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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 Speaker Series: Finding the Maryland 400: Maryland’s First War Heroes presented by Owen Lourie
Exploration Commons
50 East Main Street Westminster, MD 21157 United States
Carroll 250 Event: Citizen Meets Soldier Presented by Union Mills Homestead
Union Mills Homestead
3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD 21158
Carroll 250 Event: Maryland 250 Cookbook Author – Cooking Maryland’s Way: Voices of a Diverse Cuisine
Exploration Commons
50 East Main Street Westminster, MD 21157 United States
History Fest 2025
The Historical Society of Carroll County
210 East Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157
Carroll 250 Speaker Series: Samuel Dewees and America’s Two Wars of Independence presented by James Engler, Sr.
North Carroll Branch CCPL
2255 Hanover Pike, Hampstead, MD
Carroll Voices 250 Community Forum – August 2025
North Carroll Branch CCPL
2255 Hanover Pike, Hampstead, MD
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
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
Carroll Voices Social Media Logo
Designed 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.
