Story by Edna Troiano

St. Mary’s City, the first settlement in Maryland, is now a historical tourist attraction, and Southern Maryland’s economy is no longer based on tobacco farming and fishing. Although much of our early history is just that, one flourishing remnant of colonial Southern Maryland remains – foxhunting.

Story by Janet Dunphy and Photography by Ed Mann

Mary Pat Hollis didn’t realize she was starting a second career when she took that class 11 years ago. She was just fulfilling a dream.

Story by Michelle Brosco Christian and Photography by Ed Mann

Stay-at-home mom Cori Shaw Meloney of Waldorf may sometimes miss her former work in a busy newsroom, but not enough to give up her current status as the owner/designer of Peace, Baby! Batiks, a craft business located in her own kitchen.

Story by Barbara Elizabeth Graf and Photography by Ed Mann

Born and raised on a Virginia farm, Selena Daughtrey-Andersen of Huntingtown was introduced to animals at an early age. “I was always surrounded by multiple dogs and cats, and we always had horses,” said Daughtrey-Andersen, the youngest by nine years of five siblings, who took to the saddle and learned the responsibilities of horsemanship with her first pony when she was 5 years old. “My parents never kept a tight rein on me,” said Daughtrey-Andersen. “I had to entertain myself a lot,” she added, recalling that her solitary pastimes of reading and art as well as her passion for animals – especially horses – have stayed with her since childhood.

Story by Michelle Brosco Christian and photography by Ed Mann

Horseback riding is a fun and physical activity for many Southern Marylanders, but for others who have various disabilities, it can literally seem like a lifesaver.

St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival Draws Thousands
From Southern Maryland and Beyond

Story by Debra Zimmerman Murphey

Story by Kathy Warren and Photography by August Selckmann

If becoming an artist were as simple as taking a few classes or declaring an art major in college, then art galleries and museums would become obsolete and homes would be filled with our own artwork and not the creations of others. But the truth is that not all of us are artists. The reason we appreciate the work of true artists is because they possess a gift that allows them to create works of art that transcend time and space. Such is the case for local artist Ann Crain.

Story by Caroline Miller King and Photography by August Selckmann

There’s something iconic about an American flag proudly displayed on an old, weathered barn.

American flags are painted or hung on several barns (and a few other buildings) here in Southern Maryland. To commemorate Veterans Day, we wanted to share their stories with you. Enjoy the pictures, or take a drive and see them for yourself. You might just be inspired.

Story by Susan Glauner

A craft fair is truly a feast for the senses. It’s a veritable cornucopia of aromas, colors and textures. Within the stalls, booths and tables of Southern Maryland’s plentiful fairs and festivals you can find a one-of-a-kind paper creation alongside a home-baked tart or a handcrafted bath lotion. Or a craft – a painting, piece of pottery, wood carving, piece of jewelry, hand-sewn baby gift or hand-woven basket – as unique as the artisan who created it. Local craft fairs provide a special space for local artisans to display their talents and interested buyers to discover them.

Story by Danita Boonchaisri and Photography by Somchai Boonchaisri

“There are many things to induce women to piece quilts. The desire for a handsome bed furnishing, or the wish to make a gift of one to a dear friend, have inspired some women to make quilts. With others, quiltmaking is a recreation, a diversion, a means of occupying restless fingers. However, the real inducement is love of the work: because the desire to make a quilt exceeds all other desires.”  -Marie D. Webster, “Quilts: Their Story & How To Make Them,” 1915.