County historian seeks support celebrating America’s 250th birthday

CENTREVILLE — As the United States Semiquincentennial approaches in 2026, County Historian Mary Margaret Revell Goodwin sought go-ahead from the Centreville Town Council to establish an official commission to present a national birthday celebration worthy of Centreville July 18.

The State of Maryland has begun planning to honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 and is looking for assistance from every city, town and county to lend a hand to put forth their own plans, according to Goodwin.

As county historian, Goodwin regularly helps assist in finding local information and historical records.

Goodwin reviewed her over 30 years of local history work as she outlined a plan to establish a committee dedicated to the historic birthday.

Owning what amounts to “almost two floors” of collected state and county history, Goodwin has been at the forefront of a number of county historical endeavors including the establishment of the Kennard Cultural Heritage Center.

Presented historic photographs from 1914 and 1920 showcasing horse drawn wagons down Commerce Street. “I knew people who rode on that wagon,” she said.

Goodwin was also instrumental not only in bringing in West Point Cadets for a gun salute honoring the last American killed in the War of 1812 to Centreville, but also tracking down descendants to pay their respects, she said.

Connecting local history to the 250th anniversary, Goodwin noted Wye Mill, a historic county landmark, is credited with making bread that was shipped out for soldiers during the American Revolutionary War, according to Goodwin.

“And that’s what they ate, the bread was from fields here in this area,” she said.

For the 250th birthday, the ultimate dream is to do an entire reenactment with horse drawn carriages, according to Goodwin.

Wheels are already turning for a county wide endeavor and several events, with assistance and participation from local fire departments, American Legions and many more anticipated, she said.

The Council gave consensus to create the official birthday commission and voiced future assistance and support available.