Upper Shore Genealogical Society of Maryland
Meetings, talks, and community
Look back at USGSMD programs and gatherings across Maryland’s Upper Shore, from member meetings and local history talks to tours and fundraisers.
From the Society archive
Membership meetings are open to the public and are generally held in January, March, May, September, and November.
September 12, 2026 · 1 pm
The current calendar listed a membership meeting for 1 pm on September 12. The location and speaker were to be announced. Remote attendance through Microsoft Teams was planned, with meeting details to follow.
May 9, 2026 · Denton
The membership met at the Wharves of Choptank Visitor Center in Denton to elect officers for the coming year. Remote participation was offered through Microsoft Teams.
March 2026 · Denton
Chris Grazzini spoke about the history of Potter Hall and its connection to the War of 1812. Potter Hall, at Williston in Caroline County, was built by Zabdiel Potter, who developed Potter’s Landing as an early tobacco-shipping port. Grazzini, a retired Air Force colonel and Iraq War veteran, shared artifacts. Remote participation was offered through Microsoft Teams.
January 17, 2026 · Denton
The January meeting was postponed from January 10 and held at the Caroline County Public Library. Wesley O. Hagood, president of the Col. Tench Tilghman Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, introduced the organization, its goals, membership, and upcoming activities. Remote participation was offered through Microsoft Teams.
November 8, 2025 · Denton
Chief Donna “Wolf Mother” Abbott of the Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians, Inc. spoke about the history, culture, and traditions of Native American tribes of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The meeting was held at the Wharves of Choptank Visitor and Heritage Center, with an attempt to provide remote access.
2025
The Society held a yard sale fundraiser in support of its programs and the Family Research Center.
September 13, 2025 · Denton
The meeting at the Wharves of Choptank Visitor and Heritage Center was planned to include a guest speaker. If the speaker was unavailable, David Baker was prepared to present on the evolution of Maryland county boundaries from 1634 to the present. Remote participation was planned through Microsoft Teams.
May 10, 2025 · Denton
Members met at the Caroline County Public Library to elect officers for the coming year. Microsoft Teams access was offered for members unable to attend in person.
March 8, 2025 · Denton
Former USGSMD president Dr. Eric Cheezum discussed the origins of the Chessie mystery and his book on the subject at the Wharves of Choptank Visitor and Heritage Center. Remote participation was offered through Microsoft Teams.
January 11, 2024 · Online
Because snow and road conditions closed the library, this meeting moved online. The agenda included a recap of the printer and copier donation drive, books available for sale, and an overview of the Maryland Room at the library.
2024
The Society held a yard sale fundraiser to support its work and community programs.
September 14, 2024 · Denton
At the Caroline County Public Library, incoming president William Schaffner discussed how immigration has shaped the growth of the United States. The meeting also offered remote participation through Microsoft Teams.
May 11, 2024 · Easton
For its annual election meeting, USGSMD visited the Talbot Historical Society. The program included a talk and walking tour of the facilities, with a possible visit to the Jenkins House. Remote participation was offered through Microsoft Teams.
March 9, 2024 · Cambridge
Zoe Phillips, director of the Dorchester County Historical Society, spoke about county history and led a tour of the museum and Meredith House. Remote participation was offered through Microsoft Teams.
January 13, 2024 · Chestertown
At the Bordley History Center of the Historical Society of Kent County, Bill Leary discussed African American life in Kent County from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War, along with the work of the Historical Society. The meeting also marked USGSMD’s 50th anniversary year.
November 11, 2023 · Chester
The membership meeting at the Kirwan House Museum included a tour and discussion hosted by the Kent Island Heritage Society. It was part of USGSMD’s anniversary-year plan to meet in each of the five counties in its service area. Remote participation was planned using Microsoft Teams.
September 9, 2023 · Denton
USGSMD began its 50th anniversary year with a meeting at the Museum of Rural Life, hosted by the Caroline County Historical Society. Members toured the museum after the business session. Remote participation was planned using Microsoft Teams.
May 13, 2023 · Denton
At the annual election meeting, Dr. Clara Small presented a program about Kermit Travers. Remote attendance was available for members and interested guests who could not attend in person.
November 12, 2022 · Greensboro
Dr. Christian E. Jensen spoke about notable physicians who served Caroline County. Jensen began medical practice in Denton in 1973 and wrote Lives of Caroline County Maryland Physicians 1774–1984. His background includes service as a Navy captain and studies at Rutgers, Duke, and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
January 8, 2022 · Denton
Author Robert Jarrell discussed his book A Wedding in 1806, which follows the Jarrell, Powell, and Slaughter families from 1665 to 1894. The research draws on primary sources and archival collections in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, and covers early Talbot County immigrants and the Penn–Calvert dispute over the Delmarva Peninsula.
March 13, 2021 · Denton
Larry Porter spoke about growing up in Greensboro at American Legion Post 29. The event was open to the public with capacity and social-distancing restrictions in place.
March 14, 2020 · Denton
Sue Clabaugh, LPN, and Liz Stitely presented a program following the membership meeting at the Caroline County Public Library.
View the event flyer ↗January 11, 2020 · Denton
Dr. Clara Small spoke about African American soldiers from the Lower Eastern Shore at the Caroline County Public Library.
May 7, 2016 · Easton
Genealogist, historian, and author Elinor Thompson discussed preserving history through church and cemetery records, documenting African American history and shared histories, and creating a family history book. The program was held at the Talbot County Free Library in Easton.
Keep local history thriving
Membership meetings are open to the public. Check current announcements for the latest dates, speakers, and locations.