The Tricentennial ended in 1996. This site archives that history.

PG Tricentennial Prince George's County
Celebrates 300 years of history 1696-1996

Tricentennial UPDATE
April 1996
Prince George's County's 300th birthday celebration has begun. A lot has already happened and there's still plenty of fun to be had. As you know, April is the county's founding month and it promises to be a very busy time in the Celebration Office. The refore, the next edition of UPDATE will likely not be out until May. (Hopefully the dust will have settled and the confetti will be swept away by then!)


What's Happening in April . . .

Maryland Public Television To Debut County Historical Film

Maryland Public Television will broadcast a major documentary film about the history of Prince George's County at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10. The film, "Prince George's County: A 300-Year Journey," will also be made available to the Prince George's C ounty Schools for classroom use relating to the Tricentennial, with appropriate teacher guides prepared by MPT. The documentary will also be aired on county cable stations, and will be available at nominal cost to county residents. Corporate fundraising is almost complete.

Baseball at Prince George's Stadium

A season-long exhibit, "Rough Diamonds: The Mid-Atlantic Negro Leagues and Sandlot Heroes," will open at the Prince George's Stadium April 11, 1996. Support is coming from the Prince George's County Boys and Girls Club, the Bowie Baysox, Rips Park and th e Maryland Council for the Humanities. Other Tricentennial activities at the stadium include an old-timers baseball game and festive day-long event comprised of family activities, food, games and fun on July 6, 1996. M-NCPPC is coordinating. Contact: J ackie Gilbert at (301) 699-2516 and Gail Thomas at (301) 779-2011.

Office of the Sheriff Ball and Reunion Celebration

Sheriff Jimmy Aluisi and the sheriff's deputies have scheduled a dinner and sheriff's reunion for April 22, 1996, at Martin's Crosswinds, to mark the 300th anniversary of that office. The event will include continuous music, dancing, dining and open bar f rom 6-11 p.m. Black tie attire is optional and historic period costumes are welcome. For further information, call Cpl. Annette Meyer or Donna Montgomery at (301) 952-4320.

Founding Day Events

April 23, 1996, will see the court's reenactment of the signing into existence of Prince George's County 300 years ago, followed by travel to Upper Marlboro, a noontime parade of armed services units, veterans, R.O.T.C. and military bands, an Air Force fl y-over and a bell ringing throughout the county. Plans are being coordinated by Judge Richard Sothoron. For more information, call the Tricentennial Celebration Office at (301) 322-1996.

County's Anniversary Gala

The Tricentennial Celebration Gala will be held the evening of April 23, 1996, on the campus of the University of Maryland to mark the occasion of the county's founding. The evening's entertainment will include several local performers, Doc Scantlin and his orchestra, The Hubcaps and Gladys Knight. Event chairs are Brit Kirwan and Ted Howard. Presenting sponsors include Buck Distributing Company, Inc.; Industrial Bank, N.A.; PEPCO; and USAir Arena--further fundraising is well under way. Tickets are now on sale. For ticket information, call (301) 468-1695. Don't miss this elegant evening of dinner, dancing and entertainment!

"Women At Home in History" Symposium

A day-long symposium on the campus of Bowie State University will be held on Saturday, April 27, 1996. This event will focus on the history of women in Prince George's County, as well as career opportunities for the future. Content is planned to appeal to a student audience, as well as the general public. Brochures and reservation forms are available in the Tricentennial Celebration Office. Contact: Rita Bastek at (301) 868-4437.

What's Under Way . . .

1. Tricentennial Celebration On-Line Bulletin Board

The Tricentennial Celebration has taken a step into the future . . . into cyberspace. With listings coordinated by the Tricentennial Celebration Office, The University of Maryland has completed a Tricentennial home page on the Internet. To find the Tricentennial worldwide web page, log on at http://www.pghistory.org/PG/PG300.

2. Passports are Issued to County Travelers

Requests for Passports to History have been coming in daily. The Passport booklet describes publicly accessible Prince George's County historic sites, locations and hours of operation. After each site visit, participants have their Passport stamped--thos e collecting certain numbers of stamps are eligible for prizes, with those who visit all 16 sites during the Tricentennial eligible for a grand prize drawing for a trip to England! Thanks to our corporate sponsors, Maryland Cable and Jones Communications , Inc. To get your Passport and begin the journey, visit an historic site or call the Tricentennial Celebration Office at (301) 322-1996, TTY (301) 699-2544.

