Lower Marlboro Freedom Day

Saturday, October 18, 2025

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

As the War of 1812 raged into the summer of 1814, British troops sailed up the Patuxent River in a bid to take Washington, D.C. On their way, they stopped at the port of Lower Marlboro in what is now Owings to commandeer supplies and offered freedom to local enslaved men and women in exchange for their service to the British war effort. Fourteen people won their freedom that day, on what we now commemorate as Lower Marlboro Freedom Day.

Activities include walking tours, speakers, entertainment, food and exhibits at the historic Lower Marlboro United Methodist Church and Lower Marlboro Hall in Owings. Download the Walking Tour Brochure

This is a wonderful opportunity for all ages to enjoy the fall weather while celebrating our local history and heritage.

Our special thanks to the generous residents of Lower Marlboro for hosting this event.

Where: Lower Marlboro Hall (3911 Lower Marlboro Road, Owings)  and Lower Marlboro United Methodist Church (6519 Lower Marlboro Lane, Owings) Free Parking.

Contact: Karyn Molines at Karyn.Molines@calvertcountymd.gov 

Displays & Exhibits

War of 1812
Archeology of the Area
Lower Marlboro History 

Food Vendors

Melvin's Place of Prince Frederick

Sponsors and Organizations

  •  All Saints Parish
  • Calvert County Communications and Media Relations 
  • Calvert County Historic District Commission
  • Calvert County Historical Society
  • Calvert County NAACP
  • Calvert County Parks & Recreation Natural Resources 
  • Calvert County Planning & Zoning
  • Calvert Library
  • Calvert Nature Society
  • Gray-Ray American Legion Post 220
  • Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum
  • Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory 
  • Maryland State Archives
  • Mt. Harmony-Lower Marlboro United Methodist Church