Outlaw Gunner Exhibit
2025-03-26 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-27 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-28 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-29 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
We are pleased to announce our newest exhibit, “Outlaw Gunner”, based on the book of the same title by Dr. Harry Walsh, gunner, surgeon, co-founder of the Waterfowl Festival and much more. This special exhibit chronicles the history of waterfowl and the Chesapeake Bay through the eyes of Dr. Walsh. On display are artifacts from Dr. Walsh’s personal on loan from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Department, artifacts from the collection of his son, Joe Walsh, and from the Waterfowl Festival’s collection.
Exhibit Location:
25 S. Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601.
(The Lawrence Denton Extended Museum)
If you have any questions:
410-822-0773 or email kaylaw@talbothistory.org
Talbot Historical Society office/research/exhibit hours are:
Wednesday through Saturday 10am-3pm

Historic Walking Tours
2025-04-19 11:00 - 13:00
Historic Walking Tours
Saturday April 19, 2025
11am and 12pm at 25 S. Washington St.
Join us for an hour-long historic walking tour of beautiful downtown Easton. Do you recognize any of these buildings? How many times have fires spread throughout downtown Easton in the past? These questions and many more will be answered through wonderfully enriching stories about Easton’s past.
First tour: Starts at 11am
Second tour: Starts at 12pm
$10 per person
The tour guide will take you to various buildings within the historic district of downtown and explain the importance of the buildings in Easton’s history.
ALL TOURS MEET AT
25 S. Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601.
(the Lawrence Denton Extended Museum and Catherine Valliant Hill Research Center)
There are 10 spots available.
$10 per person
Please contact us for reservations
or if you have any questions:
410-822-0773 or email kaylaw@talbothistory.org
Talbot Historical Society office/research/exhibit hours are:
Wednesday through Saturday 10am-3pm

A Date with History: Traveling Freedom's Road with Jack Hanrahan
2025-05-01 13:00 - 18:00
A Date With History Lecture Series:

Traveling Freedom’s Road:
Frederick Douglass in Maryland
with Jack Hanrahan
Thursday, May 1st, 2025
This lecture will be presented twice:
1st presentation at 1:00pm
2nd presentation at 6:00pm
at the Talbot County Free Library
100 W. Dover St., Easton MD 21601
How well do Americans really know Frederick Douglass?
Author Jack Hanrahan explores this question in his new book Traveling Freedom’s Road: Frederick Douglass in Maryland. Join him for an engaging lecture that brings Douglass’s powerful story home to the Eastern Shore—with insights into over 50 Maryland and Baltimore locations connected to Douglass’s life. Discover local landmarks you may pass every day, unaware of their historic connection to one of America’s greatest voices for justice. Hear excerpts from Douglass’s speeches, writings, and journalism—some read aloud by volunteers from the audience.
About the Author:
Jack Hanrahan (aka “Jack”) is a seasoned researcher, author, and civil rights traveler. His writing journey began after a transformative road trip through the South in 2018. Jack’s first book on civil rights history was published in 2022, followed by this new work on Douglass in 2024. He is currently developing companion volumes focused on Douglass’s life in New England and New York. Jack lives in Charlottesville, VA, where he volunteers at the Legal Aid Justice Center and regional library events. A father of three and grandfather of seven, Jack brings warmth, curiosity, and insight to every story he tells.
This is presented by the Talbot Historical Society in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library and will take place at the library located at 100 W. Dover St., Easton, MD 21601.
The lecture will be presented two times on May 1st:
The first will be at 1pm and the second will be at 6pm.
The lecture is free to the public, but reservations are required.
If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation:
410-822-0773 or email kaylaw@talbothistory.org
Talbot Historical Society office/research/exhibit hours are:
Wednesday through Saturday 10am-3pm

Magnolia Market - Artists in the Gardens
2025-05-10 11:00 - 16:00
A local artists’ marketplace is coming to the Gardens at the Talbot Historical Society on Saturday, May 10th from 11:00am to 4:00pm. The entrance to the Gardens from Washington Street is in between two of our buildings 25 & 29 S. Washington Street, Easton.
Magnolia Market is a free event with handmade wares from local artists. It is a collection of their art in every shape and form, from candles and paintings to ceramics and jewelry.
We had such a great turn-out for the Marigold Market in November 2024 and we are looking forward to another great event!