3. Signs are Pointing the Way to the Tricentennial

Tricentennial logo signs can be seen at all major highway entrances to the county, along with additional signs along county roads to remind residents and visitors about our 300 years of history. Thanks go to the Maryland State Highway Administration, the Prince George's County Department of Public Works and Transportation, and the Tricentennial sign project chairman, Mike Errico. As an added attraction, many sign sites also boast new plantings and beautification efforts thanks to the Gateway Plantings Com mittee chaired by Carolyn Billingsley and Mary Godfrey. The roadside wildflower plantings are in place for spring -- watch for new growth . . .

4. Prince George's County Commemorative License Plate on the Road!

After several months of headaches, hassles and misprints, the commemorative license plates can now be seen on the road! We appreciate the patience of those who ordered their plates beginning in July 1995. Special thanks to those at the Maryland Motor Ve hicle Administration and others who helped this project finally come to fruition.

5. Tricentennial Merchandise Now on Sale!

4. Agriculture Committee

A wonderful opening reception was held at the National Agricultural Library on January 25. In addition, the Prince George's County Department of Environmental Resources has developed four Geographical Information System maps showing the relationship betwe en land-use activities and water quality. These maps span the 300 years of the county, with one predicting the future. Through historic research and a model for pollutant loading, these maps approximate the effects of land use on water quality over time . The maps will be available to area schools. The United States Department of Agriculture has appointed a liaison to work with this committee and assist with event planning. The University of Maryland is also involved. Other agricultural committee pl ans include education and environmental initiatives, a symposium, a family farm project and a brochure listing agricultural resources in the county. Contact: Tom Bryant at (202) 462-9600, ext. 14.

5. Commodore Joshua Barney's Barge to Sail Again

The keel laying ceremony for a replica of one of the ships of the Chesapeake Bay Flotilla was held at the Bladensburg Marina, with State Comptroller Louis L. Goldstein driving the first spike. The ship now under construction will be an educational compon ent of the Historic Bladensburg Waterfront Park, and will be used to reenact events of the War of 1812. Assisting with construction is the Living Classrooms Foundation, which is working with students of Prince George's County Schools. M-NCPPC is coordin ating. Contact: Rich Dolesh at (301) 627-2270.

6. Arts Projects

The Prince George's County Arts Council has made 21 grants which are funding an interesting array of Tricentennial art projects. In addition, the Arts Council's 15th birthday will be celebrated in 1996 with a Tricentennial twist, in cooperation with the Bravo Network and Maryland Cable.

7. Invitation to the Queen

A letter inviting Queen Margaret of Denmark (from the family of Prince George) to participate in the Tricentennial was sent. As a result, one of the Princes of Denmark has already confirmed his attendance at several events. We are still awaiting word fr om the Queen.

8. State's Attorney's Celebration

Jack Johnson, State's Attorney for Prince George's County, has appointed a committee to prepare an exhibit celebrating 300 years of service to the community. The exhibit will be unveiled on June 23, 1996 -- the 300th anniversary of the State's Attorney's Office -- and move to sites throughout the county. If you have any relevant information, contact Marian Anderson at (301) 952-4627.

9. Public Safety Event

Public Safety Director Fred Thomas is chairing the effort for a Public Safety Tribute. With the backing of the police and fire chiefs as well as the county sheriff and the municipal chiefs association, the group is looking at getting the Marine Corps Ban d and other musical units at a Prince George's County site. Fireworks would cap off the evening. Corporate sponsorship is being pursued. Funds raised by the concert may be earmarked for a Prince George's County monument honoring fallen public safety of ficers.

10. Department of Corrections Celebrate County's Tricentennial

The Prince George's County Department of Corrections will celebrate the 300th anniversary in conjunction with their own Eighth Annual Corrections Awards Banquet. The event will be held at the Andrews Air Force Base Officers' Club on Friday, May 10, 1996 and will honor a number of special employees and volunteers for the department who exemplify the true spirit of public service and professionalism in the field. The luncheon will begin at noon with the celebration and awards immediately following. Indiv idual tickets may be purchased for $20. Corporate packages are also available. For more information, please contact Marilyn Derry at (301) 952-7151.

