June 2020

Learn more about the Roots and Tides Scenic Byway in this new video by the Maryland Office of Tourism! [embed]https://youtu.be/lYDC1O1R18g[/embed] Featured Four Rivers Heritage Area attractions in the video include: United States Naval Academy Annapolis Maritime Museum Banneker-Douglass Museum Maryland State House Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial Historic London Town and Gardens Smithsonian Environmental Research Center From Annapolis through southern Anne Arundel County and down into Calvert County, explore the timeless traditions and deep maritime roots of Western Shore towns along the Chesapeake Bay. Go sailing, bird watching, museum hopping or just relax on...

The City of Annapolis, at the center of the Four Rivers Heritage Area, is proud to boast two historic colleges, the United States Naval Academy and St. John’s College. Both are unique in their traditions and renowned for their curriculum. Take a virtual visit to each campus by exploring these academic institutions with YouTube. St. John’s College About: Founded in 1696, as The King William’s School, St. John’s College is the third oldest college in the United States. At St. John’s, great books—and great discussions—are the heart of the college’s distinctive liberal arts...

Even though school’s out, summer is still a time to have fun while learning something new! Below you can find a selection of educational programs offered by some of our heritage partners. Whether you have a child interested in art or ecology, there’s plenty to keep them engaged this summer both virtually or in-person. Offered In-Person Summer Programs are back at Historic London Town and Gardens. Join their family & educational programs, including a Mini Herb Garden Workshop (Saturday, July 11, 10:30am), a Children’s Tie-Dye Tote Workshop (Saturday, July 25, 10:30am), and...

Even while they've been closed, many of our heritage partners have been busy keeping the public informed with articles, posts, and other creative and educational online content. If you want to stay current on what's happening in the Four Rivers Heritage area, here are some blogs not to be missed! Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Save the Bay Blog CBF's Save the Bay Blog features a range of informative, engaging, and hopeful stories about CBF, their work, and conservation issues of the moment. Hammond-Harwood House's Blog Among many topics related to this historic house museum, the...

Maryland Day Unpaused continues! In recognition of the family-friendly theme of this celebration, here are some virtual experiences to enjoy with the kids. Anne Arundel County Public Library hosts Facebook Live "Storytimes: Preschool Storytime," Monday-Friday at 10:30 am (Tuesdays are bilingual Spanish and English). Join library staff from across AACPL as they present stories, songs and fun each weekday morning on Facebook Live. Thursdays at 11:00 am is "Babies in Bloom" for babies ages birth to 18 months. Babies will enjoy songs and action rhymes while building early literacy skills.  Zoom programs require registration...

American Alliance of Museums (AAM) recently shared the following announcement with us. We want to make sure you, our partners, are aware of this initiative so you can take the opportunity to participate and create impact from your recent COVID-19 experiences.  AAM is launching a survey to create a snapshot of how US museums are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to assess the impact of this crisis on our field. The information you provide will help AAM continue to advocate for funding and other forms of relief, raise public awareness regarding...

Celebrated on June 19, Juneteenth commemorates of the ending of slavery in the United States. Here are some ways you can observe the holiday in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, either virtually or in person. Join the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge for a Juneteenth March for Justice and Prayer Vigil on Friday, June 19. The march will begin at 2:00 pm at the Civil Rights Foot Soldiers Memorial at the corner of Clay Street & Calvert St in Annapolis. It will conclude at the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial at...

The Four Rivers Heritage Area has a wealth of African American stories. African Americans have lived in Annapolis for over three centuries. From the 1700s through today, one-third or more of the city of Annapolis’s population has been African American. Their lives are also documented and preserved in Anne Arundel County. Even when our heritage sites and museums are still closed, you can find online resources for researching this important part of our area’s history today. The Maryland State Archives has two digital resources available while their Search Room remains closed....