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For the first time since it was originally produced in 1985, new sites have been added to the tour, increasing the total number of stops from 24 to 29. Significant sites of African American history have been added, including Jane’s United Methodist Church, the Levi Rogers House, and the properties of Thomas Cuff at 104, 106, and 108 Cannon Street. Vernacular houses, which were missing from previous versions of the tour are also now part of the tour.
All the additions have stories to tell of how people lived in Chestertown in earlier eras, to offer “a deeper look at the town of Chestertown, how it grew, and how it’s changed over time,” in the words of Ashley Flory, who, along with Michelle Carroll, and Barbara Jorgenson collaborated on the project, with special assistance from Carol Combs.
The revised tour brochures were printed with the generous support of the Kent County Department of Tourism and Economic Development, and are available at the Office of Tourism, the Visitor’s Center on Cross Street, and the Bordley History Center, at 301 High Street.
The original architectural tour was commissioned by the Town of Chestertown and written by local historian Robert J.H. Janson-LaPalme. Kathleen White assisted with research, and Bill Ingersoll served as Project Coordinator. The text was subsequently edited in October 2000, and in January 2016.
Please call (410) 778-3499 or email director@kentcountyhistory.org to inquire about setting up a guided tours for your group.
Upcoming:
A new exhibit, the first of its kind in Kent County, explores the heretofore invisible Jewish history in Kent County through the lives of some of the few Jewish families who came to Kent County in the early 1900s. Drawing on first-person narratives and primary-source research, the exhibit will explore why these families chose Kent County, how they sustained their cultural and religious traditions, what it meant to grow up Jewish in an isolated rural setting that was sometimes hostile and sometimes warm, and how later generations carried these experiences into the wider world.
A full weekend of related events will begin with an opening reception on October 3. On October 4, pianist Susan Hollins, who grew up in Millington and whose family is featured in the exhibit, will present a concert titled Jewish Composers of the Immigration Era, with guest artist Nevin Dawson.
To close out the weekend on October 5, a panel discussion will delve into Jewish history in Kent County with Executive Director of the Jewish Museum of Maryland Sol Davis, former Chestertonian and one of the founders of the Chestertown Havurah group Margie Elsberg, and others.
We hope that this exhibit will inspire us to delve into the hopes and dreams – not just of these families – but of other ethnic and immigrant communities among us in Kent County. We honor their presence.
Bordley History Center, 301 High Street, Chestertown
With pianist Susan Hollins and guest artist Nevin Dawson
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 N. Cross Street, Chestertown
Kent Cultural Alliance, 101 Spring Street, Chestertown
Drop in for a new season of Lunch & Lore, our brown bag lunchtime series featuring informal history conversations, featuring a rotating cast of expert guests, each bringing their own stories, insights and expertise in Kent County lore.
September 4: Joan Andersen – Spy Stories
September 18: Stephanie Gosman – Tidbits from the Museums of Kent
October 2: Darius Johnson & Kate Livie – 5 Amazing Facts About Kent County from Two Locals
October 16: Karen Somerville – The Life and Times of Perry & Clara Anderson of Still Pond
October 30: Amber Englebach – Secrets from Mount Olivet Cemetery
November 6: Darran Tilghman – River Lore
November 20: Airlee Johnson – topic TBA
December 4: Bill Leary – African American history
December 18: Captain Andy McCown – topic TBA
In 1940, the Kent and Queen Anne’s Hospital Auxiliary produced a silent, black and white film about Chestertown to raise funds for the expansion of the local hospital. It’s a treasure trove of scenes from local life in pre-World War II Kent County, from streetscapes to fashion, people, businesses, celebrations, and pastimes. A highlight is the children’s pet parade complete with dogs in bonnets, kittens, goats, a duck and at least one raccoon, and more.
A “sequel” from 1995 shows Kent County with a thriving economy beginning to focus on heritage tourism, and includes narration and recognition of Kent County notables whose contributions to the community are still well-remembered, including longtime mayors Elmer Horsey and Margo Bailey, among many others. A number of locals share memories and provide their perspectives on Chestertown’s history including clips from and commentary on the 1940 film, and their thoughts about where we’ve been, and where they see the community going as of 1995.
Join us on September 14 for a screening of the 1995 film, including the best of Chestertown, Maryland: A Classic American Town on the Chester River, 1940.
The Historical Society of Kent County Library collection includes thousands of items pertinent to regional history including reference works, manuscript collections, documents, ledgers, maps, genealogies, cemetery records, photographs, and oral histories.
Learn MoreThe Historical Society of Kent County always welcomes new members. You do not have to live locally to join; a number of our members support our efforts from afar. If you are a resident, however, we hope you will not only become a member, but join us at our events and activities, or consider volunteering. We offer a welcoming venue for community involvement for all ages. A donation of $25 is required for an individual membership, and a donation of $40 is required for a family membership. Student memberships are free.
