Executive Director
Historical Society of Talbot County
25 South Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601

For more information, contact the Historical Society at (410) 822-0773 or via email to staff

The Society offices are open from 10 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday.


Historical Society of Talbot County Heritage Award Past Recipients

2010

Barc Upchurch of Barclay Designs received a Heritage Award for rehabilitation and renovation of historic property at 14 N. Hanson St., Easton, MD. Barclay Design, a kitchen and bath cabinet design company, took a 75 year old Pure Oil Gas Station, and went beyond a basic historic restoration. They carefully researched the original characteristics of the building and restored it so that it is a positive element in its neighborhood. Additionally, Barclay Design updated it to bring in green technology. The station pumps compressed gas for the company’s fleet of vehicles. The car lift has been reconfigured to be a table that raises and lowers.

Pricilla Morris was awarded the title “History Maker” for her lifetime achievement in research and volunteerism in support of the preservation of Talbot County history. Over many years, Priscilla has given considerable volunteer time toward these endeavors. She has also researched specific sites for the Talbot County’s Historic Preservation Commission, the Heritage Area, the Town of Easton, and for individual tax credit projects. Her 17th century roots in the Bayside predate the formal creation of Talbot County, but it is her avid research into Frederick Douglass’ life here that awakened her broader interest in local history. In 2010, Priscilla documented the location of the Covey farm where Douglass toiled, and ultimately found his resolve to be free. She has also conducted extensive research on the life of Reverend James W. Stoakes, an early abolitionist and Easton shipbuilder during the War of 1812.

Oxford Bellevue Ferry received a Heritage Award for preservation of an historic tradition in Talbot County. The Ferry is the nation’s oldest privately operated ferry service, plying the Tred Avon between Oxford and Bellevue, near Royal Oak. In 1683 Talbot County Circuit Court “pitcht upon Mr. Richard Royston to keep a ferry for horses and men.” He was paid 2,500 pounds of tobacco per year, worth about $25. Sails and oars were eventually replaced by a coal fired steam tug, then a gasoline tug, now diesel. It is kept in ship shape by the current owners, Tom and Judy Bixler.

Branches of the Bay Geneaology Books was given a Heritage Award for publication and research contributions over many years. Irma Harper, Cindy Schmidt and Trish Surles are three women with a love of local history and genealogy specifically of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, between the “Branches of the Bay.” They have provided at low cost numerous research books such as 1798 Federal Direct Tax Assessment of Talbot County, Married in Maryland - Talbot County 1794-1824 and a poignant look into the past, Bound to Serve: The Indentured Children of Talbot County 1794-1920. They have provided a forum for other authors, and assisted those looking up their own family genealogies. Lecturing is also a passion, especially for Irma Harper.

Rotary Club of Saint Michaels, Maryland was given an Award of Merit for Saint Michaels Nature Trail, an adaptive Reuse of an Historic Site. In the 19th century we had a thriving railroad linking Easton with Saint Michaels and Claiborne, where steamboats plied the Chesapeake Bay. By our era the only thing left of the railroad was cinders and a dense growth of weeds. At great personal effort, the club raised considerable funds and gifts in kind from State and local sources, imported a bridge, navigated permits, power lines, stringent structural and environmental requirements and placated neighbors. In 2010 they turned a negative no man’s land into a positive area that celebrates its railroading past by offering an appreciated trail widely used by all age groups in Saint Michaels.

2009

Citizens for Muskrat Park, St. Michaels received a Heritage Award for the rehabilitation, enhancement and adaptive reuse of green space within a historic district. The new Muskrat Park enhances the surrounding historic architecture and harbor, and creates a welcoming, shared public space for all of St. Michaels and its visitors to enjoy.

Arthur and W.D. Waxter received a Heritage Award for the restoration of the historic Tilghman Cemetary at Rich Neck Manor. The brothers engineered the restoration of the Tilghman Family cemetery and the gravesite of Matthew Tilghman.  They raised the money to fund the professional services to clear the overgrowth, rebuild the stone wall, and care for the grave markers. This was a complex, high-quality project undertaken by two Talbot County residents who committed a dozen years to honoring our heritage respectfully.

Blaine "Ebby" DuPont received a Heritage Award for lifetime achievement in the restoration and preservation of historic buildings, their settings and other artifacts related to the heritage of Talbot County. His high caliber work represents a lifetime of achievement and a lasting contribution to Talbot County's heritage.

Maryland Room of the Talbot County Free Library received a Heritage Award for preserving archives and providing research assistance to the public. For more nearly 70 years The Maryland Room has been a special resource to professionals and laypeople researching important events, locating ancestors and uncovering the history of their communities, neighborhoods, and homes.  No author, no historian, no historic area resident in Talbot County would be without the Maryland Room. 

