The Talbot Historical Society has entered the 21st century with a flourish, offering the public a holistic view of the county’s history, aided by interactive exhibits—all in the recently renovated historic Mary Jenkins House at 30 South Washington Street.
When I viewed the still-unfinished exhibit at the end of August, I was really impressed by its museum quality and its wide-angle view of Talbot County, spending equal time on people on all social levels and capturing Talbot’s agricultural and maritime industries. H. Robin Hollyday’s long admired photographs add a special dimension to the exhibit.
Though I love local lore and state history, I never felt drawn to the historical society. I can’t say why. In my uninformed view, it seemed to lack a certain dynamism. If my perception were correct, the current reality projects a wholly different picture. I wouldn’t hesitate to refer visitors to the historical society’s new exhibit.
Great credit for the rejuvenated historical society goes to Larry Denton, its hard-working and visionary president. It seems that during my frequent trips on Washington Street I constantly would see him busily entering or exiting one of the organization’s buildings, including the one housing the retail antiques store across the street from the Jenkins House. Also, Cathy Hill deserves tremendous credit for spending more than a year reviewing, organizing, identifying and scanning nearly 3,000 photographs for the exhibit.
That the exhibit bespeaks a high level of professionalism is due in large part to its designer, Pat Rogan, whom I’ve gotten to know through his tremendous work on behalf of Horn Point Lab’s Chesapeake Champion award events. Just the past September, his design expertise basically transformed the old Maryland National Guard Armory in Easton, drawing raves from attendees.
We have a rich history in Talbot County, captured in a visitor-friendly way by the Talbot Historical Society.
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In my last column, I wrote about the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy’s Party to Preserve, neglecting to mention a frank conversation with former First District Congressman Wayne Gilchrest. We both bemoaned the dire lack of compromise and civility in our nation’s Capitol. In a recent Spy interview, Gilchrest, now director of the conservancy’s Sassafras Environmental Education Center in Kent County, talked about the “rigid dogmatism” that rules our federal legislature.
I must admit I always liked Wayne Gilchrest, whose down-to-earth honesty, sincerity and accessibility really marked him as a special person and outstanding public servant in my book of political heroes. A Marine Corps veteran who served as an enlisted man during the Vietnam War, Gilchrest was a moderate Republican who sometimes upset his party with his independent positions during his 17 years in the House of Representatives. He also was a staunch environmentalist.
During the same conversation he and I commented on the polarized attitude that pervades the halls of Congress, he talked enthusiastically and hopefully about the students he teaches at the Sassafras Environmental Education Center. He beamed as he discussed the future peopled by the boys and girls who have the privilege to learn about our precious environment from Mr. Gilchrest. His optimism was palpable.
Wayne also said he has “recovered” after five years away from legislative combat in Washington.
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One last thing: a visit to Blades Orchard, located on Preston Road between Preston and Federalsburg, on a beautiful fall day with grandchildren in tow is great day on the Eastern Shore. Apples aplenty grace the rows and rows of trees, fascinating children who simply have to reach and pull to experience the fruit of their labor.
Steve Blades, a frequent presence at the Easton Farmers Market, has created a wonderful place to visit—and to buy apples and pumpkins. A hay ride always seems to attract young people (and their parents and grandparents).
The apples are delicious; it seemed that every one that my two-year-old granddaughter picked, she took a bite. Just like a squirrel. She couldn’t help herself.
Columnist Howard Freedlander retired in 2011 as Deputy State Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Previously, he was the executive officer of the Maryland National Guard. He also served as community editor for Chesapeake Publishing, lastly at the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. In retirement, Howard serves on the boards of several non-profits on the Eastern Shore, Annapolis and Philadelphia.
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