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December 11, 2024

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

Education WC

Bluegrass, War in the Middle East, Gut Health, and Women Serial Killers Top WC-ALL’s List of Courses Offered in Spring

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Washington College’s Academy of Lifelong Learning’s (WC-ALL) invites the public to preview its spring semester courses ahead of the opening of the registration portal. 2025 will kick off with a bevy of classes that cover nearly every interest, from women serial killers and gut health to the history of the Chesapeake at first contact and regional winter food foraging. Other highlights include overviews of New Orleans Jazz and Maryland Bluegrass, law enforcement training, closer looks into the history of Kent County architecture, deep dives into comparative religion as well as the art of Spain, and a look into America’s 1970s top-secret war in Afghanistan.

The public is invited to Hynson Lounge in Hodson Hall to attend the Spring Showcase happening on Monday, December 16 to meet instructors and hear more about the more than 40 courses being offered in the new year. Doors open at 3 p.m.

Promising to offer something for everyone, WC-ALL courses are designed for people of all ages and are open to the public. All that is needed is a desire to learn. Most WC-ALL courses are held in classrooms on Washington College’s main campus, though a few make use of other locations. Some courses each semester are also delivered virtually.

Courses are offered in two terms, with most classes running one day a week for five to six weeks. Term 1 classes run January 26 through March 8. Term 2 classes will be in session March 16 through April 26.

In addition to the courses, special programs are also offered every semester and are a great option for those interested in getting a deep dive into a topic in just one session. Special program offerings announced for 2025 thus far include writing for joy with author Laura Oliver, a “Learn@Lunch” on the evolving role of philanthropy with Washington College Vice President for Advancement Susie Chase, and a history of Middle Eastern conflict with expert Bruce Riedel. Registration for those events is now live on WC-ALL’s website.

Course registration for the spring semester goes live at 5 p.m. EST on December 16 and will remain live through January 5. Early registration is encouraged as some courses have class size limits.

To enroll in a course, participants need to purchase a WC-ALL Membership which totals $85 for the spring semester. Membership includes enrollment in as many courses as you would like to take for one flat fee. WC-ALL courses are free for Washington College students, faculty and staff.

“The WC-ALL Curriculum Committee has once again put together a record-setting number of courses for our Spring 2025 semester,” said Jeff Coomer, chair of the volunteer council that oversees the program. “We’ll have an especially great selection of courses focused on health, history and politics, and music. Our affiliation with Washington College has proved to be a rich source of topics and instructors.  I know many look forward to the opportunity our program provides to make new friends and engage in thought-provoking discussions with other members of the local community.”

Founded in 1992 by community members committed to bringing the joy of lifelong learning to the mid-shore region, WC-ALL is led by volunteers who work closely with the staff of Washington College. Access to WC-ALL courses is free for Washington College faculty, staff and students.

Those interested in getting updates each semester on courses and to hear when special experiences and additional “Learn@Lunch” events are open for registration should sign up for the WC-ALL mailing list.

To view the full list of courses offered this coming spring and to register please visit https://www.washcoll.edu/people_departments/offices/wc-all/2025/index.php.

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Washington College’s flurry of December events

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Washington College invites the community to a flurry of events open to the public this December as we kick off the holiday season with art, history and civic engagement. Directions to Washington College and a map of campus are available online. For more information on these events and others, please visit www.washcoll.edu.

Jam Out for a Trifecta of Concerts

The Music Department presents a series of upcoming ensemble performances along with a Senior Capstone Experience this month. The first of the performances is a concert of the Percussion Ensemble, directed by Eric Plewinski, a lecturer in the Music Department, and the Steel Pan Ensembles, directed by John Leupold, the chair of the Music Department, on Monday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Decker Theatre. Jack Riveros ‘25 will perform on the steel pans for his SCE on Wednesday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m. in Hotchkiss Recital Hall. Finally, on Thursday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m., the Rock Ensemble will perform in Decker Theatre. All events are free and open to the public. See the website for listings for all Department of Music Events for 2024-2025. 

