The opening of this exhibit in Annapolis is significant as the capital city was the site of the violent Capital Gazette mass shooting in 2018. A panel dedicated to the memory of those lost is a centerpiece of the Annapolis installation of this exhibit.
Photojournalist Paul Gillespie collaborated with the project to share his personal portraits of individuals, which include journalists, loved ones, and survivors.
This multi-panel exhibit explores the evolution of one of our most important American freedoms from its earliest incarnation in the Maryland Colony to its role in contemporary society. It highlights archaeological investigations undertaken at the 18th century Jonas and Anne Catherine Green printshop, the importance of inclusive journalism outlets like Afro Charities, and the persistence of local new sources like those supported by the Tiny News Collective. Examination of the history and role of a free press today is more important than ever before as our nation kicks off its commemoration of 250 years of American democracy in 2026.supported by the Maryland 250 Commission, and created by Maryland Humanities will travel across the State in 2026. This exhibit is one element of a multi-pronged project designed to encourage all citizens to think critically about the role of a free press to self-government in democracy. The exhibition can be experienced at rotating locations across the City and the County through March 31, 2026.
Over the course of 2026, the exhibition will travel to eight locations across the state and will feature complementary humanities programs and educational initiatives about this essential American freedom. The project’s culminating event will be a “Community Conversation” taking place in November 2026 in Annapolis, Maryland with a free public event designed to promote a discussion about how citizens can reclaim the media arena as a place for the open exchange of opinion, discussion, and deliberation. In addition to the moderated discussion, the event will offer a more robust version of the traveling exhibit with additional information about the Jonas Green curation project, including the display of artifacts.
Learn more and stay up to date on related events on Maryland Humanities’ website.
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See it at partner locations across the Chesapeake Crossroads through March 31, 2026:
Anne Arundel County/ Annapolis Exhibition Schedule & hours
Jan. 12- Feb. 5: Anne Arundel County’s Arundel Center, 44 Calvert St. Annapolis MD (M-F 8:30a-4:30p)
Feb, 6- Feb 25: Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Visitors Center 26 West St Annapolis MD (7 days/wk 10a-5p)
Feb. 26- Mar. 16 : Museum of Historic Annapolis 99 Main Street Annapolis, MD 21401 (F–M 11a– 3p)
Mar. 17- Mar. 31: Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane Brooklyn Park, MD (M-Th 10a-8p, Sa & Su 10a-2p)