along with the people listed in the earliest record of church members from 1851—ten years before the Civil War—which included 26 black and 31 white parishioners.

A lot of history happened on this little patch of land in Oxford Neck. The land was deeded in 1838 to build a Methodist Episcopal church. What happened to the first building is still a mystery but the cornerstone of the current building is dated 1875. The Cook Shop was built sometime during the 1930s or 40s at the behest of Nellie Leatherberry, a local business owner and parishioner, who didn’t think food should be sold out of the church itself.

The Oxford Neck congregation would walk out to the John Wesley Church in the morning where they would sing and worship and praise until the minister, called a circuit rider because of originally traveling to his various congregations by horseback, arrived in the early afternoon. Until the Cook Shop was built, women would sell food from the back of the church to hungry parishioners.

The Cook Shop is the location for the African American museum named after the building’s founder Nellie Brooks Leatherberry. Board members and volunteers act as docents on Saturdays from 10 am until noon, and until 3 pm on first Saturdays, from April through November. This one-room church with its stained-glass windows is an architectural and spiritual landmark at the corner of Oxford and Evergreen Roads.

“Historic St. Michaels: its People, Places and Happenings”

This tour is given as a 90-minute walking tour on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays. It highlights St. Michaels during the 19 th Century. Stories will be told by viewing many restored structures from that era and describing lives of famous and typical residents of these times including
Frederic Douglass. The cost for the tours is $10 adults, $5 youths (6-17). St. Michaels Museum is located at 201 E. Chestnut St, St. Michaels, MD. For information call 410 745-9561 or check the website at: www.stmichaelsmuseum.org.

Reverend Sue Browning

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Easton is holding an Installation Ceremony and Celebration for the Reverend Sue Browning on Sunday June 2 at 10:00am at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Easton.This ceremony highlights and reaffirms the commitment between Reverend Sue and the fellowship. Among those participating in the service will be Rabbi Peter Hyman, Rabbi Naomi Hyman and Reverent Nancy Sajda and the event is open to the public.

The Reverend Sue Browning has been serving the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Easton (UUFEaston) since 2013but has now become the called minister of the congregation. In addition to UUFE, she is also serving the Unitarian Universalist of the Chester River in Chestertown, each as a half-time minister.“We are excited to move to a next step in our journey with Rev. Sue” said Jack Harrald, UUFEaston’s Board President “and look forward to sustaining and strengthening our faith community”.

UUFEaston is a diverse and inclusive fellowship of curious and compassionate thinkers. Bringing open minds and many religious ideas and backgrounds together, it is a community in search of spiritual meaning with an emphasis on the inherent worth of every person and the interdependent web of all existence.Unitarians, not called that in the U.S. until the 1800’s, merged with the Universalists in 1961.

Unitarian Universalism celebrates the diversity of beliefs while sharing a unique journey in nurturing the spirit and puts faith into action with its many social service activities in the community.

The public is invited to The Installation Service at 10am and to the following celebratory Picnic at the fellowship at 7401 Ocean Gateway (across from the Easton High School Football field). There is parking available and childcare will be provided. If interested, please RSVP to installation@gmail.com in order to be prepared with enough food.

The Talbot Treasure Hunt returns for its fourth year on Sunday, June 2^nd. Teams solve clues, drive to locations around Talbot County, and complete challenges ranging from pop trivia to kayaking – in the hopes of taking home the top prize – $1,000 PLUS $1,000 for the charity of their choice!

“The Treasure Hunt has become one of our favorite annual traditions. It’s so much fun and unlike anything else!” This sentiment has been echoed by many of the past teams that have competed in the annual Talbot Treasure Hunt – An Amazing Race around Talbot County.

Favorite challenges from past races include log rolling at the Maritime Museum, crab picking at Harris’ Crab House, diving for duckies at Aqua Pools, and acting out movie scenes at the Avalon Theater.

Last year’s winners, team “Walk in Love”, took home the $1,000 prize. Plus their charity, Christ Church Youth Group, received a check for $1,000 on their behalf.

The Talbot Treasure Hunt is a unique racing experience that combines local hot spots with elements from the popular reality TV show “The Amazing Race”. The race will begin at 1pm on Sunday, June 2^nd. Teams are asked to register online prior to event day. Proceeds from the Race will benefit Youth Missions of the Episcopal Diocese of Easton that sponsors youth programs and initiatives around the Eastern Shore including foreign and domestic service trips.

