All - Members and non-members alike - should be receiving periodic emails announcing the latest additions to Stories From St. Mary's - a video series of recollections and reminiscences about people, places, and happenings in our county. The most recent is Growing Up Different, a conversation with Cheryl Knott about being different in a world that was hesitant to see past her handicap.
In the final stages of editing is a wonderful conversation among the four long-time Countians pictured above: Ernie Bell, "Budgie" Fenwick, Rob Mattingly, and Al Gough. They recently gathered on the loggia at Tudor Hall to talk about their lives in Leonardtown - stories told with fondness and humor. People, places, and goings-on that surely will evoke delighted gasps of "I remember that!" as well as warm the hearts of County residents both old and new.
If you haven't caught the videos in this series, we invite you to do so. Most are short. Some are about one hour. Every minute is a jewel. Just click the title above - the link is there!
An Evening Not to be Missed!
In addition to emails about videos, by now you should have received an email for the 2025 Fall Dinner on October 24th.
We are proud to present Donald Barber and David Brown, co-authors of The Barber Family: Four Generations in St. Mary's County.
While some of you may have heard Donald speak at other venues, this setting will be different as he and David engage together in conversation drawing out yet more of Donald's story of his family's life at Sotterley Plantation. And, both Donald and David invite you into their conversation to make observations and ask questions about some aspects of growing up in this County that may not have been apparent to everyone.
If you haven't yet made your reservations, you can do so right now by clicking here or completing and mailing the form attached at the bottom of this newsletter.
New Online Archives Site is Running
Thanks to our Webmaster and Director, Tim Benson, along with the work of Interns Alexandra Cumber and Calista Kibak, and Research Volunteer Joan Wise, the new online Archives system is watching. This system is more graphical than the prior one, inviting you to browse through the materials as opposed to having to search all the time.
There's much more to come, to be sure. But we invite you to take a look by clicking here. To enjoy the full richness of our Archives, we invite you to become a member of the Historical Society.
Do You Have Photos of Tudor Hall or the "SMCHS"
With our 75th Anniversary coming up next year, we're on the hunt for photos and memorabilia of Tudor Hall and the early days of the Historical Society (or "SMCHS" - an unpronounceable acronym that I studiously avoid).
If you're a longtime member or if you visited Tudor Hall when it was the County Library and have a photo or memorabilia from those days, please let us know.
A Date to Mark. . .
We're looking forward to hosting the Advent Open House on Saturday, December 4th from 1:00p to 4:00p. Yes - we
have passed neither Halloween nor Thanksgiving so talking about Advent and Christmas may sound a bit premature.
This annual event is such an enjoyable occasion that we want to be sure that you mark it on your calendars. Tudor Hall needs decorating and the piano definitely needs tuning, all of which will get underway next month.
We will be ready - and we hope you will be as well!
Past issues of the Tudor Hall Times can be found on our website under Publications