Dive into the History of the Calvert Family and Maryland’s Founding 

Explore history when learning how the Calvert name is familiar in both the state of Maryland and the county of Yorkshire, England with Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning‘s (WC-ALL) free workshop “From Yorkshire to Maryland: The Calverts and Kiplin Hall.” Alice Rose is the Programming Curator at Kiplin Hall and Gardens in the United Kingdom, where Washington College students have been able to study abroad. In this talk, Rose will explore why Kiplin Hall is often referred to as “the birthplace of Maryland” and how familial ties bind us across countries in unbelievable ways. The event will be held on Wednesday, December 4 at noon in the Hynson Lounge in the Hodson Hall Commons on Washington College’s campus. Tickets are $25 for general admission and must be purchased in advance. Lunch will be served.

Reimagining How and Why We Reckon

Earlier this spring, the Washington College Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience was awarded a grant to begin planning for a major artwork of national significance that engages African American history and culture in the Chesapeake Tidewater region. Now, the Starr Center is hosting several community events to foster conversation for the eventual piece. The second event in the series focuses on four panelists from the Public Art Across Maryland grant planning process. The talk, entitled “Reimagining How and Why We Reckon” is being held via Zoom on Wednesday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m. Each panelist will provide community members in Kent County and along the Eastern Shore with insights into their respective institutional commitments and journeys in honoring the African diaspora through public art on college campuses spanning the Chesapeake to further inform local ideation.

Travel Back to the 80s Through Film

The Department of Communication and Media Studies continues to ignite curiosity among film lovers with its Creative Life Film Series. This thought-provoking cinematic line-up delves into the diverse ways individuals and groups engage in creative practices. Featuring a variety of films from different time periods and genres, the series explores the motivations behind pursuing creative passions, the challenges and joys of producing authentic work, and the interconnectedness between the creative process and the surrounding world. All screenings are free and open to the public. This month’s film, the 1984 musical drama film Purple Rain, is a fictional story about the rise of musician Prince, known as “the Kid.” The free screening will take place on Thursday, December 5 at 7 p.m. in the Norman James Theater in William Smith Hall.

Devotions Continues to Channel Natural Inspiration at The Kohl Gallery

The second and current exhibit in the Washington College Kohl Gallery’s 2024 -2025 season, Devotions, opened earlier this month, and will continue to be until December 15. The exhibition is a tribute to the Pando Forest in Utah by artist Sobia Ahmad. For more information, visit the Kohl Gallery’s webpage.

Get a Sneak Peek at WC-ALL’s Fall Courses Available to the Public

Registration for the Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning’s (WC-ALL) fall semester will soon be open. Members of the public are invited to get a preview of the courses and meet instructors at the Spring Showcase on Monday, December 16 at 3 p.m. Those interested in joining should register in advance to attend. The showcase will be held in Hynson Lounge in Hodson Hall.

Indulge Your Birding Passions with our Final Bird Walk of the Year

The Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning (WC-ALL) invites amateur birders to join Dan Small, Associate Director of Natural Land Stewardship at the Center for Environment & Society, and the Washington College Birding Club on Friday, December 20 at 8 a.m. for a guided bird walk at Conquest Preserve in Queen Anne’s County. The walk is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Participants will explore the extensive native grasslands and numerous wetlands that dominate the Park, while looking for wildlife using mature woodlands, hedgerows and the open waters of the neighboring rivers. 202 species of birds have been found at the Park.

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Washington College Joins Forces with ShoreRivers and ESLC to Pursue Whole Watershed Grant

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Washington College’s Center for Environment and Society (CES), in collaboration with the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy and ShoreRivers, has announced its proposal for the Whole Watershed Fund, a five-year pilot program aimed at advancing conservation and restoration efforts in Maryland. This competitive initiative, backed by state funds, will target five watersheds across the state, with two located in predominately agricultural regions.

The Langford Watershed Alliance will focus its efforts on the Langford Creek watershed in Kent County. The initiative seeks to implement best management practices (BMPs) that support water quality improvement and habitat restoration, working directly with agricultural landowners to create impactful, cost-effective solutions that can drive rapid and systemic environmental benefits.

Kent County and watershed-based landowners are encouraged to sign a Letter of Support, which expresses their willingness to collaborate with the Langford Watershed Alliance. Many have already pledged to partner on this Alliance, however, landowner support and involvement in this project is critical for success.

