Exploring Maryland Topics

Events

1. Baltimore and the War of 1812
   The role of privateers built in Baltimore in America's Second War of Independence.

2. Maryland Tea Parties
   An inside look at the causes and forces at work that led to the third "tea party" during the American Revolution.

3. Pirates on the Chesapeake!
   John Paul Jones and Blackbeard - which was the pirate and which the privateer? A look at pirates on the Chesapeake during the Revolutionary War.

4. Maryland in the Civil War: Signaling an Invasion
   How armies communicated during the Civil War that was fought in part on Maryland soil.

5. Old Pride to New Pride: Combating the Dangers at Sea The original Pride of Baltimore tragically sank in 1986, but was soon followed by Pride II. Here is the inside story.

Special Places

1. Islands of the Chesapeake
   How would you like to ride a "school boat" to school? A look at life on these unique places in Chesapeake Bay.

2. St. Maryland's First Capital: Discovering a Lost City
   You can rediscover the size and shape of Maryland's original capital through archeology.

Transportation

1. All Aboard! Trains In, Around, and Through Maryland
   The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, America's first, along with other railroads linked the port of Baltimore with the nation and the world. And made Maryland great.

2. The National Road: All Roads Led to Baltimore
   First proposed by George Washington and built by Thomas Jefferson, the National Road was Maryland's first permanent link to the west.

3. Canals vs. Railroads: The Transportation Race!
   In the 19th century, canals and railroads competed fiercely to become the dominate mode of transportation. Find out who won - you may be surprised!

4. Shipbuilding on the Chesapeake - Maryland's First Industry
   From colonial times through World War II, Maryland was a leader in building ships that brought the wonders of the world to her door.

Environmental Concerns

1. The Chesapeake Bay: Great Basin of the East
   Litter that falls on a schoolyard anywhere in Maryland is likely to wind up floating in Chesapeake Bay. See how the Bay ties all of Maryland together.

2. Wetlands and their Inhabitants
   To some, they are just swamps and bogs. To the birds and wildlife that live there, wetlands are home. To all of us, they are indispensable sources of life and richness.

Economic Factors

1. Life in the Canneries at the Turn of the Century
   During the early years of this century, children and newcomers to America were like to spend long days in the many canneries of Baltimore and outlying rural areas. Find out what it was like.

2. Wheat and Tobacco - Crops that Built a State
   Between the Revolutionary War and 1840, the basis for Maryland's agricultural economy shifted from growing tobacco to growing wheat. Play a game to decide who won and who lost.

3. Westward Ho: Population Shifts between 1790 and 1840
   Maryland's population moved west after the Wars of Independence. You can chart the movement and analyze the causes.

Special Groups

1. On the Block in Baltimore: From Slavery to Freedom
   Slavery from a child's point of view - on a tobacco plantation in St. Mary's County or a blacksmith shop in Annapolis.

2. Maryland's Watermen: End of an Era
   The life style of Maryland's watermen (and women) has always added a special attraction and color to our state. But the era is ending for a variety of reasons. Find out some.

3. Maryland Indians: A Day in the Life of....
   The lives of Native American men and women were very different during colonial times. But they shared many life sustaining secrets with the colonist - some of which we eat today.

4. Port of Baltimore: Gateway for an Immigration Explosion
   Exceed Ellis Island in number of immigrants processes in some years, the port of Baltimore was the gateway for waves of newcomers to America. Some stayed, but many more continued west.

Archaeology

1. Ancient Treasure in the Back Yard: A Story about Archaeology
   A visit to Jefferson Patterson Park opens the eyes of youngster to the value of some "funny looking stuff" found while gardening in the front lawn.

Just for Fun

1. Chesapeake Excursions: More than a Boat Ride
   Families have always enjoyed short trips on Chesapeake Bay - from 1813 to 1999. You can examine ten excursions and use scientific methods to analyze which was most efficient. And choose which was most fun.