America’s 250th birthday is right around the corner—and Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore is rolling out a year-long celebration filled with history, stories, family fun, and unforgettable experiences. The Lower Shore—Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties—is coming together to honor our nation’s semiquincentennial with events that highlight the people, places, and pivotal moments that helped shape America.
From lectures and storytelling to historic tours, rotating exhibits, children’s activities, live shows, and dazzling fireworks, the Lower Shore 250 initiative brings communities together to reflect, learn, and celebrate.
Somerset County: A Proud Participant in the 250th Celebration
Somerset County is honored to be an active partner in the Lower Shore 250 celebration, bringing its own unique history, charm, and Chesapeake character to this once-in-a-lifetime milestone. As Maryland’s oldest county—and one of the most culturally rich corners of the Eastern Shore—Somerset offers a wide variety of programs and events that highlight its deep American roots and vibrant coastal communities.
Throughout 2026, visitors and locals can enjoy a calendar full of activities that reflect the county’s heritage, resilience, and natural beauty, including:
- Historic Tours
Explore the stories of Crisfield, Princess Anne, Smith Island, Deal Island, and surrounding towns. Guided tours and self-paced adventures along the Chesapeake Byways will spotlight centuries-old architecture, maritime traditions, and local legends that shaped Somerset’s place in American history. Events like the Holiday Historic House Tour hosted by the Somerset County Historical Society will feature homes that are 250 years and older.
- Waterfront Celebrations & Cultural Festivals
From seafood festivals to traditional Chesapeake events like Skipjack Racing hosted by the Skipjack Heritage Museum, Somerset County’s shoreline communities will come alive with music, family fun, and demonstrations from our watermen—all celebrating the region’s deep connection to the Bay and our working shorelines.
- Educational Programs & Exhibits
Learn more about Somerset County’s role in early America through exhibits like the SPARK! Exhibit at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, working boat and watermen displays at the Skipjack Heritage Museum in Chance and the role of the oyster and crab industries at the J. Millard Tawes Museum and Crisfield Heritage Foundation. Stay tuned for presentations and cultural experiences hosted by local entities like Teackle Mansion in Princess Anne and the Smith Island Cultural Center.
- Family-Friendly Events All Year Long
Community gatherings, hands-on children’s activities, storytelling sessions, and seasonal celebrations will bring people of all ages together to honor 250 years of American spirit. Join us for a Community Day at Teackle Mansion on April 12, 2026.
Somerset County’s history is woven into the story of our nation—from its earliest settlements to its time-honored Chesapeake traditions. The 250th anniversary offers the perfect opportunity to discover (or rediscover) the people, places, and moments that make Somerset such a meaningful part of Maryland’s past and future.
Plan Your Visit to Somerset for Lower Shore 250 Adventures
If you're ready to explore, learn, and celebrate this once-in-a-generation milestone, now is the perfect time to start planning your visit.
Discover Somerset County’s events, attractions, and celebrations at VisitSomerset.com.
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