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.
What is the Maryland Mosaic?
The Maryland Mosaic is a collection of mosaic pieces, each of which is a unique contribution from Maryland to the nation’s evolution. A Mosaic piece is a person, place, event, object, document, or building that initially took place in Maryland but affected the whole nation. The resulting virtual almanac represents collaborations with communities, cultural and historical organizations, historians, and Maryland citizens.
Maryland is a border state with influences from both north and south, east and west. The resulting tensions have created conflict, spurred military hostility, developed the largest free black urban population prior to 1860, produced great diversity, and generated creativity. Many things happened here that would not have taken place elsewhere in the Republic.
How will we build the Maryland Mosaic?
The Maryland Mosaic offers statewide participation in the nation’s 250th birthday. Each of the 23 counties and Baltimore City will have 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.
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.”