11. Municipalities Exhibit

The municipalities have completed work on their exhibit, and this collection of photographs and materials related to the history of our towns and cities is now touring throughout the county. Contact: Mayor Andrew Hanko at (301) 577-0256.

12. Bladensburg Day Celebration

Bladensburg Day 1996 is being planned and will be held at the Town Hall. Scheduled date is Saturday, September 21, 1996. Contact the Town of Bladensburg at (301) 927-7962.

13. UMd Summer Festival

The University of Maryland is including the Tricentennial in the summer 1996 Rossborough Festival for the creative and performing arts. A special Prince George's Night concert will be held as part of the International William Kapell Piano Competition and Festival in Tawes Theater. The Art Gallery at the University of Maryland will feature all three traveling Tricentennial Celebration exhibits during the summer, as well as special hours to attract the community.

14. Historic Train Excursions: The Tricentennial Express

Passenger train excursions through Prince George's County in autumn of 1996 are in continuing negotiations. Contact: Mike Brett at (301) 292-9006, or Dineene O'Connor at (301) 952-3573.

15. Traveling Troupe of Historical Reenactors

A cast of individual actors and actresses representing historical figures from different periods has been organized. Dressed in appropriate costumes, these people are available for bookings at various Tricentennial events. M-NCPPC is coordinating. Conta ct: Carolyn Bock at (301) 454-1459.

16. "The Magical Mystery History Museum," a 50-Minute Touring Musical Play for Young Audiences

This engaging musical play, written by Kathy Feininger and created by the award winning Washington Stage Guild under the artistic direction of John MacDonald was premiered at the Publick Playhouse in December 1995, where it took audiences on a whirlwind t our through 300 years of county history. "The Magical Mystery History Museum" is now touring schools as part of M-NCPPC's "Arts Alive!" In fact, January and February found the group performing at least once every school day (at least, every day that was not interrupted by snow)! Grants from the Maryland State Arts Council and other local sources such as recreation councils, private business and public service organizations greatly reduce nominal performance fees. To book for your organization or event , call the "Arts Alive!" booking manager at (301) 454-1453. M-NCPPC is coordinating. Contact: Cecil Thompson at (301) 454-1468.

17. Hymn and Choral Workshops, Massed Choir Concert

"Many Voices, One Song: 300 Years of the American Hymn and Choral Singing in Prince George's County" will be a year-long project of workshops and concerts bringing together many church choirs, choruses and vocal ensembles. Three Prince George's County co mposers--W.G. Stokes, Chris Patton and Ron Warren--have been commissioned to write works for joint concerts. The culminating event will be a massed choir sing at the ShowPlace Arena on November 17, 1996. Other confirmed dates include an October 5, 1996, performance at University of Maryland's Adult Education Center. M-NCPPC is coordinating. Project is funded. Contact: Dr. Carolyn Bock at (301) 454-1459, TTY (301) 454-1493.

18. Three Traveling Exhibits

Three different high-quality traveling exhibits will tour the county during 1996 on a rotating basis. Sites with high public visibility will be given priority. One exhibit will concentrate on Native Americans, the second on cultural diversity in the cou nty and the third will be a large crossword puzzle with facts about the county. M-NCPPC is coordinating. Project is funded. Contact: Carolyn Clemons at (301) 952-3670, TTY (301) 952-3756.

19. Inventory of African American Buildings, Properties and Communities

This project is continuing the identification and surveying of historic African American buildings, properties and communities in Prince George's County. An inventory of these cultural resources will be published and available in 1996. Production is con tinuing for publication of a book during 1996. M-NCPPC is coordinating. Project is funded. Contact: Susan Pearl at (301) 952-3521, TTY (301) 952-3756.

20. Festivals and Special Events

M-NCPPC is focusing on the Tricentennial at all 1996 festivals and special events. These include Kinderfest in October, the Hispanic Festival in October, Montpelier Festival in May, College Park Air Fair in September, Capital Gallery Exhibits, Black Hist ory Month programs in February, community days, summer playgrounds and day camps.