The Jousting Tournament at Old St. Joseph's Catholic Church received a Heritage Award for longevity, historical significance and promotion of Maryland’s state sport. St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church has sponsored this annual jousting tournament for 140-plus years.  The only time the tournament was cancelled was during World War II when, according to the record “the most able-bodied riders” were at War.  Jousting became Maryland’s State Sport in 1968. 

Waterfowl Festival received an Award of Merit for the the Dr. Harry Walsh Outlaw Gunner artifacts exhibit at the 2009 Festival. This community exhibit honored Dr. Harry Walsh, one of the Founders of Waterfowl Festival. Close friends, collectors and even the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum loaned materials to be included in this artifacts exhibit.

Tilghman Waterman's Museum received an Award of Merit for collecting, sharing and celebrating the heritage of the island’s watermen and their families. It’s early in its career to honor the Tilghman Waterman’s Museum, but we feel it is laudable and critical that the people of Tilghman have stepped forward to protect their heritage against the threats of time and change as the Chesapeake Bay struggles. They created a heritage association, began a museum in the old barber shop, and then secured a permanent home for their museum by purchasing the 1893 Lee House - an historic home with special Tilghman-Island characteristics.

2008

	Citizens of Tunis Mills received a Heritage Award for their research of the history of their community (originally named Oakland Mills).

2007

Atelier 11, Ltd, Architecture received a Heritage Award for the re-restoration of the John S. McDaniel House in Easton. The house had been undergoing restoration for years when a fire damaged the upper floors. The home was restored again, and this time the project was finished..

Christian & Co, LLC received a Heritage Award for the restoration of three commercial properties in St. Michaels historic district.

Kurt L. Herrmann received a Heritage Award for the rehabilitation of 11 Higgins Street in Easton.

In addition to the Heritage Award, the Historical Society has recognized nominees with special Awards of Merit.

Elizabeth Elkins received an Award of Merit for her restoration and adaptive reuse of 331 East Dover Street in Easton

	A 2007 Award of Merit went to Osprey Restoration for the restoration of 205 Mulberry Street in St. Michaels, shown here before and after.

Osprey Restoration received an Award of Merit for the restoration of 204, 205, and 206 Mulberry Street in St. Michaels.

2006

	The Inn at 202 Dover received a 2006 Heritage Award for the extensive renovation work done by the Mitchells.

The Inn at 202 Dover received a Heritage Award for their adaptive reuse of this home. Built in the late 19th century and formerly known as the Wrightson House, this was one of the few houses in Easton influenced by beaus-arts classicism, a style usually reserved for public buildings. This building had been neglected for decades and was thought to be beyond saving. The Mitchell s not only saved it but updated it to a glorious state.

2005

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum received a Heritage Award for the exhibit At Play on the Bay that opened in 2005. Heritage Award Committee members applauded this effort to seriously consider the significance of leisure history on the Chesapeake without ever losing a sense of playfulness.

Barry Sparks was awarded for his book "Frank 'Home Run' Baker: Hall of Famer and World Series Hero." Mr. Sparks dedicated years to researching this project before finally finishing it in 2005.

In addition to the Heritage Award, the Historical Society has recognized nominees with special Awards of Merit.

The Oxford Museum received a merit award for Prosperity on the Half-Shell: Oxford in the Golden Age of Oystering. The Awards Committee recognized this small local museum with limited resources for creating an exhibit with broad public appeal.

Cherry's Inc. received a merit award for the restoration of its historic storefront in Easton after a tragic fire in 2004. Committee members also lauded Cherry's commitment to remaining a downtown merchant.

Finally, architects Ward Bucher and Lisa Johnson received a merit award for the restoration and rehabilitation of the Downes Curtis Sails Loft Building in Oxford. Renowned African-American sailmaker Downes F. Curtis plied his trade in a second floor loft in the building for more than half a century until 1996.

2004

	The Talbot County Historic Preservation Commission received a 2004 Heritage Award for a resource survey of 20th century agricultural buildings.

The St. Mary's Square Museum in St. Michaels received a Heritage Award for preserving the Chaney Brothers House. Working-class residences such as this are often lost to history.

The Talbot County Historic Preservation Commission received a 2004 Heritage Award for a resource survey of 20th century agricultural buildings.

2003

The Eastern Shore Land Conservancy was recognized for successfully raising almost $1 million in private donations to purchase the ten acre Paw Paw Cove site on Tilghman Island. Archeologically rich, the site has yielded artifacts up to 13,000 years old, making the cove the oldest recorded site of human habitation on Delmarva. The site is now permanently protected by a conservation easement with a long-term goal to establish a continued archeological research presence with a public education component.

Historic Easton, Inc. was recognized for its successful campaign to save the house at 107 South Hanson Street (c.1865-1870) from almost certain demolition. HEI purchased the house with an emergency low-interest loan from the Maryland Historical Trust. The purchase effectively canceled the demolition permit and the house was then re-sold with a perpetual easement protecting it for the future. The house is a rare example of vernacular Greek Revival architecture which is not prevalent in Maryland It has been judged important to the history of the neighborhood and its African-American heritage by the Maryland Historical Trust.