If you are interested in supporting, please contact Chelsea Peters at [email protected] by November 30, 2024.

“With landowner support, this project can achieve transformative outcomes for both water quality and ecosystem health in our region,” said Dr. Chelsea Peters, director of Watershed Innovation Lab at CES. “Landowners in the Langford Creek watershed have a unique opportunity to participate in and shape conservation efforts that directly affect their land and community.”

Dr. Peters’ recent appointment marks a significant step forward for CES. A hydrologist passionate about water resources and climate change, she plans to revitalize the Watershed Innovation Lab and involve students in hands-on research projects. This includes building weather stations, deploying monitoring buoys, and mapping shallow water habitats. Find out more about the Watershed Innovation Lab on the CES webpage.

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Washington College’s Cornucopia of November Events

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Washington College invites the community to a cornucopia of events open to the public this November. From exploring what makes us human to learning about the environment through art, there’s always a reason to be thankful at Washington College.

Explore What it Means to be Human in Middletown, U.S.A.

The Department of Theatre and Dance’s production of Middletown by Will Eno, which is a play about the complexity of small towns in modern day America, is set to premiere this November. This show acts as a Senior Capstone Experience by student director James Fordi ‘25 and will be performed on Friday and Saturday, November 1 – 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Tawes Theatre at the Gibson Center for the Arts. This production is free and open to the public, although donations to the Kent County Food Drive are encouraged. Each performance will also be preceded by an art show featuring work compiled by Fordi and created by students at Washington College, which opens at 6 p.m. in the Underwood Lobby of the Gibson Center. Tickets can be reserved here.

Kappa Sigma Annual Pancake Breakfast Benefiting Military Heroes

The Kappa Sigma Fraternity at Washington College is hosting its annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, November 2 to support the Kappa Sigma Military Heroes Campaign – a composite charity serving the medical, psychological, physical, and housing needs of America’s veterans. This event has raised nearly $85,000 since its inception, funding various veterans’ charities like Homes for Our Troops, Veterans Moving Forward, and Veterans Success Resources Group. The breakfast, held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church (101 N Cross St, Chestertown, MD 21620) from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., offers all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, and more for a $5 donation. Those unable to attend can still contribute via PayPal or Venmo (@Kappasigwashcoll).

Reimagining How and Why We Remember

Earlier this spring, the Washington College Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience was awarded a grant to begin planning for a major artwork of national significance that engages African American history and culture in the Chesapeake Tidewater region. Now, the Starr Center is hosting several community events to foster conversation for the eventual piece starting with a talk on Monday, November 4. Brent Leggs, executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and senior vice president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will join Jaelon T. Moaney, deputy director of the Starr Center for a presentation entitled “Reimagining How and Why We Remember.” The reception starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Underwood Lobby of the Gibson Center for the Arts followed by a presentation at 6:30 p.m. in Decker Theatre. Light refreshments will be provided at this event. Additionally, in the same series, the Starr Center, in collaboration with Chesapeake Heartlands, is offering a one-day bus tour to Philadelphia on Saturday, November 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants must RSVP by Friday, November 15.

Devotions Channels Natural Inspiration at The Kohl Gallery

The second exhibit in the Washington College Kohl Gallery’s 2024 -2025 season is set to open on Tuesday, November 5. The new exhibition, Devotions, is a tribute to the Pando Forest in Utah by artist Sobia Ahmad. Devotions will be open throughout November and into December. Ahmad will give a talk on Friday, November 15 at 4 p.m. in Decker Theatre in the Gibson Center for the Arts. Immediately after the talk, a public reception will be held in the Underwood Lobby. For more information, visit the Kohl Gallery’s webpage.

Hear Student Readings of Work Created on the Moors of England

The English Department, the Starr Center, and the Center of Environment and Society have co-sponsored a student reading and information session about the Kiplin Hall Summer Program in English Literature which took students abroad to Yorkshire, England last semester. Students who were enrolled in the program to northern England for the Summer 2024 trip will be reading some of their work.  The reading will take place on November 7 at 5 p.m. in the Rose O’Neill Literary House. This event is open to the public and will have refreshments provided. Full event details can be found here.

