As the city of Annapolis prepares for the nation’s 250th anniversary the community continues to add to the festive atmosphere as we approach the 4th of July. What better way to anticipate this nation-wide celebration than poetry by the waterfront! 
On June 24th, 2026, the busy afternoon at the Annapolis City Dock continued to bustle in traffic as family members gathered at the docks. From a distance, the twang and beat of music is heard. A confused and curious look passes through the passerbys that say “where is the music coming from?”. One could tell the music was moving closer to where we all were, but where?
Look at the water! A boat is seen approaching the docks carrying the Annapolis Naptown Brass Band; the source of the music. The band moved up to the dock and the music slowly got louder and louder, by then, people’s curiosity and suspense could no longer be contained, some even danced to the music of the Brass Band as it moved up to park, not really knowing for what purpose. Even those who were in a rush to head home could not help but turn their heads and wait for a bit in anticipation of what would happen. Whatever question people had about the music was soon answered with poetry.
The reception from the public was that of curiosity and respect when it was time for the poets to recite their poem. The Chesapeake Crossroads staff were able to count nearly 100 people in the audience that stayed for the poetry segment (which does not include those on the market or on nearby sidewalks observing). The poets talked about many different themes, figures, experiences and aspects of local history that showed a beautiful display of individuality and diversity of thought and expression that makes a useful reminder to the audience of the beauty and the importance of the first amendment. Some of those themes went as far back as the early Tobacco trade. They addressed the rise of Baltimore as a port city, leaving Annapolis with oyster work-boats and the transition from wooden boats to fiberglass, to personal and familial history in Annapolis. Similar to writer Alex Haley, many Americans experience a search for their ancestral roots while confronting the ongoing struggle for freedom from the influences of both history and present-day challenges. Some highlighted the cultural diversity of Anne Arundel County, including Teresa Bilzor’s poem Music and Dance of the Piscataway Nation. And, of course, the poets brought in perspectives like Max Ochs who spoke on George Washington’s resignation and Sandy Travis Bildahl who wrote From the Ladies Balcony at the Maryland State House. Another outstanding performance worthy of commemoration is Aly Lynch’s Border State, a poem regarding the struggle for freedom in the present spoken striking passion and courage.
The event was informative to the public as poets pointed out historical buildings clearly visible from the docks that necessarily made audience members take a moment to really look, the Alex Haley memorial statue in the midst of the crowd, historical figures like Anne Catherine Green and communities including the Piscataway Nation. If it did not inform or educate the audience then it certainly did transport everyone to a different time. With titles such as “Deep Roots,” “Rap for Anne Catherine Green,” “Music and Dance of the Piscataway Nation,” and “Ben Ogle’s Bones,” the symbolism of the event cannot go unnoticed. The blend of storytelling about local traditions, history, and maritime heritage was done in a way that could only happen in Annapolis — where the water connects us to our past and carries us into the future. It was a significant and unique event for its celebration of local history, creative writing, local poets and perspective. The intimate and yet public nature of the event reminds us not just of the larger picture of the 250th celebration of the Nation, but of the smaller parts that create the whole. It is not just the history of the Nation that we commemorate, but the local, personal, familial history and community.
Our goal in supporting this event was to connect authentic local stories from the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area with a unique maritime flair, to reach a broader audience. This event didn’t just help the audience connect and reflect on local history through poetry, but also, through the visual symbolism of the Brass Band traversing up to the Annapolis City Dock on ancient water. It was an afternoon meant for reflection and retrospection.
And as the mastermind of this event, Poet Laureate for the City of Annapolis, Jefferson Holland should have the last word!
“What a blast! History! Poetry! Boats! Only in Annapolis would that combination be so much fun. Many thanks to the Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating program for providing the floating stage and to the Naptown Brass Band for gathering such a terrific crowd!” -Jefferson Holland
