Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience

06/02/2026

Conducting an archaeological dig is meticulous work!

Dr. Julie Markin from Archaeology Department and her summer Archaeology Field School students are hard at work...digging and documenting! Each layer must be photographed and tagged as it is uncovered before the elements alter the soil's color and texture. Students are learning about and participating in every aspect of the archaeological dig process.

06/02/2026

The Eastern Shore chapters of the League of Women Voters are encouraging voters to use online election resources ahead of Maryland's June 23 primary election.

06/01/2026

05/28/2026

As seen on CSPAN. Larry Hogan, the former governor of Maryland, announced the launch of the Hogan Institute while delivering the commencement address at Washington College on May 17.

Mr. Hogan, who has said he will not seek public office again, said the institute will focus on helping students better understand political systems and develop leadership skills.

05/28/2026

Join us on Saturday, May 30, for an archeological dig at the Custom House. Field work occurs between 9:00 am and 2:30 pm. Come for all or only part of the day.

Curious about what history lies beneath your feet? Ever wonder what people ate in the 18th century? If these are questions you'd like answered, join Washington College at the Custom House in Chestertown, Maryland. The Custom House is an early colonial residence and mercantile establishment that likely played a role in the Atlantic slave trade. Join us in uncovering the many layers of this important site. Participants under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult [one adult may accompany two children].

If you are interested in learning more about the Eastern Shore's early history, follow this link so we can send you more detailed information:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLw28Lx2pFN2MygbR89zIOMGGKitJMy9U8kkOA6rgghZGVuA/viewform?usp=header

05/27/2026

05/21/2026

Introducing the 2026 Explore America Summer Cohort!! The Explore America program advances Washington College’s mission of civic engagement by helping students put the tools of their liberal arts education to work, making positive change in the world beyond campus.

With the help of many campus partners, this year we have awarded opportunities to 27 students, representing 15 different majors, 13 minors, and all four class years.

Funding this year has come from an array of outside donors, as well as via the College’s own Cater Society of Junior Fellows, Goldstein Program in Public Affairs, Holstein Ethics Program, and Institute for Religion, Politics, and Culture.

Heartfelt thanks to the many faculty and staff who have encouraged students to apply, offered references, served on the selection committee, developed institutional partnerships, and collaborated in a myriad of ways.

We encourage any students who applied but did not receive an award to try again next year, as we continue working to make this opportunity available to as many students as possible. Congratulations again to the 2026 Explore America interns. Have a terrific summer!

05/20/2026

05/20/2026

CHESTERTOWN — A historical marker commemorating James Taylor, a 23-year-old Black man lynched in 1892, was unveiled Sunday on Cross Street near the courthouse. The marker, erected by the James

05/20/2026

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Washington College is launching a new initiative aimed at renewing the principles that have long guided American democracy. The Hogan Institute at Washington College, announced by former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan at the 243rd Commencement is being....