Jump into Hilarious Situations Through Film

The Department of Communication and Media Studies continues to ignite curiosity among film lovers with its Creative Life Film Series. This thought-provoking cinematic line-up delves into the diverse ways individuals and groups engage in creative practices. Featuring a variety of films from different time periods and genres, the series explores the motivations behind pursuing creative passions, the challenges and joys of producing authentic work, and the interconnectedness between the creative process and the surrounding world. All screenings are free and open to the public. This month’s film, Be Kind, Rewind is a buddy comedy film where two friends accidentally wipe the stock of a rental store and hilarity ensues. The free screening will take place on Thursday, November 7 at 7 p.m. in the Norman James Theater in William Smith Hall.

Learning About Friendship Through Theatre and Bear-Fighting

The Department of Theatre and Dance is gifting the campus community with another production in the month of November, with Bon Iver Fights a Bear by Douglass Williams. The play takes the real-life story of folk-indie artist Bon Iver recording his album For Emma, Forever and turns it into a modern myth about his unusual friendship with a bear. The show, which is directed by Sophia Rooks ‘23, Assistant Technical Director and the Event Coordinator for the Gibson Center for the Arts, will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 7-9 at 7:30 p.m. in Tawes Theatre the Gibson Center for the Arts. Tickets can be reserved here.

Spilling and Sipping Tea While Learning at Lunch

Those who love both tea and history have a place to explore their interest at the Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning‘s (WC-ALL) free workshop “The Spilling of the Tea — The History of Tea and the American Revolution.” Victoria Barnett-Woods is the Associate Director for Experiential Learning and Programs at the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience and has an extensive knowledge of the Atlantic world in the eighteenth century. In relation to the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, Barnett-Woods will be discussing such “tea party” events during the American Revolution. The event will be held on Tuesday, November 12 at noon in the Hynson Lounge in the Hodson Hall Commons on Washington College’s campus. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for non-members and must be purchased in advance. Lunch and a spot of tea will be served.

Poetry, Hybrid-Memoir Writing, and Mental Health Readings and Workshops

Washington College celebrates the power of the written word as the Rose O’Neill Literary House’s Living Writers Poetry Series closes out for the semester this month. This exciting series features acclaimed authors who will share their work on select days throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. All events are free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to engage with these literary talents in a Q&A session after each reading. November features two events with author Rajiv Mohabir, who has published three collections of poems and won countless awards for his writing. Mohabir is scheduled to read from his own poetry on Wednesday, November 13 at 6 p.m. in the Rose O’Neill Literary House and give a guided workshop on writing a hybrid-memoir on Thursday, November 14 at 2:30 p.m. at the Harwood Nature Center at the Lawrence Wetlands Preserve. Attendees to the workshop are encouraged to dress for the outdoors.

Another poet, Dianne Seuss, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, will give a virtual reading and workshop titled “What a Self Could Be: Poetry and Mental Health” on Monday, November 18 at 6 p.m. Registration is required to participate in this event. Full details can be found on the Rose O’Neill Literary House webpage.

Daddy Long Legs: A Rags-to-Riches Musical Rescheduled

The Music Department is proud to present John Caird and Paul Gordon’s Daddy Long Legs as their fall musical. Experience the story of orphaned teenager Jerusha Abbott, sent to college by a mysterious benefactor with the deal that she will write him letters monthly. This show will feature music majors Stevie Lyles ‘26 and Evan Paddock ‘27. While the performance was originally set to take place in October, it has been moved to Saturday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m. in Hotchkiss Recital Hall at the Gibson Center for the Arts. Tickets for the general audience will be $10 and can be purchased online or at the door.  More information can be found on the Music Department’s event listing.

Restoring Quail Habitats with the Natural Lands Project

The University of Maryland Extension Wildlife Management is hosting the second virtual Land and Wildlife Speaker Series talk, which features environmentalists sharing their expertise on the natural world. Dan Small, associate director of Natural Land Stewardship at the Center for Environment and Society will present his talk, “The Natural Lands Project & Northern Bobwhite Quail Habitat Restoration” on Friday, November 18 at noon. Subscribing on the Wildlife Management website via email is required to receive the Zoom link.

