Press Release
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: C. Jane Cox, Executive Director, heritage_area@aacounty.org
Date: 1/26/2026
Revolutionary Maryland: Freedom of the Press Then and Now Traveling Exhibition Celebrating Importance of a Free Press to American Democracy Begins Statewide Tour at the Arundel Center
(Annapolis, MD) – Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area is excited to launch a year of celebrating the Semiquincentennial, our Nation’s 250th birthday, by celebrating the Freedom of the Press in our democracy and delving into its history. The Revolutionary Maryland: Freedom of the Press Then and Now traveling exhibition opened at the Arundel Center on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. This exhibition, 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.
Chesapeake Crossroads is honored to be the first stop on that tour, and in collaboration with Historic Annapolis, Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Chesapeake Arts Center, and the Annapolis 250 Commission, the exhibition can be experienced at rotating locations across the City and the County through March 31, 2026.
The 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.
The opening of the exhibit in Annapolis is significant as the capital city was the site of the violent Capital Gazette mass shooting in 2018. A panel titled “Journalists Matter” is dedicated to the memory of those lost and 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.
“We’re proud to bring Revolutionary Maryland: Freedom of the Press Then and Now across the state of Maryland throughout 2026, inviting local communities to reflect on the long history of freedom of the press in Maryland and to consider its urgent relevance today,” says Lindsey Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Maryland Humanities. “By bringing together history, archaeology, and journalism, this exhibition creates space for thoughtful dialogue about the role a free press plays in sustaining an informed, engaged, and resilient democracy.”
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. For more information, contact Robert Forloney, Program Officer, Partnerships, at Maryland Humanities at rforloney@mdhumanities.org or (410) 463-2293.
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In the Crossroads: 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)
Revolutionary Maryland: Freedom of the Press Then and Now is a partnership between Maryland Humanities, the Maryland Historical Trust, Historic Annapolis, Afro Charities, the Tiny News Collective, and local partners, Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area and Museum of Eastern Shore Culture. Major funding for the project was provided by the Maryland Two-Fifty Commission.
About Maryland Humanities
Maryland Humanities creates and supports bold experiences that explore and elevate our shared stories to connect people, enhance lives, and enrich communities. Maryland Humanities is generously supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities; the State of Maryland; the Citizens of Baltimore County; private foundations; corporations; small businesses; and individual donors. Connect with Maryland Humanities on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, and YouTube.