Colonel Henry Hollingsworth to be remembered Saturday

ELKTON — The Historical Society of Cecil County is joining with the Col. Henry Hollingsworth Maryland Society Sons of the American Revolution on Saturday at noon to remember the Revolutionary War hero who is the chapter’s namesake.

While this has been a regular occurrence of the SAR chapter — founded in Cecil County more than 50 years ago — Paula Newton, executive director of HSCC, says this is the first time they have joined.

“Chuck Smolka is the new SAR president and he wanted to do more cooperative events with HSCC,” Newton said.

The program will be at Elkton Cemetery on Howard Street, which is where Hollingsworth is buried.

During the American Revolution, Hollingsworth was a quartermaster for the rebel troops, bringing such supplies as food, ammunition and medicine out to the battle fields. He later served in the Maryland House of Delegates and Senate as well as being credited for moving education in Cecil County by donating land to what became The Elkton Academy. In 1996, the Cecil Whig reported that the building later became a War of 1812-era hospital while also providing education for some 100 years.

During the ceremony, a history of Hollingsworth will be presented by Smolka and Elkton Mayor Rob Alt will proclaim Sept. 17 as Col. Henry Hollingsworth Day.

“That’s his actual birthday,” Smolka said of the date.

The program will end with a ceremonial firing of muskets and then a light lunch at the Historical Society, 135 East Main St.in Elkton.