Support Students at the Annual Literary House First-Year Reading

Every year, the Rose O’Neill Literary House holds a reading for all first-year students at Washington College. Members from the class of 2028 will have an opportunity to publicly read a work of their own. Those who wish to support the first-year students in sharing their art are invited to attend on Thursday, November 21 at 5 p.m. at the Literary House. The event is free and open to the public. Full details can be found on the Rose O’Neill Literary House webpage.

Understanding the Chesapeake Bay through Visual Art and Literature

An unexpected crossover between environmental studies and art will be led by Kate Livie, author and professor of Chesapeake Regional Studies, as she discusses “Nature Journaling: Then & Now” at the Sultana Education Foundation’s Third Thursday Speaker Series. Inspired by John White and Benjamin Latrobe and their nature journaling in the 1700s, Livie will discuss the Chesapeake Bay watershed and express its importance through an artistic format. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Thursday, November 21 at 6 p.m. at the Harwood Nature Center at the Lawrence Wetlands Preserve. More information is available at the Sultana website.

Directions to Washington College and a map of campus are available online. For more information on these events and others, please visit www.washcoll.edu.

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Boom go the pumpkins: Washington College Chemistry Club rocks Halloween

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Jeremy Bard, assistant professor of chemistry at Washington College, was all smiles as he watched his students conduct their experiments. “This annual event is our way of sharing the magic of chemistry with the community,” Bard said. “As a college I think it’s our duty to show the more fun side of some of our topics and being able to share some of our joy and some of our passion around chemistry has been really great.”

“We do this to get involved in the community and showcase our chemistry work,” exclaimed sophomore and treasurer of the Washington College chapter of the American Chemical Society Club Maggie Boyle. “It’s fun to just blow up some pumpkins and show off the fun things we can do with it.”

Washington College’s Chemistry department regularly conducts events and activities to engage the local community in the wonders of using science in an effort to encourage more interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) related degrees and careers. The pumpkin explosion event was just one example of the department’s commitment to bringing science to life.

For more information on Washington College’s chemistry department and degree options go here

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Public meetings planned to discuss landmark celebrating African American history and culture in the Bay region

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Washington College’s Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience is honored to host a bus tour and series of dialogues with experts of national and regional prominence as part of Art + Community + History: Creating a Landmark Together—a Maryland State Arts Council-funded process aimed at furthering robust public engagement in the planning for a major artwork on the Custom House lawn along the Chester River in Chestertown, MD. The forthcoming artwork will celebrate and honor the full arc of four centuries of African American history in the Chesapeake Bay region, rather than simply commemorate or atone. Interested parties from across the region are encouraged to participate in this community-driven planning for the art proposal and eventual installation.

At various events starting this November, Jaelon T. Moaney, Starr Center Deputy Director, will lead conversations with a wide array of experts in cultural preservation, contemporary public art and collective memory.

“The notion of reimagining is both an invitation and a challenge, one with a singular prerequisite: authenticity,” said Moaney. “While the gravity surrounding these forthcoming opportunities to unpack longstanding and evolving narratives cannot be understated, I’m most excited by how this process has already realized a justice-bearing capacity to depolarize inquiry, expand possibility and activate genuine acknowledgement of multiple truths.”

The Art + Community + History process began this past August with the first of two regional bus tours engaging Delmarva Peninsula community stakeholders whose insights and efforts steering aligned journeys proved invaluable resources to participants. The second all-day bus tour to Philadelphia will occur on Saturday, November 23. The tour is open to the public, but space is limited so registration is required to participate. Three public talks have been planned with the goal of broadening intergenerational dialogue and empowering participants through organic reimagining. Each is free and open to the public. They include:

Monday, November 4: Reimagining How and Why We Remember

An empowering in-person dialogue exploring the role of public art in cultural stewardship on the Eastern Shore, in Maryland and across America with Brent Leggs, Executive Director, African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund & Senior Vice President, National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The event will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m. in Underwood Lobby in the Gibson Center for the Arts at Washington College with the presentation starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Decker Theater.

Wednesday, December 4: Reimagining How and Why We Reckon

This virtual event aims to be a distinctive dialogue exploring Chesapeake-based institutions of higher education reckoning with legacies of systemic racism and slavery through recent artworks which center community healing. The event will be moderated by Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw, a 2004 Washington College graduate, in conversation with St. Mary’s College of Maryland President Tuajuanda Jordan, University of Virginia School of Architecture’s Andrea Roberts, and The College of William & Mary Lemon Project Public Historian for Research & Programs Jajuan Johnson.

