St. Clement’s Island Museum in Leonardtown, Maryland, is gearing up to host an exciting celebration on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in honor of Maryland Day, which marks the anniversary of the state’s founding. This special event invites the public to partake in a full day of festivities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring a wide array of activities at the museum and St. Clement’s Island, the historic site where the first English settlers set foot in Maryland on March 25, 1634. From free museum admission and engaging children’s programs to invigorating water taxi rides, captivating lighthouse tours, and tantalizing food truck offerings, attendees are in for a treat. Moreover, special exhibits will be on display, shedding light on the rich history of the area.
### Commemorative Ceremonies and Engaging Activities
The day’s events kick off at 10 a.m. with a public Mass on St. Clement’s Island, a poignant tribute to the first Catholic Mass held in the English-speaking New World. Adding to the solemnity of the occasion, students from Father Andrew White, S.J. School in Leonardtown will partake in the service as the choir and cantors. Later in the day, at 2 p.m., an official Maryland Day Ceremony will take place on the mainland at the museum. Distinguished speakers including James Randy Guy, President of the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, and Piscataway Tribal Leader Francis Gray will grace the event. A historical interpreter embodying Father Andrew White, S.J., will reenact the traditional presentation of gifts from the English to the Indigenous Peoples, illustrating the early encounters between the two cultures. Following the ceremony, a public reception will provide an opportunity for attendees to mingle and reflect on the day’s significance.
### Exploring History and Enjoying Amenities
In addition to the commemorative ceremonies, visitors can look forward to complimentary water taxi rides to and from St. Clement’s Island between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., offering a splendid opportunity to explore the historic site. Lighthouse tours will also be available for those eager to delve deeper into the area’s maritime heritage. A food truck stationed on-site from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will cater to hungry guests, providing a delicious assortment of treats to enjoy. Inside the museum, a treasure trove of exhibits awaits, chronicling the island’s importance from colonial times to the present day. Notably, plans for the forthcoming St. Clement’s Island Museum facility will be showcased for public perusal, giving attendees a glimpse into the future of this revered establishment.
“Maryland Day holds profound significance in our annual calendar as it commemorates the founding of St. Mary’s County and the state of Maryland in 1634,” remarked Karen Stone, Manager of the St. Mary’s County Museum Division. “It serves as a time for us to reflect on the historic meeting between the newly-arrived English settlers and the native Piscataway tribe, and the relationships that evolved from that encounter. We also celebrate Maryland’s rich religious history and its pivotal role in shaping the nation’s laws on religious freedom.”
Maryland Day also heralds the start of the museum’s seasonal water taxi service to St. Clement’s Island State Park, which will run until October 31. For more information on this service, interested individuals can visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/watertaxi.
For those seeking further details about Maryland Day at St. Clement’s Island Museum, the museum can be reached at (301) 769-2222. Updates on events, operating hours, and programs can be found on Facebook.com/SCIMuseum or museums.stmarysmd.com.
