Celebrate The 250th

★ Feature Story

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250 Years of American Independence

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming that thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to British rule. That bold act of courage launched the world's most enduring experiment in self-governance.

Two and a half centuries later, the United States marks its Semiquincentennial — a milestone celebrated across the nation with community events, historical reflections, and renewed patriotic pride.

The Declaration: Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, signed by 56 delegates representing the 13 original colonies.
The Constitution: Ratified in 1788, it remains the world's oldest written national constitution still in active use.
The Bill of Rights: Added in 1791, guaranteeing fundamental freedoms that define American life to this day.
Growth of a Nation: From 13 colonies and 2.5 million people to 50 states and over 335 million Americans strong.
America 250: The official federal commission has planned commemorations throughout 2026, including events in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and communities nationwide.

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Southern Maryland Celebrates

Southern Maryland has its own deep roots in American history. Calvert County was established in 1654, making it one of the oldest counties in the nation. St. Mary's City — Maryland's first capital — was founded in 1634, just 142 years before the Declaration was signed.

This summer, communities across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties are hosting events to honor the nation's 250th birthday:

Fireworks displays at waterfront parks across the tri-county area on and around July 4th.
Historical walking tours of St. Mary's City and Port Tobacco, two of Maryland's earliest colonial settlements.
Community festivals featuring live music, local food vendors, and family activities.
Veterans ceremonies honoring those who have served to protect American freedoms across 250 years.
Flag retirement ceremonies hosted by local American Legion and VFW posts throughout the region.

Check local town websites and community boards for specific dates, times, and locations near you.

Did you know?

Americans will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in July 2026, and the word “semiquincentennial” may come up in conversation during those celebrations.

Some people may not be familiar with the term and what it means. A semiquincentennial is the 250th anniversary of something. It breaks down to “half” of a “quincentennial,” which is 500 years. Synonyms may include sestercentennial, bisequicentennial or quartermillennial. Each term refers to a period of 250 years.

It's a rather large word for a simple meaning, but people are bound to hear more of it as 2026 goes on and Independence Day is celebrated on July 4.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

★ Declaration of Independence · July 4, 1776 ★

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4th of July Safety Tips

Leave professional fireworks to licensed displays — attend a community show instead of lighting your own.
Keep pets indoors during fireworks; the noise causes extreme anxiety for animals.
Stay hydrated — summer heat and outdoor celebrations can lead to dehydration quickly.
Designate a sober driver if your celebration includes alcohol.
Apply sunscreen early and reapply every two hours at outdoor events.
Never leave children unattended near sparklers or open flames.

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Classic American Cookout Menu

Grilled burgers & hot dogs — the all-American staple
Maryland blue crab — a local Southern MD tradition
Corn on the cob — grilled with Old Bay butter
Red, white & blue fruit salad — strawberries, bananas, blueberries
Potato salad — creamy or mustard-based, your call
Apple pie — the quintessential American dessert

“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.”

★ Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States ★

★ Celebrate 250

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What to Collect for America’s 250th

The nation's 250th birthday is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone — and a golden opportunity for collectors. Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or a first-time memorabilia enthusiast, 2026 is producing a wealth of commemorative items worth holding onto.

Coins & Currency
The U.S. Mint is releasing a special America 250th commemorative coin series throughout 2026, including gold, silver, and clad editions. The quarters program will feature designs honoring pivotal moments in American history. These are expected to become highly sought-after over time — pick up rolls directly from your bank or order proof sets from the U.S. Mint at usmint.gov.

Stamps
The U.S. Postal Service is issuing a dedicated Semiquincentennial stamp collection. First-day-of-issue cancellations from July 4, 2026 will be especially prized by philatelists. Visit your local post office or usps.com to secure full sheets.

Official Merchandise
The America250 Foundation has licensed a line of commemorative items — from ornaments and prints to pins and apparel — bearing the official 250th mark. Items purchased in 2026 and kept in original packaging will hold their value best.

Local & Regional Pieces
Don't overlook Southern Maryland's own commemorative offerings. Items from St. Mary's City, Historic St. Mary's County, and local museums will carry the charm of community memory alongside national significance.

Newspapers & Publications
Save the front pages from July 4, 2026. Local papers, including Southern Maryland editions, will produce collector editions that document this historic milestone. Store them flat in acid-free sleeves for long-term preservation.

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DIY Patriotic Craft: Mason Jar Flag Lanterns

This simple craft makes a stunning centerpiece for your 4th of July table or front porch, and kids love making them. Each jar glows with red, white, and blue — a perfect tribute to 250 years of American spirit.

What You Need:

3 clean glass mason jars (quart size works best)
Red, white, and blue tissue paper or Mod Podge tint
Mod Podge (matte finish)
A foam brush
Battery-operated LED tea lights or fairy lights
Star stickers or star-shaped hole punch (optional)
Twine or ribbon in patriotic colors

How to Make Them:

Tear tissue paper into small pieces (roughly 1–2 inches).
Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the outside of the jar.
Press tissue paper pieces onto the jar, overlapping slightly. Work in sections.
Apply another coat of Mod Podge over the top to seal. Let dry completely (about 30 minutes).
Optionally, use star stickers as resist stencils before applying tissue paper, then peel them off when dry to reveal clear star shapes.
Tie twine or ribbon around the jar neck in a bow.
Drop in an LED tea light or a short strand of battery fairy lights.

Display Tip: Line three jars in red, white, and blue along your front steps or windowsill for a festive glow after dark. They also make wonderful gifts for neighbors and friends celebrating the holiday.

Make It a Memory: Have kids sign the bottoms of their jars with a permanent marker and the date — July 4, 2026 — so these lanterns become keepsakes from America's 250th birthday.

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★ Classic All-American Apple Pie

Nothing says America like a golden, flaky apple pie cooling on the windowsill. This timeless recipe has been passed down through generations — and it's the perfect centerpiece for your 250th birthday celebration table.

Makes one 9-inch pie | Serves 8 | Prep: 45 min | Bake: 50–60 min

For the Crust (double crust)

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
6–8 tbsp ice water

For the Filling

6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp blend)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp brown sugar
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 egg + 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
1 tbsp coarse sugar (for topping)

Directions

Make the crust: Whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-size butter pieces remaining. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Divide in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or overnight).
Prepare the filling: Peel, core, and slice apples into ¼-inch slices. Toss with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes so the juices release.
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch drips.
Roll out the bottom crust on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, letting the edges hang over. Refrigerate while you prepare the top crust.
Fill the pie: Pour the apple mixture into the chilled crust, mounding slightly in the center. Dot with the small butter pieces.
Top the pie: Roll out the second disc and lay over the filling. Trim edges to a ½-inch overhang, fold under, and crimp decoratively. Cut several vents in the top crust. For a patriotic touch, use star-shaped cookie cutters on the top crust instead of a solid lid.
Egg wash & sugar: Brush the top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a beautiful golden finish.
Bake: Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 30–40 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
Cool: Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly.

Baker’s Tips: The key to a flaky crust is keeping everything cold — cold butter, ice water, and chilled dough. For extra flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to your ice water. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a small flag for the full patriotic experience. Happy 250th, America! ★