About
In October 2021, the Historic St. Mary's City Fort to 400 Commission was authorized by the General Assembly (
Chapter 688, Acts of 2021).
The Commission coordinates the planning and implementation of activities and events to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Maryland; promotes the identification, documentation, and preservation of historical and cultural resources related to the founding; and assists in protecting, improving, and developing existing educational and interpretive institutions, sites, and museums in promoting the 400th anniversary. The Commission also will ensure development of a model social studies curriculum on the founding of Maryland; promote nationally and internationally the commemoration of the founding; and ensure that commemorative activities, events, and products provide lasting value and public benefits beyond the celebration of the founding. In addition, the Commission is to secure support and financial resources to implement the events and activities that it plans, including the formation of an appropriate legal entity. Moreover, the Commission will provide leadership for and coordinate economic development opportunities in and around St. Mary’s City to promote the region for future generations.
Nineteen members constitute the Commission. The Governor appoints five members, and the Senate President and House Speaker each appoint two members. One member each represents the Commission on African American History and Culture; the Commission on Indian Affairs; the Historic St. Mary’s City Commission; the Maryland Rediscovery 400 Initiative; and St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Five members serve ex officio (Code State Government Article, sec. 9-3301 through 9-3307).
Authorization for the Commission ends September 30, 2035.
Plan of Action for Commemoration of 400th Anniversary of Founding of Maryland to Governor & General Assembly due Sept. 1, 2022 (
Chapter 688, Acts of 2021).
Members
- Brian K. Norris, Chair (chosen by Governor)
- Appointed by Governor: Michael R. Alderson, Jr.; Mary A. Harms; Barbara A. Ives; Dr. Tuajuanda C. Jordan; Julian Blacklock Wills III.
- Appointed by Senate President: John D. (Jack) Bailey; Arthur Ellis.
- Appointed by House Speaker: Brian M. Crosby; Marc A. Korman.
- Representing Historic St. Mary's City Commission: Dr. John L. Seidel, Executive Director
- Representing Maryland Rediscovery 400 Initiative: Lucille Walker, Executive Director, Destination Southern Maryland
- Representing Commission on African American History & Culture: Chanel Compton, Executive Director, Banneker-Douglass Museum
- Representing Maryland Department of Transportation: Dr. Julie Schablitsky, Chief of the Cultural Resources Division
- Representing Maryland Historical Trust, Maryland Department of Planning: Elizabeth Hughes, Director/State Historic Preservation Officer
- Representing Commission on Indian Affairs: one vacancy
- Hilary Dailey, Tourism Program Specialist, Calvert County Department of Economic Development
- Ashley Chenault, Chief of Tourism, Explore Charles County
Ex officio: Helene T. Grady, Secretary of Budget & Management; Kevin A. Anderson, Secretary of Commerce; Josh Kurtz, Secretary of Natural Resources; Rebecca Flora, Secretary of Planning; Paul Wiedefeld, Secretary of Transportation.
Meetings:
- Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Call-in Number: +1 401-753-9425 PIN: 510 907 368#
Staff
c/o Office of Tourism & Film
Division of Marketing, Tourism & the Arts
Department of Commerce
World Trade Center Baltimore, 14th floor, 401 East Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 767-6331
