Historic St. Mary’s City Commission
St. Mary’s City was Maryland’s first settlement and until 1695 its colonial capital. After the capital was moved to Annapolis, St. Mary’s City was virtually abandoned and soon hardly any trace of the city could be seen. Although the physical remains of the city disappeared, its story and legacy continue.
In 1840, the Maryland legislature created what is now St. Mary’s College of Maryland as “A Monument School of the People: and a celebration of Maryland founding site”. The 19th and early 20th centuries saw a series of commemorations and pilgrimages to the site. In 1934, Maryland marked the 300th anniversary of the colony’s founding with a massive historical event, and land was donated to reconstruct the Maryland State House of 1676. Dr. Henry Chandlee Forman pioneered excavations that began the process of rediscovering the old city.
The Historic St. Mary’s City Commission (HSMCC) originated in 1965 when the Governor appointed the St. Mary’s City Restoration Study Commission. In 1966 the St. Mary’s City Commission replaced the Restoration Study Commission. Formerly under the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Commission became part of the Department of Housing and Community Development in 1987. The Commission was renamed Historic St. Mary’s City Commission in 1991. The Historic St. Mary’s City Commission was made an independent agency within the office of the Governor in 1997, and became affiliated formally with St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
Senate Bill 393 directs the HSMCC to “preserve and protect the archaeological and historical record of Maryland’s first colonial capital and to appropriately develop and use this historic and scenic site for the education, enjoyment, and general benefit of the public”.
With emphasis on the 17th century, the Commission studies the history of St. Mary’s City, preserves its archaeological evidence, and interprets that history for the public. Governance and management of Historic St. Mary’s City, including the care, control, and maintenance of all its property and assets are the responsibility of the Commission. The Commission may acquire historical and cultural properties necessary for the proper use and administration of Historic St. Mary’s City. In addition, the Commission may accept private gifts, as well as Federal, State and local government grants.
Historic St. Mary’s City Commission members are appointed by the Governor of Maryland, with Senate advice. Each member serves a maximum of two 4-year terms.
CURRENT MEMBERS William L. George, Chair (chosen by Commission in Sept., 1-year term), 2015 Ex officio (voting): Ex officio (nonvoting): BYLAWS
UPCOMING COMMISSION MEETINGS October 15, 2016 September 22, 2018 March 23, 2019 September 21, 2019 March 21, 2020 September 19, 2020 March 20, 2021 AGENDAS October 15, 2016 – Commission Meeting October 15, 2016 – Research & Land Use Committee October 11, 2016 – Education & Marketing Committee October 7, 2016 – Finance & Administration Committee September 14, 2015 – Education & Marketing Committee September 14, 2015 – Finance & Administration Committee September 8, 2015 – Research & Land Use Committee March 22, 2015 – Commission Meeting March 19, 2019 – Education & Marketing Committee March 19, 2019 – Research & Land Use Committee March 21, 2019 – Finance & Administration Committee March 21, 2019 – Government Relations Committee March 23, 2019 – Commission Meeting September 21, 2019 – Commission Meeting MINUTES March 19, 2016 – Commission Meeting Minutes September 21, 2019 – Commission Meeting Minutes Related documents: Links:
James M. Desmond, 2015
Todd B. Morgan, 2015
Jean B. Russo, Ph.D., 2015
Thomas Trezise, 2016
Kelsey R. M. Bush, 2017
Roland M. Colina, Sr., 2017
Laura J. Cripps, Ph.D., 2017
Danielle E. Troyan, 2017
Michael S. Loughran, 2018
Michael J. Whitson, 2018
Lawrence E. Leak, Ph.D., designee of Chair, Board of Trustees, St. Mary’s College of Maryland;
Samuel C. P. Baldwin, Jr, President, Historic St. Mary’s City Foundation.
J. Ernest Bell II, designee of Senate President;
William “Howie” Grube, designee of House Speaker.
March 25, 2017
September 23, 2017
March 24, 2018