Historic Walking Tours
2025-05-17 11:00 - 13:00
Historic Walking Tours
Saturday May 17th, 2025
11am and 12pm at 25 S. Washington St.
Join us for an hour-long historic walking tour of beautiful downtown Easton. Do you recognize any of these buildings? How many times have fires spread throughout downtown Easton in the past? These questions and many more will be answered through wonderfully enriching stories about Easton’s past.
First tour: Starts at 11am
Second tour: Starts at 12pm
$10 per person*
The tour guide will take you to various buildings within the historic district of downtown and explain the importance of the buildings in Easton’s history.
ALL TOURS MEET AT
25 S. Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601.
(the Lawrence Denton Extended Museum and Catherine Valliant Hill Research Center)
There are 10 spots available. $10 per person*
Please contact us for reservations
or if you have any questions:
410-822-0773 or email kaylaw@talbothistory.org
Talbot Historical Society office/research/exhibit hours are:
Wednesday through Saturday 10am-3pm
*THS Members, students and children are free.

A Date with History: USCT in Talbot County with Dr. Clara Small
2025-06-17 13:00 - 14:00
A Date With History Lecture Series:

A Date With History Lecture Series:
Talbot County’s United States Colored Troops: A Story of Valor and Honor
with Clara L. Small, Ph.D.
Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 at 1:00pm at the Talbot County Free Library (100 W. Dover St., Easton MD 21601)
“Over 600 Talbot County United States Colored Troops (USCT), slave and free, fought valiantly during the Civil War for their freedom and to help preserve the Union. Their collective stories of gallantry and survival also included the establishment of Unionville, upon their return to Talbot County at the conclusion of the war.”
Clara L. Small, Ph.D.
Emerita Professor of History
Salisbury University
Salisbury, Maryland
This is presented by the Talbot Historical Society in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library and will take place at the library located at 100 W. Dover St., Easton, MD 21601.
The lecture will be presented on June 17th at 1pm.
The lecture is free to the public, but reservations are requested.
If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation:
410-822-0773 or email kaylaw@talbothistory.org
Talbot Historical Society office/research/exhibit hours are:
Wednesday through Saturday 10am-3pm

Historic Walking Tours
2025-06-21 11:00 - 13:00
Historic Walking Tours
Saturday June 21st, 2025
11am and 12pm at 25 S. Washington St.
Join us for an hour-long historic walking tour of beautiful downtown Easton. Do you recognize any of these buildings? How many times have fires spread throughout downtown Easton in the past? These questions and many more will be answered through wonderfully enriching stories about Easton’s past.
First tour: Starts at 11am
Second tour: Starts at 12pm
$10 per person*
The tour guide will take you to various buildings within the historic district of downtown and explain the importance of the buildings in Easton’s history.
ALL TOURS MEET AT
25 S. Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601.
(the Lawrence Denton Extended Museum and Catherine Valliant Hill Research Center)
There are 10 spots available.
$10 per person
Please contact us for reservations
or if you have any questions:
410-822-0773 or email kaylaw@talbothistory.org
Talbot Historical Society office/research/exhibit hours are:
Wednesday through Saturday 10am-3pm
*THS members, students and children are free.

USCT Exhibit: With Valor and Honor
2025-06-25 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-26 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-27 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-28 10:00 - 15:00
“With Valor and Honor:
Talbot County’s United States Colored Troops During the Civil War”
The exhibit With Valor and Honor tells the powerful story of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) from Talbot County, Maryland, who served in the Civil War following the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863. This historic order allowed both free and enslaved Black men to join the Union Army and Navy. Enslaved men were manumitted by their owners for a $300 federal fee to serve as USCT soldiers.
Of the 180,000 Black men who served, 8,718 were from Maryland—and over 600 were from Talbot County alone. Their enlistment was significantly influenced by Frederick Douglass, a fugitive slave from Talbot County, who successfully advocated for Black participation in the war. These men fought with extraordinary courage, often engaging in battles against Confederate forces that included former enslavers. Their service was not only a fight for the Union but also a battle for freedom—for themselves and future generations. Following the war, many of these veterans helped shape a new future by acquiring land, founding Black communities, churches, and schools. Some had previously lived in Talbot County’s historic free Black neighborhood, “The Hill,” and had glimpses of freedom before the war. The most celebrated post-war community was Unionville, founded by 18 USCT veterans from Talbot County, symbolizing their commitment to securing civil rights and equality.

With Valor and Honor honors their sacrifices and contributions, bringing long-overdue recognition to the local men whose courage and perseverance helped reshape American history.

The exhibit and the broader project were made possible through collaboration with a wide range of community members and organizations, including the descendants of Talbot’s USCT veterans and the historic African American village of Unionville, one of many towns founded by formerly enslaved soldiers. Veteran support organizations such as American Legion Post 77, and the 3rd Regiment USCT Re-enactors of Philadelphia also played key roles in its development. We want to thank VFW Post 5118, Maryland 250 Commission and Delmarva Power Exelon for their critical financial support. The Historical Society also expresses deep gratitude to Dr. Clara Small, one of Maryland’s foremost scholars on African American history, for her guidance and insight.

“With Valor and Honor” is now open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 10am-3pm. The museum is located at 25 S. Washington Street, Easton, Maryland. All are invited to visit and learn more about this proud, powerful and often overlooked chapter of American history. Please call 410-822-0773 for additional information.

