Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience

08/27/2026

As part of Stewarding Our Shared Stories: An Intimate Conversation, we’re excited to welcome Darius Johnson, Project Director for Chesapeake Heartland: An African American Humanities Project!

A scholar-practitioner focused on public history, historic preservation, community development, and philanthropy, Darius is dedicated to strengthening communities through cultural heritage and storytelling.

A Kent County native, he leads efforts to preserve and share the rich history of African American life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore while building partnerships that connect local stories to a broader American narrative.

Join Darius and fellow museum and cultural leaders as they discuss the importance of preserving Black history, fostering collaboration, and ensuring our shared stories continue to inspire future generations.

RSVP ➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGy_l9OUz85EbFeJTXwrsMsiGOooTEDZB6PxCvLNO9z9dGhA/viewform

08/26/2026

Join us on Thursday, August 27 at 10:30 AM for the unveiling of a new historical marker honoring Isaac Mason and his 1846 journey to freedom from enslavement in Kent County.

📍 Corner of Spring Avenue & Calvert Street
🕥 10:30–11:15 AM
No RSVP required

Please note temporary road closures in the area from 9:30 AM–12:15 PM.

We hope you’ll join us for this important moment in Chestertown’s history.

08/26/2026

Curious about this new historical marker in downtown Chestertown — currently wrapped in mystery?

You're invited to come and see it unveiled tomorrow, 10:30 AM at the corner of Spring St. and Park Row.

Hint: it's the culmination of 20 years of research by Starr Center students — unearthing an incredible Underground Railroad story that happened near that very spot.

That story will be shared at tomorrow's event, in collaboration with the Maryland Historical Trust and the Maryland Department of Transportation.

08/26/2026

The Explore Orientation for Sail the Sultana: History on the Water was organized by Starr Center's Victoria Barnett-Woods in partnership with . VP of Education Chris Cerino shared the indigenous history of the region at the Holt Education Center. Students learned firsthand the long view of our Chesapeake's watershed and ecosystem. The incoming freshman sailed down the Chester River on an 18th-century reproduction of a Royal Navy schooner, Sultana. They camped for one night up on Langford Creek where they played lawn games like cricket and graces and experienced a night hike under the stars. The sunset was truly spectacular, a warm welcome to Washington College!

08/26/2026

Singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and cultural icon Dolly Parton passed away today at the age of 80. Dolly's larger-than-life career spanned decades, as she rose to become one of the most recognizable figures in American culture while donating hundreds of millions of dollars over her lifetime to fund scientific research, literacy initiatives, and free books for children. National Geographic photographer Jodi Cobb captured Parton in her first decade of stardom for our May 1978 feature on Nashville’s vibrant culture. Here are some of those archival images—including several that have never been published before.

See our archival photographs of the country music legend and read about her extraordinary life: https://on.natgeo.com/q63say

08/26/2026

Meet the Panelists | Jaelon T. Moaney

As part of Stewarding Our Shared Stories: An Intimate Conversation, we’re pleased to welcome Jaelon T. Moaney, Deputy Director of the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience!

A proud Eastern Shore native and nationally recognized cultural stewardship leader, Jaelon is dedicated to elevating the people, places, and narratives that have shape our rural region with purposeful nuance. His work spans legislative advocacy, historic preservation, public memory, and civic engagement.

Appointed in 2023 by Governor Wes Moore as the youngest member of the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture, Jaelon was unanimously re-elected for a second consecutive term as Vice Chair of the State agency in 2026. His lineage on the Delmarva Peninsula traces back over three centuries, including ancestors who helped found the free Black kinship communities of Unionville, Copperville and the Hill in Easton. Through restorative scholarship and authentic partnerships, Jaelon is helping ensure that local legacies remain a vital part of our shared American story.

Join Jaelon and fellow practitioners as they explore the importance of centering Black histories, strengthening collaboration, and building deeper connections across generations.

RSVP ➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGy_l9OUz85EbFeJTXwrsMsiGOooTEDZB6PxCvLNO9z9dGhA/viewform

08/26/2026

Hogan Institute Announces Initial Programming at Washington College ...Read more at https://chestertownspy.org/2026/08/26/hogan-institute-announces-initial-programming-at-washington-college/

08/26/2026

08/24/2026