The virtual discussion will begin at 5:30 p.m. EST. A log-in link will be shared ahead of the event.

Monday, February 3: Reimagining How and Why We Relate

An insightful dialogue exploring collective memory and controversy forged through public monuments, public memorials, and public art in American culture with Erika Doss, Professor of Art History and the Edith O’Donnell Distinguished Chair in the Edith O’Donnell Institute of Art History at the University of Texas at Dallas.

This event will be in-person and is scheduled to take place at 6:00 p.m. Location and registration details are forthcoming.

The public is invited to join the Starr Center for these informative and community minded events. To receive event invitations, information and updates for these and all Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience events and programs, please subscribe to our newsletter.

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The Politics of Gen Z and How They Will Affect the Election and Democracy

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Washington College’s Political Science Department and the Goldstein Program in Public Affairs are thrilled to announce a special event featuring renowned political scientist Dr. Melissa Deckman. Deckman, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), will be discussing her latest book, “The Politics of Gen Z: How the Youngest Voters Will Shape Our Democracy.” Deckman’s insightful analysis of Gen Z’s political participation and activism promises to offer a unique perspective on the future of American politics.

The event is open to the public and will take place on Wednesday, October 23rd at 5:30 p.m. in the Litrenta Lecture Hall at Washington College. A reception will follow.
 
As a leading expert in the field, Deckman, who prior to taking the reins at PRRI was chair of Washington College’s political science department, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work. Her previous books, including “Tea Party Women” and “School Board Battles,” have garnered widespread acclaim. Deckman’s research has been featured in major publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN.
“We are honored to have Dr. Deckman join us to discuss her groundbreaking work on Gen Z,” said Christine Wade, chair of political science and Louis L. Goldstein Professor of Public Affairs at Washington College. “Her insights into the political attitudes and behaviors of this generation are essential for understanding the future of our democracy.”
Directions to campus and a map of buildings are available at https://www.washcoll.edu/about/contact-us.php.

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Washington College Fellow to explore Eastern Shore history

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Dr. Lucy Maddox

Dr. Lucy Maddox is the author of several books including Removals: Nineteenth-Century American Literature and The Politics of Indian Affairs; Citizen Indians: Native American Intellectuals, Race, and Reform; The People of Rose Hill: Black and White Life on a Maryland Plantation; as well as The Parker Sisters: A Border Kidnapping. Through the story of the Parker Sisters, Lucy Maddox provides a window into the constantly threatened lives of free black people living in the border states before the Civil War, as well as highlighting how slavery affected many small communities, sometimes bringing white and black people together in surprising ways.

In the book, Citizen Indians: Native American Intellectuals, Race, and Reform, Maddox examines the work of American Indian intellectuals and reformers in the context of the Society of American Indians, which brought together educated, professional Indians in a period when the “Indian question” loomed large. These thinkers belonged to the first generation of American Indians more concerned with racial categories and civil rights than with the status of individual tribes.

Maddox’s recent work focuses on the intersection between history and literature and, most recently, the study of the flight from slavery in Maryland, especially from Kent County. She is currently researching the life of James Bowers, a Quaker farmer who was tarred and feathered for assisting enslaved people in their search for a passage to freedom. She also investigates the lives of Harriet Tillerson and James Butler, whose stories are elusive but integral to the network that supported the flight of enslaved people out of the county during the 1850s.

“I enjoy digging through archives and newspapers to find the pieces of primary source material that reveal history and inspire a narrative,” Maddox said. “I also appreciate talking with local people who may share oral history passed down through their families. What we assume to be true creates attitudes in our own heads that often perpetuate biases. The more you investigate the records the more you realize how complicated it is to tell history accurately, especially stories about families and racial politics.”

The application process for the 2025-2026 Patrick Henry History Fellowship opens October 15. The deadline for submission for the 2025-2026 Patrick Henry History Fellow is January 15, 2025.