21. "This Week in History"

Research and copy writing is ongoing for Tricentennial tidbits used for weekly local newspaper columns and television public service announcements throughout 1996. Contact: John Walton at (301) 627-2270.

22. Tricentennial Births Honored

Dimensions Healthcare System welcomed the first 300 babies born in Prince George's County during the Tricentennial year. A certificate was presented to each baby and their family.

23. Beautification Projects

Citizens associations, garden clubs and service organizations have been asked to design their own beautification projects. Arrangements are being made with county nurseries and businesses to supply nursery products.

24. Heritage Center

The report from consultant Charles Lyle has been completed and copies sent to elected officials at the state and local levels. The proposal is being reviewed to determine whether the project is financially feasible, and what funding may exist. The revie w includes examination of the potential for private and public support.

25. Community Associations

All community associations in the county are encouraged to submit the history of their association to be included in a book entitled, "Prince George's County Community/Association Histories," which will be published during the Tricentennial year. A numbe r of histories have been received already but organizers are sure there are others out there just waiting to tell their stories. For more information (including a questionnaire), call Donna Schneider (301) 952-8539 or Mary Forsht-Tucker (301) 292-1993.

26. Messages to the Future

The Prince George's County shopping center marketing group has come forward to take on this project for the Tricentennial. Chaired by Margaret Hayes of Iverson Mall, the effort will include project promotion and Tricentennial displays at indoor shopping areas to encourage residents to pick up a Birthday Book page where Prince George's County residents can write a "letter to the future" -- information about their family history, heritage and hopes. By the end of 1996, these pages will be collected and re ady for placement in the Tricentennial time capsule.

27. School System Involvement

Dr. Louise Waynant is chairing the Prince George's County Schools' involvement. A commitment was given that materials and projects will be available for each school, and appropriate promotional efforts are being made with teachers, principals and others; "Teacher Teas" were held last fall to present Tricentennial information to all interested public and private school teachers. A Tricentennial coordinator was to be appointed at each county school. Contacts for the Tricentennial Celebration and the scho ol system are Anita Pesses (322-1996) and Dr. Patty Flynn (952-6333). Projects under way include:

28. County Library System Shares In The Spirit of Celebration

The Prince George's County Memorial Library System, celebrating an anniversary of its own this year, is selling limited edition prints of the WPA mural, "The Tobacco Cutters," which is featured in the historic Upper Marlboro Branch Library building. For more information on this or other facets of the library system's "50 Years of Books and Other Good Things" celebration, contact community relations director Natalie Weikart at (301) 699-3500.

29. Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage

The 59th Annual Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage Tour will return to Prince George's County on Saturday, May 4, 1996. A fine spring tradition, this tour receives statewide and national exposure. The Forest Garden Club will be working closely with th e Prince George's County Historical Society, private homeowners and M-NCPPC to assure a successful tour to celebrate the Tricentennial. Participants may start their tour at any of the 12 sites included on the tour: Belair Mansion, Belair Stables, Fairvi ew, Bowling Heights, Billingsley, Mt. Calvert, Weston, Trinity Church, Darnall's Chance, His Lordship's Kindness, Stawberry Hill and Dukeshire. Cost for the day is $20, or $5 per house. Tour books are now available at the 16 Passport to History sites and at other historic sites in the county. For more information call (301) 627-3677 or (301) 627-8622. Co-chairs are Wallis Hall Cain and Lynn Springer Roberts.

30. Celebration of Faith

The Celebration of Faith committee has surveyed the Prince George's County religious community and compiled a list of more than 67 faiths and 700 houses of worship. The Youth Initiative is focusing on an interactive symposium in three areas of the county ; an exhibition of music, drama, speech, art and technology; and a youth worship service. In addition, the committee is planning to publish a book on the history of the various houses of worship in the county. Letters have been sent to all houses of wor ship to ensure inclusion in the project. Contact: Mildred Ridgely Gray.

31. Official Tricentennial Parade

The Marlborough Day Parade has been designated the official Tricentennial parade, and will wind through the county seat community on May 11 as part of the Marlborough Day festivities. Contact: George Catloth at (301) 292-9006 or Toni Jarboe-Duley at (30 1) 627-1453.