The event will begin and end at the Long and Foster on St. Michael’s Road. At the start line teams will receive a top-secret clue book filled with puzzles that, once deciphered, reveal the locations of 14 participating businesses and historic sites. Teams must complete a challenge at each site in order to earn points before returning by 4pm for finish line festivities and awards. The team with the most points wins!

In addition to the Grand Prize, other prizes will be awarded for second and third place. Prizes will also be awarded for the “Best Dressed Team” and “Most Creative Team Name”.

This wonderful afternoon of fun is open to EVERYONE – so grab your co-workers, family and friends and sign up today (teams of up to six)!The cost per person to participate is $25.

Registration and information is available online at www.talbottreasurehunt.com.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul President Alex Handy accepts a check from “Hot Off The Coals” Owner-Chef Ric Brice.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul President Alex Handy accepts a check from “Hot Off The Coals” Owner-Chef Ric Brice. The check was the result of a “St. Vincent de Paul Night” at Brice’s restaurant, when he donated a percentage of the restaurant’s, evening proceeds. “Hot Off The Coals” is part of St. Vincent de Paul’s (SVdP) 2019 Dining Out Discount Card. The Card features 15 local restaurants that offer dining discounts to residents who purchase the Card for $25 from SVdP. The Card may be used any time at one of the participating restaurants from January 1 through December 31, 2019. Cards may be purchased by calling SVdP at 410-770-4505. “Hot Off The Coals is located at 8356 Ocean Gateway in Easton, Maryland.

Youth Programs

Easton

Story Time

Tuesdays, June 4 – July 30, 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.  Read, sing, and play at the library during story time.  Enjoy making a craft.  For ages 5 and under accompanied by an adult.

Afternoon Chess

Tuesdays, June 4 & 18, 4:30 -5:30 p.m.  Learn and plan chess. Light refreshments served.  For ages 6 – 16.

The 4th Annual Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival

Saturday, June 8, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Summer Reading Kick-off event.  Meet authors and illustrators of some of today’s best children’s books. Activities include author readings, music, hands-on crafts, exhibits, make-a-book, free refreshments, and more!  Register for summer reading online (tcfl.org) or at the event and receive a voucher for a free book (while supplies last).  The Festival will feature a special appearance this year by the Storm Troopers and Rebel Legion, Maryland’s official Star Wars cosplay group.  Please see http://chesapeakechildrensbookfestival.com/sponsors.html for a full list of our community sponsors.

Challenge Island: Lunar Landing (STEM Learning Program)

Wednesday, June 12, 4:00 p.m.  Challenge Island Astronaut Lunar Landing: How do you land a Lunar Lander on the rocky, cratered, dusty, and uneven surface of the moon?  Learn about Apollo 11’s Eagle Lunar Lander Module, its mission, purpose, and design.  Design and build lunar landers with your team; test and retest to see if it works.  Join the the team that lands on the moon!  For ages 6 – 12.  Please pre-register online at tcfl.org or by calling 410-822-1626.

GSK Science in the Summer  (For children entering grades 2 – 6)

Monday, June 17, and Friday, June 28, 10:00 a.m. – noon (grades 2 and 3), and 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. (grades 4-6).  How does food become our body’s fuel?  Where does oxygen go when we breathe in?  How do our brains interpret the world?  Explore the Science of Me!  Active, hands-on learning and STEM.  Limited space.  Registration required.  Sponsored by Glaxo Smith Kline and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Kindness Rocks!

Wednesday, June 26, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.  Paint your positive vibes on a kindness rock.  For all ages.

Reptile Wonders

Thursday, June 27, 10:30 a.m.  Discover the wonder of water turtles, the bearded dragon, a mighty Burmese Python, and more!  For all ages.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the Talbot County Arts Council, with funding from Talbot County and the Towns of Easton, Oxford, and St. Michaels.

Marvelous Movie Afternoon

Thursdays, June 27, July 25, & August 22, 4:00 p.m.  Titles TBA.

St. Michaels

Read with Wally, a Pet on Wheels Therapy Dog

Monday, June 3, 3:30 p.m.  Bring a book or choose a library book and read with Ms. Maggie Gowe and her dog, Wally.

