Events Celebrate 150 Years Since Maryland's Emancipation

Marking 150 years since Maryland’s Emancipation, the Annapolis Commission on Maryland’s Constitution of 1864 and the Abolishment of Slavery will host events throughout October that highlight Annapolis’s unique Civil War history.

At the end of the American Civil War, Maryland slaves remained in servitude because President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation excluded the state. In 1864, however, the State of Maryland drew up a new constitution that outlawed slavery.

“This 150th anniversary celebration is to acknowledge and celebrate Maryland’s 3rd Constitution and the resultant abolishment of slavery, end of indentured servitude, the establishment of a statewide public school system, creation of the position of lieutenant governor, and other legislation that changed the face of Maryland forever,” Chair of the Annapolis 1864 Commission Janice Hayes-Williams explained in a release.

In partnership with the city of Annapolis, the commission will host the following event this month as a part of the 150th anniversary celebration:

• Encampment (1864 Re-enactment)
  Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Black Union soldiers explain life during the Civil War in an actual encampment. View Civil War artifacts and meet interpreters. Location – Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center, 1101 Smithville Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. Free Admission.
• Honoring our Ancestors
  Sunday, Oct. 26
  A day of prayer, reflection and remembrance. Location - Individual places of worship.
• Opening Week Reception – City of Annapolis Documentary Screening
  Monday, Oct. 27 from 6 to 8 p.m.
  A VIP reception will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. with the public reception and screening from 6 to 8 p.m. Location – Banneker Douglass Museum, 84 Franklin Street in Annapolis. Free Admission, but reservations are requested as space is limited.
• Exhibits & Lectures at the Maryland State Archives
  Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m.
  Join lecturer Anthony Cohen at the Maryland State Archives, 350 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis. Free admission but reservations are requested as space is limited.
• Giants: The Parallel Lives of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln
  Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.
  Lecture by Author John Stauffer, Ph.D Harvard University Professor. Location – St. John’s College, Francis Scott Key Auditorium in Annapolis. Free Admission but reservations are requested as space is limited.
• Theatre – “Four Women of Annapolis”
  Thursday, Oct. 30 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
  Scotti Preston, Interpreter. Location – Annapolis High School, 2700 Riva Road in Annapolis. Free Admission but reservations are requested as space is limited.
• Libation Ceremony with Ann Chin
  Friday, Oct. 31 at 6 p.m.
  Location – Susan Campbell Park in Annapolis. Free admission.
• Emancipation Day Proclaimed and Quilt Unveiling
  Saturday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m.
  With Joan M.E. Gaither, Ph.D. Location – Maryland State House, Old House at Delegates Chambers in Annapolis. Free Admission.
• Celebration and Awards Gala
  Saturday, Nov. 1 from 7 p.m. to midnight
  Award Categories: Richard Edison Israel, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Phebe R. Jacobsen, and Libertus Van Bokkelen. Location – Loews Annapolis Hotel, 126 West Street in Annapolis. Admission, $100 per person.

Tickets for all events are available for purchase online through the Historic Annapolis Foundation.

These programs are the result of a collaboration between the city of Annapolis and various local organizations like the Heritage Commission and the Historic Annapolis Foundation, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Maryland State Archives, Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center, The Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, and St. John’s College.

Any questions for the Annapolis Commission on Maryland’s Constitution of 1864 and the Abolishment of Slavery should be emailed to annapolis1864@gmail.com.

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