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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: The Dark Winter of 1776-1777 presented by John Laycock
Exploration Commons
50 East Main Street Westminster, MD 21157 United States
Carroll 250 Speaker Series: Victoria Christopher Murray
Exploration Commons
50 East Main Street Westminster, MD 21157 United States
Carroll 250 Community Forum
Public library in Eldersburg, Maryland
6400 W Hemlock Drive, Sykesville, MD 21784
Carroll 250 Speaker Series: “I am persuaded they will do great Execution.” Presented by Travis Shaw
Public Library in Mt. Airy, Maryland
705 Ridge Avenue, Mt. Airy, MD
Carroll 250 Speaker Series: Dolen Perkins Valdez
Exploration Commons
50 East Main Street Westminster, MD 21157 United States
Carroll 250 Speakers Series: Ellsworth Cemetery Stories & Tour presented by Diane Boettcher
Ellsworth Cemetery
800 Leidy Road, Westminster, 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
Kyle Wichtendahl,
HSCC Archivist and Library Assistant
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
Commissioner Tom Gordon III,
District III
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.