We are Builders

Wednesday June 5, 3:30 p.m.  Enjoy STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).  Build with Legos, Zoobs, or foam blocks!  For children 5 – 12.

Family Crafts

Tuesday, June 11, 3:30 p.m.  Outer Space Crafts

Story Time

Wednesdays, June 12 & 26, 10:30 a.m.  For children age 5 and under accompanied by an adult.

Family Unplugged Games

Thursday, June 27, 3:30 p.m.  Bring the whole family to the library for an afternoon of board games and fun educational children’s games.  For all ages (children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult).

Adult Programs

Easton

Stitching Time

Monday, June 10, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.  Work on your favorite project (knitting, crochet, card making, what-have-you) with a group.  Limited knitting and crochet instruction will be provided for beginners.  All are welcome!

Mosaic Stepping Stone

Wednesday, June 12, 10:00 a.m. – noon.  Make a mosaic stepping stone!  Plenty of embellishments to choose from.  Space is limited.  Please pre-register by calling the library at 410-822-1626.

Book Discussion: The Devil in the White City

Monday, June 17, 6:30 p.m.  The Easton Book Group (open to all) discusses National Book Award Finalist The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson.

Container Gardening

Thursday, June 20, 5:30 p.m.  Kacey Martin (or Mrs. Fancy Plants) has recently finished the Master Gardeners course in Wicomico County through the MD Extension Office. While she has only been gardening for 6 years, her passion for plants and enthusiasm for educating fellow gardeners makes her hands-on workshop fun, full of tips, and entertaining.  Let Kacey walk you through the basics of container gardening, while pointing out some money saving tricks and a few tidbits Kacey picked up helping to establish community gardens in Salisbury.

Reading/Book Signing by Casey Cep, Author of Furious Hours

Monday, June 24, 6:00 p.m.  Easton’s own Casey Cep gives a reading from the book Oprah Winfrey has called one to watch for in 2019: Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee.  The book tells the story of Harper Lee’s obsession with a serial killer’s crimes in Alabama in the years after she wrote To Kill a Mockingbird.  Casey Cep graduated from Easton High School in 2003.

St. Michaels

Arts & Crafts

Thursday, June 6, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Free instruction for knitting, beading, needlework and tatting.  Bring your coloring books, Zentangle pens, or anything else that fuels your passion for being creative.  You may also bring a lunch.

Bay Hundred Chess

Wednesdays, June 12 & 26, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Learn and play the strategic game of chess.  Beginners welcome.

Memoir Writers

Thursdays, June 13 & 27, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Record and share your memories of life and family with a group of friendly, like-minded people.  Participants are invited to bring their lunch.

Coloring for Teens & Adults

Tuesday, June 18, 3:30 p.m.  Explore the relaxing process of coloring!

Sing the Clarinet – Music and Words of Summer and Water.

Thursday June 20, 2:00 p.m.  Musician and wordsmith Susan Jones will present a program of summer music.

Tuesday Movie@Noon

June 25: Green Book

In 1962, when Tony Lip is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley, a world-class black pianist, on a tour through the Deep South, they must rely on the Negro Travelers’ Green Book to guide them to the few places that were then safe for African-Americans.  Based upon a true story, this film won the Oscar for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor.

Note: All library programs are free and open to the public.  Unless otherwise noted below, patrons do not need to pre-register to attend a library program.

Celebrate the Eastern Shore strawberry harvest with over 50 artisans displaying quality crafts of all kinds and strawberries to eat and take home. Join us at St. Luke’s United Methodist’s 30th Annual Strawberry Festival and Craft Show at St. Luke’s Church, 304 Talbot Street, St. Michaels, Saturday, June 1st, from 10 am to 5pm. Enjoy it all: crafts, lunch, bake sale, with food and fun for everyone. There is no admission fee. For further information call the church office at 410-745-2534.

The schooner Sultana is docking at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Md. now through Wednesday, May 22.

Through the Sultana Education Foundation, the schooner Sultana serves as an on-the-water classroom for learning about the history and environment of the Chesapeake Bay.

An almost exact replica of a British schooner that patrolled the North American coast just prior to the American Revolution, Sultana provides day-long programs as well as live-aboard programs for participants.

Guests to CBMM’s May 19 Community Day will also be able to see Sultana dockside, with free admission and free boat rides a highlight of the event. For more information, visit cbmm.org or call 410-745-2916.