The Maryland Mosaic and the 250th Anniversary of the U.S.
How did we build the Maryland Mosaic?
The Mosaic was created with three overarching purposes.
- To explore Maryland as a border state, using historical events, issues and resources.
- To be a statewide project; it includes entries from all 23 counties and Baltimore City.
- To promote the role of Maryland in the evolution of the United States as a small state with a BIG history.
The Mosaic offers statewide participation in the nation’s 250th birthday. Each of the 23 counties and Baltimore City will has at least one Mosaic Piece in the completed collection. Participating counties can use that Piece as a springboard to show off other local history and, thanks to a common branding, can connect all across the state.
Because Maryland is not a consistent story of progress and achievements, we have been first at some things we regret. It is important to acknowledge and approach historical examples through a variety of lenses. The selection of Mosaic Pieces will continue to be curated by a diverse group of historians, museum directors and community leaders, who together will work to produce a vibrant, representative and accessible picture of our state.,
Our Values
Vision
The Maryland Mosaic will become an essential historical resource for our state and an important contribution to the nation’s 250th anniversary. It will lay a foundation for Maryland’s 400th anniversary in 2034.
Mission
The Maryland Mosaic is a collection of “firsts in the nation” that shows the reach of a small state with a big history.
The 1780 Maryland Statehouse is the oldest continuously used state capitol in the nation.
The Maryland Mosaic and
The Maryland Two Fifty Commission
The Maryland Two Fifty Commission, created by Executive Order by Governor Wes Moore on July 3, 2024, is charged with developing, encouraging, and executing a statewide commemoration of America’s 250th birthday through 2026. Based on three themes — history, civics, and service — the Commission is tasked with executing an inclusive observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of America, recognizing all Marylanders’ struggle for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness since the Revolution.
On April 16, 2024, the Commission voted to adopt and promote the Maryland Mosaic, a digital collection of 150+ national firsts that happened in Maryland. With the adoption of the Mosaic, the Commission is creating a statewide network of Mosaic Partners, historical and cultural organizations that preserve and promote each Mosaic Piece to the Maryland public. This gives Mosaic Partners a common network and brand for the 250th and will offer promotional opportunities for sites, events, and stories. Partners are invited to apply for small grant funding.
There is no cost to be a Mosaic Partner, and Partners may decide how they will showcase their first(s) through 2026 and beyond. Partners are encouraged to launch 250th related programs, events, and exhibits, and are invited to incorporate additional historical information about Mosaic Pieces. Travis Clatterbuck, Travis.Clatterbuck@Maryland.gov is the contact for Mosaic Partners.
The Commission works closely with partners including local 250 Commissions, the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, the Maryland Commission for Women, the Maryland Association of Counties, and the Maryland Municipal League.
Commission initiatives include a small grants program which funds Citizen Academies, Maryland Two Fifty Fellows paid internships, and Inclusive History research, programs, projects, events, and exhibits. Planning is in process for a statewide professional baseball partnership, MD Two Fifty regional festivals, and a statewide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Military in 2025.
The Commission website features a statewide events calendar, stories, and historic places. The grants page offers information about Maryland Two Fifty small grants and federal, state, Heritage Area, and private funding sources suitable for 250th projects. In addition to grant funding, the Commission offers support including virtual statewide convenings of stakeholders every six weeks, monthly virtual office hours, a monthly newsletter, social media, and a customized logo for co-branding.
We invite you to learn more about Maryland Two Fifty small grants and programs at the Maryland Two Fifty website, mdtwofifty.maryland.gov, or contact Director Michele W. Johnson, Michele.Johnson1@Maryland.gov
Contribute to the Mosaic
Maryland’s history is a reflection of the complex history of America. The Pieces have a diversity that involves the whole state and we can freely explore without restriction the complex and contradictory events that have happened here.
Do you have a Maryland first you would like us to consider? If so, please use the button below to share your first on the form provided. We will be back to you. Help us be “first in the nation.”
