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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: 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
Carroll 250 Speaker Event: Stephen G. Evangelista, Civil War Historian & Author
Eldersburg Branch CCPL Large Meeting Room
6400 Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg, MD 21784
Carroll 250 Event: Fall History Expo 2025
Exploration Commons
50 East Main Street Westminster, MD 21157 United States
Carroll 250 Event: The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall
New Windsor Fire Department, Carnival Grounds
101 High Street, New Windsor, MD
2025 Annual Meeting – “From German Auxiliary to American Artist: The Life and Work of Frederick Kemmelmeyer” presented by Nicholas Powers
Westminster Riding Club
366 N. Colonial Avenue, Westminster, MD
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. A user guide and mini-lesson plan trifold is included with the exhibit.
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.
Kindly submit your exhibit request utilizing the form below.
Carroll 250 Traveling Tavern Exhibit Request
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.
