HISTORICALLY SPEAKING MARYLAND PATCH PROGRAM
complete 3 requirements to earn this patch
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1. Maryland was one of the thirteen original colonies. Which number was it? Locate Maryland on a map of the USA. Identify the state bird, flower, insect and flag.

2. Learn more about a historical area or site in Maryland. Find out why it is important? Where it is located? If possible visit this historic area or site. Locations such as the Mason and Dixon Line, Edgar Allan Poe House, and Clara Barton’s House.

3. Visit a regional or historical park in Maryland or your area. Explore more of the outdoors. Go on a scavenger hunt and find five trees, plants, or flowers and five different signs of animals or insects.

4. Take pictures or notes about places in Maryland. Keep a journal or scrapbook. If you can‘t visit Maryland, you can use the internet or library books.

5. An estuary is a body of water where salty seawater mixes with fresh river water. Chesapeake Bay is the nation’s largest estuary! Learn more about the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance OR visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum OR explain or draw your version of a “food chain” in the bay.

6. The Star-Spangled Banner was written about a flag flown over Fort McHenry, in Baltimore. Research more about our National anthem. www.usflag.org/francis.scott.key.html

7. Find out why Maryland is called “The Old Line State” , “America In Miniature", and “The Free State"? www.mdisfun.org/kids/mdfacts.asp

8. Collect recipes from Maryland. Prepare one and share it with others or visit a restaurant that specializes in traditional Maryland food. (i.e. Crabs, fish, oysters, chicken dishes, apples or peaches).

9. Maryland has several state symbols. Locate 3 of the following symbols and find out how or when it originated. State Seal , State Boat, State Dog, State Fossil shell, State Fish, State Sport, State insect, State Crustacean, and the State Tree.

10. Learn about several famous people from Maryland and choose someone that was important in its history. Why were they important? What did they accomplish? Some examples are: Rachel Carson, Daniel Gilman,etc .

11. Research one of the following crafts or hobbies: Beading, pottery, loom weaving, fishing, and boating. Locate someone skilled in one of these crafts or hobbies and ask them to share their skills OR take an instructional class OR share your knowledge and teach one of the above items to other people.

12. Learn about the Native Americans in Maryland. What language did they speak? What type of clothing did they wear? What type of housing did they have? What foods did they eat? Use the information you learned to complete one of the following projects: Complete a painting or craft; prepare and complete a skit or conduct a play; or make paper dolls in Native clothing; or make a pictograph using symbols instead of letters.

13. Complete at least one service project helping others in diverse communities, or preserving our historical sites or volunteering your services to others. A few examples: Food and/or clothing drive; Adopt a family or Angel Tree; landscaping historical sites; delivering cards to the elderly or a special needs child. Make a difference in someone’s day. Give back to the community.

14. In the 18th century, Annapolis was the center of colonial commerce. Its docks were surrounded by warehouses, shops and taverns. Even today, it has more 18th-century buildings and houses than any other city in the United States. Research more about Maryland in the 18th century. Complete a drawing or craft representing this era OR learn an 18th Century game OR visit a building in Maryland with interpreters of the 18th-century era OR Conduct a play or skit.

15. Many African-Americans have played important roles in Maryland’s history. You can explore programs and exhibits at the Banneker-Douglass Museum of Afro-American Life, and other areas in Maryland. Visit a site depicting African-American history OR Research their history through books or a website. Share your knowledge with others. www.mcps.k12.md.us/curriculum/socialstd/FT/Banneker_Douglas.html

This patch program will help its participants learn more about the history and sites in this state. If you have the privilege of visiting this state, you can complete some of these requirements there. It would be helpful to learn more about the state prior to your visit. Use the library and the internet to research more.