32. Tricentennial Redevelopment Project

Discussions are being held regarding a Tricentennial redevelopment project in an inner-Beltway community. Spearheading this project are Pat Parker and Yvonne McGee.

33. Tricentennial Poster Competition

The Prince George's Arts Council sponsored its sixth bi-annual poster competition to celebrate the Tricentennial, with a design theme of "Arts for Change". The winning poster was designed by Prince George's County artist Barbara Bancroft. To get a copy of the poster, contact the Prince George's Arts Council at (301) 454-1455.

34. Postcards from Prince George's County

A contest was held to select photographs taken around Prince George's County. Selected entries will be exhibited at the Capital Gallery in the USAir Arena and at other sites throughout 1996. For more information, call (301) 454-1450, TTY (301) 454-1472.

35. Collected Profiles: An Oral History of Hispanics/Latinos in Prince George's County

This project will establish the rightful role that Hispanics and Latinos have played in the history of Prince George's County. The collection of profiles will record the contributions of this group to the county, and serve as an inspiration to future gen erations. For additional information, contact project chairwoman Sol del Ande Eaton at 4501 Havelock Rd., Lanham, MD 20706.

36. Tricentennial Youth Scholarships

Academic and vocational scholarships for Prince George's County youth will be funded with a percentage of net sales from various local businesses as part of this project. Funding is being sought. For more information, contact project chairwoman Sol del Ande Eaton at 4501 Havelock Rd., Lanham, MD 20706.

37. Tricentennial Sculpture

A monumental bronze sculpture is being created by renowned artist Raymond Kaskey, of Brentwood, and will be installed in front of the new addition to the County Courthouse in Upper Marlboro. For more information about this effort, contact Anne Palumbo, c oordinator of Prince George's County's Art in Public Places program, at (301) 292-4288.

38. Salute to African American Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients

A Memorial Day ceremony is being planned to honor three African American Prince George's County Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, including Civil War veteran Sergeant Thomas Boyne, at the Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery on May 27, 199 6. For more information, contact the event chair Richard Miller at (301) 567-6208.

39. Centennial Beer

Bob Hall, Inc., of Upper Marlboro, has pledged a Tricentennial donation of 25 cents for each case of "Michelob Centennial" beer sold in Prince George's County during 1996 -- which is also the 100th anniversary of Michelob beer.

40. Senior Citizen and Youth Fine Arts Competition and Exhibit

"Looking into the Future: Remembering the Past" is the theme for this year's senior citizens and youth fine arts competition and exhibit, a collaborative project of the Prince George's County Department of Family Services, M-NCPPC, the Prince George's Cou nty Public Schools and the University of Maryland University College. The exhibit is scheduled for April. For more information, call Theresa Grant at (301) 699-2696.

41. Art Exhibit and Poster Contest Celebrating African American Contributions

The Prince George's County Department of Environmental Resources, in partnership with the Prince George's County Public Schools, is sponsoring its annual art exhibit and poster contest in recognition of African Americans who have made significant contribu tions to Prince George's County's history. For more information, contact Joyce Beck at (301) 883-5952.

42. "Blacks in the Diaspora: Celebrating Our Cultural Heritage in Prince George's County"

Bowie State University was the site of a day-long event in February celebrating African American culture in the county, and featuring presentations on African roots, the African presence in the Caribbean, and a panel discussion of issues relevant to the d iasporic population in Prince George's County. Awards were presented to public school students selected for their winning essays, with cultural performances and "Diasporafest". For more information on other activities of the Caribbean Cultural Infusion Committee, contact Lorna Green at (301) 262-9032.

43. "Mary Surratt: An American Tragedy" Book Available During Tricentennial

Author Elizabeth Steger Trindal has written a biography of Mary Surratt, one of Prince George's County's most infamous residents. Fifteen years of research on Surratt, convicted co-conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and first woman to be executed by the federal government, has culminated in a fascinating hard-back publication with photographs. The book will soon be on sale in the Surratt House Museum gift shop for $26.96 (+ $2.25 postage if ordered by mail). Ms. Trindal will be availab le for book signings for your group or event. If interested, contact publicist Linda Moreau at Pelican Publishing, P.O. Box 3110, Gretna, LA 70053.