USCT Exhibit: With Valor and Honor
2025-07-02 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-03 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-05 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-09 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-10 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-11 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-12 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-16 10:00 - 15:00 and 6 more dates
“With Valor and Honor:
Talbot County’s United States Colored Troops During the Civil War”
The exhibit With Valor and Honor tells the powerful story of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) from Talbot County, Maryland, who served in the Civil War following the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863. This historic order allowed both free and enslaved Black men to join the Union Army and Navy. Enslaved men were manumitted by their owners for a $300 federal fee to serve as USCT soldiers.
Of the 180,000 Black men who served, 8,718 were from Maryland—and over 600 were from Talbot County alone. Their enlistment was significantly influenced by Frederick Douglass, a fugitive slave from Talbot County, who successfully advocated for Black participation in the war. These men fought with extraordinary courage, often engaging in battles against Confederate forces that included former enslavers. Their service was not only a fight for the Union but also a battle for freedom—for themselves and future generations. Following the war, many of these veterans helped shape a new future by acquiring land, establishing Black communities, churches, and schools. Some had previously lived in Talbot County’s historic free Black neighborhood, “The Hill,” and had glimpses of freedom before the war. The most celebrated post-war community was Unionville, founded by 18 USCT veterans from Talbot County, symbolizing their commitment to securing civil rights and equality.

With Valor and Honor shines light on their sacrifices and contributions, bringing long-overdue recognition to the local men whose courage and perseverance helped reshape American history.

The exhibit and the broader project were made possible through collaboration with a wide range of community members and organizations, including the descendants of Talbot’s USCT veterans and the historic African American village of Unionville, one of many towns founded by formerly enslaved soldiers. Veteran support organizations such as American Legion Post 77, and the 3rd Regiment USCT Re-enactors of Philadelphia also played key roles in its development. We want to thank VFW Post 5118, Maryland 250 Commission and Delmarva Power Exelon for their critical financial support. The Historical Society also expresses deep gratitude to Dr. Clara Small, one of Maryland’s foremost scholars on African American history, for her guidance and insight.

“With Valor and Honor” is now open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 10am-3pm. The museum is located at 25 S. Washington Street, Easton, Maryland. All are invited to visit and learn more about this proud, powerful and often overlooked chapter of American history. Please call 410-822-0773 for additional information.

Historic Walking Tours
2025-07-19 11:00 - 13:00
Historic Walking Tours
Saturday July 19th, 2025
11am and 12pm at 25 S. Washington St.
Join us for an hour-long historic walking tour of beautiful downtown Easton. Do you recognize any of these buildings? How many times have fires spread throughout downtown Easton in the past? These questions and many more will be answered through wonderfully enriching stories about Easton’s past.
First tour: Starts at 11am
Second tour: Starts at 12pm
$10 per person
The tour guide will take you to various buildings within the historic district of downtown and explain the importance of the buildings in Easton’s history.
ALL TOURS MEET AT
25 S. Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601.
(the Lawrence Denton Extended Museum and Catherine Valliant Hill Research Center)
There are 10 spots available.
$10 per person
Please contact us for reservations
or if you have any questions:
410-822-0773 or email kaylaw@talbothistory.org
Talbot Historical Society office/research/exhibit hours are:
Wednesday through Saturday 10am-3pm

POSTPONED - A Date with History: Invention of Williamsburg with Prof. Mike Olmert
2025-07-22 13:00 - 14:00
A Date With History Lecture Series:

“The Invention of Colonial Williamsburg”
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025 @ 1:00pm

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, is the most studied 18th-Century town in the world. This illustrated lecture will cover the founding and growth of this vast historical resource. What drove the recovery of the town? What changes have been made over the last 95 years? What sorts of insights can Williamsburg’s archaeology, architecture, material culture, and history give us. This talk is about peering into the seeds of Time.
Michael Olmert wrote the Official Guide to Colonial Williamsburg (1985-2015) and has written some 50 articles for Colonial Williamsburg Magazine. A professor in the University of Maryland’s English Department, Olmert has long been interested in the connection between literature and history and architecture. His books include Milton’s Teeth and Ovid’s Umbrella (Simon and Schuster, 1996) and Kitchens, Smokehouses, and Privies (Cornell Univ. Press, 2009). His television writing has won him three primetime Emmys.
This is presented by the Talbot Historical Society in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library and will take place at the library located at 100 W. Dover St., Easton, MD 21601. The lecture will be presented on July 22nd at 1pm. The lecture is free to the public, but reservations are requested.
If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation:
410-822-0773 or email kaylaw@talbothistory.org
Talbot Historical Society office/research/exhibit hours are:
Wednesday through Saturday 10am-3pm
