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As the United States approaches its Semiquincentennial in 2026, this milestone offers a unique opportunity to deeply engage with history. It allows reflection on the nation’s, state’s, and county’s past, celebrating liberty and sacrifice while addressing injustices. The aim is to build a stronger future by acknowledging diverse contributions to the American story. Carroll County will celebrate by highlighting its role in U.S. history through the theme “Carroll Voices,” showcasing individuals and stories that have shaped democratic society. This commemoration emphasizes that democracy is an ongoing effort, recognizing the roles diverse people have played in achieving liberty and prosperity.
In June 2024, Carroll County Commissioners passed Resolution No.1217-2024; establishing a Semiquincentennial (250th) Planning Advisory Committee. The Committee’s activities are coordinated through a partnership with the Historical Society of Carroll County and the county’s history consortium Celebrating America Committee.
Explore Carroll 250 Events
Carroll 250 Event: What a Revolution! A Dress in Two Days DAY 2: A Gown for Mrs. Gist
HSCC Campus - Shriver-Weybright Auditorium
210 East Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157
Carroll 250 Event: Dutch Corner Dinner for the 250th Celebration
Dutch Corner Restaurant
3154 Main Street, Manchester, MD
Carroll 250 Event: History of Manchester Presented by Joe Getty
Manchester Town Council Chambers
3337 Victory Street, Manchester, MD 21102
Carroll 250 Event: 1776 Maryland Goes to War
Union Mills Homestead
3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD 21158
Carroll 250 Event: Living History 250th Celebration
Taneytown Branch, CCPL
10 Grand Drive, Taneytown, MD
Carroll 250 Event: The Maryland Constitution – An Historical View of Carroll County
Exploration Commons
50 East Main Street Westminster, MD 21157 United States
Thanks to the generosity of the Maryland 250 Commission, and funds raised at the Historical Society of Carroll County’s annual 250 Golf tournament, the Carroll 250 Committee is now making available the county’s 250 travelling exhibit. The exhibit is a 10ft X10ft replica of a revolutionary-era tavern with interactive elements and historical themes related to the Semiquincentennial. An exhibit trifold is included with the exhibit. Please note, due to high demand and logistics, the exhibit cannot be set up for one day festivals or events. The 250 Planning Committee does have a 250 booth for these types of one-day events.
Carroll County non-profits, schools, businesses and community organizations are strongly encouraged to use the form below to reserve the exhibit as there is high demand with a maximum reservation of three months. Carroll 250 volunteers will deliver, set up, and take down the exhibit at no cost
In July 2026, the Historical Society of Carroll County will open Carroll at 250: People, Place, and the Making of History. The exhibition explores how residents of Carroll County have experienced, shaped, and remembered the nation’s founding ideals from the Revolutionary era to the present day.
Community organizations, businesses, historic sites, and private collectors are encouraged to submit for consideration a Carroll County historically significant artifact or archival item for potential display in the new exhibit. Items do NOT necessarily need to be Revolutionary War Era related! Because of limited space, single items will be preferred. HSCC will be in touch with potential exhibitors who fill out the form below. After review, someone from the 250 Exhibit Committee will be in touch about next steps, including the completion of a temporary loan form if the item proposed is selected. Deadline for submissions is May 15, 2026. The completion of this form does not guarantee your item will be selected.
Current Carroll 250 Advisory Committee Members:
Jason Illari,
HSCC Executive Director & Advisory Committee Chair
Laura Bankard,
HSCC Outreach and Events Director
Joe Thompson,
Celebrating America Co-Chair & County Library Director of Public Services
Ryan Melhorn,
Celebrating America Co-Chair & Carroll County Public Schools Supervisor of Secondary Social Studies
Kyle Dalton,
Union Mills Homestead Executive Director
Sam Riley,
Union Mills Homestead Foundation President
Commissioner Tom Gordon III,
District III
Stephen Strosnider,
Carroll County Arts Council
Melissa Thorn,
City of Westminster Economic Development Coordinator
Daphne Daly,
Deputy Director, Carroll County Department of Planning and Land Management
Judy Rang,
City of Hampstead, HR Coordinator
Elaine Shirley,
Curator, Carroll County Farm Museum
John Laycock,
Westminster Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution
Adrienne Smith,
Gatehouse Museum & Town of Sykesville
Bonnie Staub,
Carroll County Tourism Office, Department of Economic Development
Roger Siedel,
Carroll County Genealogical Society
Carroll 250 Logo
Original Design By Rachel Hughes
Student From Carroll Community College
Rachel Hughes is a proud Carroll County resident for 21 years, starting from when her family moved to the area when she was 3. She enjoys drawing, video games and books. Rachel initially graduated from Francis Scott Key High School and pursued an Associate of Applied Science degree at Carroll Community College in Computer Graphics, which she obtained in Winter 2023. Rachel says her logo was inspired by the local history of Carroll County, with the inclusion of both the Carroll County District Courthouse, the first reaping machine, the American Flag, Maryland Flag, and the musket. The courthouse idea in particular was mentioned by her mother, and she credits her mom for that inspiration.
