Martha Lewis Open For Tours in Fells Point as Part of Baltimore's War of 1812 Events

     Havre de Grace, Md. -- While the spotlight shines on Baltimore’s waterfront at the upcoming Star-Spangled Sailabration June 13-19, representatives from the local tourism community hope to cast a little light on the North East portion of the state. The Skipjack Martha Lewis will be among 46 ships gathering at Baltimore’s Waterfront from regional, national and international ports of call to kick-off Maryland’s bi-centennial commemoration of the War of 1812.

     “We are so excited to show Martha off to the masses!” said Cindi Beane, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy. “The skipjack is in integral part of our state and local heritage -- we are honored to be a part of this historic event!” 

     The V-bottom, two sail bateau (skipjack), the Martha Lewis, berthed in Havre de Grace, is one of the few remaining working dredge boats, that make up the Chesapeake Bay oyster fleet -- the last to fish commercially, under sail, in the United States of America. 

     The Martha Lewis will be docked at Fell’s Point at Broadway Pier June 12-14 and will move to the Baltimore Marine Center on June 14 until the 17. The vessel will be open for tours from 1100 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

     Not only will the vessel be open for tours, she will be on a mission to help promote the numerous heritage attractions and tourism in the Upper Bay Region. The Martha Lewis will be our maritime goodwill ambassador this weekend!” said Wini Roche, Tourism Manager for Harford County. “The boat is an example of how today’s visitors can experience unique Chesapeake towns like Havre de Grace where the past is ever-present. The War of 1812 was the pivotal moment in Havre de Grace’s history. What an opportunity to tell this important story and others of our region,” Roche stated.

     In honor of the state’s bi-centennial, the Upper Bay’s 1812 Steering Committee through the support of the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway has recently completed an Upper Bay Heritage & War of 1812 Sites - Discovery Guide & Passport. Visitors are encouraged to visit heritage sites in Harford & Cecil Counties and receive a stamp. Those who obtain 5 or more stamps may take their passport to the Havre de Grace Visitor Center or the Cecil County Visitor Center at the Perryville Outlet Center to receive a commemorative coin. 

     The passport will also be distributed at the Chesapeake Campaign tent at Sailabration by members of The Upper Bay 1812 Steering Committee. 

     The Upper Bay 1812 Steering Committee is coordinated by the Cecil and Harford county Offices of Tourism and includes 1812 site representatives and stakeholders including representatives from Perryville, Port Deposit, Havre de Grace, Charlestown, and Elkton and the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway

     For more information on the Discovery Guide & Passport visit www.upperbay1812.com.

Tea Party Returns to Chestertown This Weekend, May 25-27

     Chestertown, Md. -- “To the River!”

     The rallying cry of the Sons of Liberty of yore rings out again as once again the gem of the Eastern Shore opens its doors and welcomes celebrants to its annual Tea Party Festival. In an era that has seen so many radical ‘tea party’ political movements, the historic pageant in the tiny hamlet stands apart as a genuine slice of Americana, whose only aspiration is to remind its community of its storied past and celebrate being good neighbors.

     In response to British Parliament’s closing of the port of Boston, the citizens of Chestertown, met in May of 1774 and set forth “Resolves” forbidding importing, selling, or consuming tea, according to local legend, residents then gathered at the town center, marched down High Street to the brigantine Geddes, and tossed her cargo of tea overboard. The Saturday reenactment of that patriotic act is the centerpiece of the celebration. Beginning in 1975 and continuing each Memorial Day Weekend since, the festival has blossomed from a small local event to a major regional draw.

     A parade down main street, a classic distance run for early risers, an amazingly creative raft race, live demonstrations of colonial life, a dramatic historic reenactment, vendors of colonial craftsmanship and local musicians and food galore are all among the reasons that crowds are regularly estimated between 5,000 – 7,000 people attending the three day event.

     Now in its 37th continuous year, recent additions include the return of Revolutionary Theatre at the Garfield Center for the Arts, featuring local playwrights, Tia Glomb and Keith Thompson. In addition to the Vineyard Village on Saturday that was such a huge success last year, this year’s Sunday Wine Tasting event will add a special section of Craft Beers for those that enjoy hops as much as wine. Cow Plop Bingo makes its second appearance at the festival after last year’s fund raiser of for the KC Community Marching Band was so enthusiastically received.

     Also returning on Friday night, following the ever popular Cocktail Party at Wilmer Park, the Chester River Chorale will present and evening of patriotic songs at the Garfield Center. KCHS PTSA takes over the Toss the Tory contest and will raise funds for student scholarships by casting a local celebrity into the Chester on Sunday afternoon. These events, as well as stalwart favorites like Public Sails on the Sultana, the 20th Annual Great Raft Race and Classic Distance Run make the Tea Party Festival and event that all can find something fun to do.

     All festival events take place along the Chester River and in the historic district of 18th-century Chestertown. There is no admission charge to the festival, but certain events do require paid tickets. For more information please refer to our website at www.chestertownteaparty.org or call us at 215-431-6671.