In addition to the Heritage Award, the Historical Society has recognized the Tidewater Times with an Award of Special Merit. For more than a half century, this monthly publication has maintained a commitment to telling the stories and showcasing the art of the Eastern Shore.

Dr. Lawrence G. Claggett received recognition for a lifetime of collecting, research and writing on the history of the Eastern Shore.

2002

The Tred Avon Building on Washington Street in Easton, home of Crackerjacks, was almost completely destroyed in the disastrous fire of February 2000, as many in the community will remember. As owner of the property, Linda Laramy chose to work with the Easton Historic District Commission, architect Christine Dayton, and other Maryland agencies to restore the building which could have easily been a complete loss. As a result of a cooperative effort between Laramy and the town, an important component of Easton's historic streetscape was saved. This project is a dramatic example of what came happen when historic preservation works right.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum was selected to receive the Heritage Award for their creation of "Oystering on the Chesapeake," a unique educational program targeted at 4th through 6th graders to teach them about local and regional history in an innovative way. The award committee felt that this project created an invaluable tool for local teachers that will help them to engage their students in local history and raise awareness of our rich traditions. The project was funded by the Seraph Foundation and was developed by Patricia Turner of the Institute for Learning Innovation with the staff of the Breene M. Kerr Center for Chesapeake Studies.

This year the committee also chose to present two Honorable Mentions for projects that they felt were important to the community and worthy of recognition.
The 2002 Oxford Kids Camp produced a video with interviews and re-creations of activities related to Oxford's history in the first half of the 20th century. The project represents a wonderful effort in helping kids build curiosity about their community's past and making a product from what they learned.
Patricia Helwick also received on Honorable Mention for her decision and efforts in restoring her private home. Her restoration was commendable for both motivation and the quality of the restoration.

2001

The 1881 Sheriff's House and Jail, originally designed by the firm of Dixon and Kennedy of Baltimore, is a high Victorian gothic building that in its time represented the leading fashion in America for urban civic architecture. Today the Sheriff's House and Jail stands restored and renewed on the Courthouse Square. It is the result of ten years of work by local and state preservationists, builders, architects, engineers, community organizations, and the county government. Architects for the project were Iott Architecture/Engineering of Salisbury, Maryland. The project was nominated by the Talbot County Historical Trust and the Easton Historic District Commission.

The George Brooks House at the intersection of Rolles Range Road and Route 33 north of St. Michaels is an outstanding example of a reconstruction and adaptation of a rural vernacular building. George Brooks was an African American, a respected businessman, and an advocate of his own work ethic whose published work is remembered in Talbot County. The photographic record of the finished George Brooks House project now adapted as a "B&B" by the owner and his architect, illustrates both the exactitude of the reconstruction of the building as well as the sensitivity and discretion with which a large addition was designed and situated. What is truly remarkable about his project is that when it was undertaken the house could have been categorized as "bulldozer ready". The owner and general contractor, Willard Workman, Jr., his partner Willard Workman III, and his architect Charles Paul Goebel, are to be commended for this renewal of the home and memory of George Brooks and for preserving a fine old house for posterity. The project was nominated by the Talbot County Historic Preservation Commission.

The Historic Districts Guidelines publication represents a significant step forward in the developing professionalism of the Easton Historic District Commission. Now fully adopted by the Town of Easton for the use of the Commission, the guidelines publication provides the Commission with an extensive analysis and set of design references for making decisions on the cases that come before it. Written and illustrated by Richard Wagner of David Gleason and Associates, the publication was fostered in its conception and development by a Guidelines Committee under the direction of local architect and preservationist Charles Paul Goebel. This project was generously supported through a grant from the Maryland Historical Trust. The preservation of this fine historic town will benefit from this effort for many decades to come. The project was nominated by the Easton Historic District Commission.

2000

Irma S. Harper and R. Bernice Leonard. The award was given to Mrs. Harper and Mrs. Leonard for excellence in historical research and publication. Through their decades of work in searching, compiling, and publishing historic records of Talbot County, the Eastern Shore, and the State of Maryland, they have created numerous, priceless research tools that serve the advancement of the understanding of the past of this region. The society chose Mrs. Harper and Mrs. Leonard to receive this award because of their selfless effort, the excellent quality of their work, and their lifetime commitment to the proper and accurate preservation of the past.

New Easton Utilities Building. The society presented the award to Easton Utilities for excellence in new architectural design in an historic setting. The award was presented for the new Customer Service Center on North Washington Street in Easton. The building was selected because it is an exemplar of compatible new architecture for an historic town. The structure's design, scale, materials, and site are highly complementary of the historic architecture of North Washington Street and the rest of the old commercial core of downtown. Brad Hastings of the Becker Morgan Group, architect for the project was also included in the award.



  

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Historical Society of Talbot County
25 South Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601
Telephone Number: 410-822-0773 

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