44. Tricentennial Cancellation Postmark

A Prince George's County 300th Anniversary Postmark will soon be running out of the Upper Marlboro post office. Machining problems kept the postmark from beginning its run in January, as originally planned, however, a run beginning sometime in March and continuing through the Tricentennial year is expected. Look for the postmark soon as another keepsake of this historic year!

45. Greenbelt Museum Announces Tricentennial Programs

As a Passport to History site, the Greenbelt Museum is hosting a number of special exhibits and events for the Tricentennial including the "Images and Voices of Greenbelt" exhibit and "The Stuff of Life: Material Culture in Greenbelt" lecture on Thursday, October 10. Both will be in the Greenbelt Community Center, 15 Crescent Road, with the exhibit open from 6:00 to 7:30 pm and the lecture immediately following. On Friday, October 18, there will be another opportunity to participate in the "Stuff of Lif e" lecture as well as a discussion of "The WPA in Maryland" at 7:00 pm, National Archives at College Park, 8601 Adelphi Road. All programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Greenbelt Museum and funded by a grant from the Maryland Humanities Council. F or more information, contact the Friends group at (301) 883-5542.

46. Prince George's County Monopoly Game Available

Discover the Kingdom of Prince George -- Prince George's County, Maryland, that is! The Good Knight Castle, a child safety village and children's museum, located at 11001 Rhode Island Avenue in Beltsville, has created a commemorative "monopoly-type" game to celebrate the Tricentennial. Without leaving hove, you and your children can become owners of over 30 county businesses. For more information on the game or other Good Knight Castle events, call (301) 595-3888 or (301) 595-8989.

47. Trees Planted to Honor Anniversary

Three trees with famous and historic significance to Prince George's County and Maryland will be planted by the Citizens Concerned for a Cleaner County (CCCC) group in recognition of the Tricentennial and 300 years of keeping the county clean, green and b eautiful. An Eleanor Roosevelt White Ash, an Edgar Allen Poe Hackberry and a Frederick Douglass White Oak will be planted at by school children at Rockledge Elementary School in Bladensburg. For more information, call John Brunner at (301) 883-5843.

48. U.S. Olympic Torch Visits Prince George's County

Twenty-three Prince George's County residents selected as "Community Heroes" by a U.S. Olympic judging committee will run with the Olympic torch through the county on its way to Atlanta, Georgia, the site of this summer's games. Specifics on date and rou te are still tentative but the event should take place in mid- to late June.

NOTE:

The next Tricentennial Celebration public meetings will be held at 7 p.m. on May 13 and July 1 at Bob Hall Distributors on Crain Highway in Upper Marlboro; everyone is welcome. For more information, call the Tricentennial Celebration Office at 322-1996, TTY 699-2544.

Tricentennial Goals:

1) To initiate, recognize, encourage and invigorate programs that celebrate the richness and diversity of our county's heritage.
2) To stimulate a sense of interest and excitement in our past, present and future.
3) To create a set of enduring artifacts to commemorate the Tricentennial.

Tricentennial Objectives:

1) To promote a favorable county image, with lasting impressions and benefits.
2) To educate the public through a variety of media presentations and public events.
3) To produce a body of printed and audiovisual materials as an archival resource.
4) To offer numerous events throughout the year.
5) To promote a sense of accomplishment and excitement about our future.
6) To strive to provide opportunities for inclusion of all Prince Georgians in this process and celebration, while promoting the county as a destination for regional tourism.

PLEASE NOTE:

Tricentennial Calendars of Events are now available! Call 322-1996, TTY 699-2544 to get your copy. . . and watch for our calendar updates on the Internet! (address given above)

Special thanks to the following for their generous contributions to the Prince George's County Tricentennial Celebration: Buck Distributing Company, Inc.; Industrial Bank, N.A.; PEPCO; and USAir Arena.
Prince George's Tricentennial Home page.

Support our county history by joining the Prince George's Co. Historical Society
These pages were created as a part of the 1996 PG County Tricentennial celebration. Additional history resources are listed on the bibliography page. These pages are not being updated. They are now located on the Prince George's County Historical Society's web site. Contact links: web site manager - Society information. You can search the entire site through this search form.:

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