Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area

Where heritage is protected and shared

Chesapeake Crossroads, one of Maryland’s state heritage areas, is an established heritage tourism destination on the Chesapeake Bay’s western shore. Framed by the Chesapeake Bay on the east and now including new areas of the northern and western parts of Anne Arundel County, Chesapeake Crossroads reflects Maryland’s rich historic, cultural, and natural legacy.

Introducing Chesapeake Crossroads

A place full of stories our partners share about the people, places, and experiences that characterize our heritage, inspired by the past, rooted in the present, and focused on the future.
Read more about this video.

Things to Do

Our region is home to a lively annual calendar of festivals, events, parades, and more. Here's our listing by month!

There are many ways to experience the Academy’s proud and lengthy history. You don’t have to become a midshipman to find out what the life of one is like. The United States Naval Academy is open to the public all year.

Experience the outdoors along our trails that include waterfront vistas, recreational delights, and breathtaking landscapes. Anne Arundel County has many trails to explore, so grab your walking shoes or ready […]

One Nation-Two Lights-Three Nights

Two Lights for Tomorrow: Annapolis 250, Maryland 250 and the Chesapeake Crossroads kick off the 250th Anniversary of our Nation’s founding.

Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area invites you to participate in “Two Lights for Tomorrow,” a nationwide initiative to illuminate every household, business, house of worship, public building, and municipal government office across Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis with two lights starting the evening of April 18, 2025. The lights not only commemorate the well-known ride of Paul Revere and other Sons of Liberty as they signaled the approach of British troops by sea and the start of the Revolutionary War, but the lights are also symbols of a united future, and a reminder of all Marylander’s aspirations for their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

We encourage participation over three nights of April 18, 19, and 20, 2025, at as many locations as possible — historical societies, community centers, municipal and county administrative buildings, private residences, barns, and community entrances.

Share pictures of YOUR two lights on social media and tag them with #TwoLightsForTomorrow #MD250 #Annapolis250

Join us on Friday April 18, 2025 at 7:00pm

on Maryland Avenue at State Circle

for a very special event!

Read more here.