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Lights Out Alert for Maryland: Help Migrating Birds Find Their Way (28k+ birds over Baltimore)

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As millions of birds embark on their annual migration this fall, regional bird experts at Washington College’s Center for the Environment and Society are urging residents to participate in a Lights Out Alert to help protect these feathered friends tonight.

On Thursday October 10, an estimated 3.6 million birds will make their way over the state of Maryland. The highest concentration of birds will be going over the Baltimore region, with an estimated 28.6 million of our feathered friends making their way overhead.

Residents are urged to turn off their lights during the evening hours to help aid the birds in a safe journey. This includes porch lights, those in office buildings, flood lights in yards, and strings of cafe lights. The goal is to reduce the light pollution so that the birds flying overhead can find their way.

“Billions of birds make an epic migration south every fall, and the trip is strenuous even under ideal conditions,” says Maren Gimpel, associate director of Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory at Washington College’s Center for Environment and Society. “Birds that migrate at night can become confused and get off track by artificial light as they fly over our towns and cities. Turning your lights out at night – at home and at your office – is a simple act we can do to help our feathered friends make this trip safely.”

During migration, artificial light can disorient birds, causing them to collide with buildings and other structures. A study by Aeroecology Lab suggests that light pollution can have a significant impact on bird migration patterns. By turning off unnecessary lights at night, we can create a safer environment for these incredible creatures.

To participate in the Lights Out Alert, simply turn off your outdoor and office lights during the nighttime hours this evening. This simple act can make a significant difference in the survival of migrating birds.

About Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory

Located on the Chester River, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory is nestled in a waterfront refuge on Washington College’s River and Field Campus. The Observatory’s primary research focuses on monitoring the seasonal movements of migratory birds between their breeding and wintering areas. By placing uniquely numbered aluminum bands on birds, the team can monitor population trends, document migratory pathways, and track the productivity of local breeding birds.

Data from the spring and fall programs has been used to chart the timing of migration of many species of songbirds moving through the Eastern Shore of Maryland and is reported to the North American Bird Banding Program.

You can follow Gimpel and her team’s banding adventures on Instagram at instagram.com/foremansbranch.

 

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Town of Chestertown Partners with Washington College for Interactive Tree Survey

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The Town of Chestertown has partnered with Washington College’s Geospatial Innovation Program (GIP) to create a comprehensive tree survey, made possible in collaboration with the Chestertown Tree Committee. The survey aims to create a detailed inventory of public and street trees within the town, providing valuable data for future planning and preservation efforts.

To enhance public engagement and transparency, the project includes an interactive dashboard that allows town residents to view and explore the survey data. This user-friendly tool will provide real-time information on tree locations, species, and health conditions, enabling citizens to stay informed about the town’s green spaces. The survey will also help to assess the current state of the town’s tree canopy, which is currently close to 35 percent. The goal is to increase the canopy to at least 40 percent, ensuring a healthy and vibrant urban forest that benefits both the environment and the community.

“We are thrilled to embark on this important initiative to protect and enhance Chestertown’s tree canopy,” said Jeff Coomer, the Tree Committee member spearheading the project. “The interactive dashboard will be a valuable resource for both the committee and the community, allowing us to make informed decisions about tree care and planting.”

Washington College GIP Director, Dr. Tarek Rashed, emphasized the College’s commitment to using geospatial technology for community-focused projects. “This tree survey is a prime example of how geospatial innovation systems can empower local communities to make a positive impact on their environment,” he said.

The town-wide survey will begin this week and will involve volunteers carefully examining trees throughout Chestertown. Although the focus is on public trees, the survey will also capture data on street adjacent trees on private property, provided the information can be gathered from a public right-of-way.

Residents can expect to see volunteers working in various parts of town, carefully examining trees and using a mobile app to record data. The survey is expected to take approximately a year to complete, with ongoing updates to ensure the data remains current.

The collected data will be used to inform the Tree Committee’s planning efforts, including identifying areas for new tree plantings, determining the need for tree removals or treatments, and assessing the overall health of the town’s tree canopy.

The Chestertown Tree Committee encourages community members to support this important project and to visit the interactive dashboard once it becomes available. By understanding the town’s tree resources, residents can play an active role in preserving and enhancing Chestertown’s green spaces for generations to come.

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Filed Under: WC