Commission Sunset

The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission sunset on June 30, 2026. The Commission's work is being processed for permanent storage and accessibility at the Maryland State Archives.

The Commission is no longer accepting submissions, questions, or comments. For questions or additional information, please contact the Maryland State Archives at msa.helpdesk@maryland.gov .

The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission

was established in 2019 by House Bill 307 (PDF) , opens in a new tab and amended by House Bill 297 (PDF) , opens in a new tab in 2021 and Senate Bill 478 (PDF) , opens in a new tab in 2023. The Commission is authorized to research cases of racially motivated lynchings and hold public meetings and regional hearings where a lynching of an African American by a white mob has been documented. Current evidence reflects 38 such cases.

Final Report of the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission - Submitted December 2025


The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission presented a virtual briefing on its Final Report on Wednesday, January 14th at 3pm Eastern Standard Time. You can review the entire briefing here.

View of Darlington Courthouse and the Sycamore Tree Where Amy Spain, the Negro Slave, Was Hung by the Citizens of Darlington, South Carolina.
Image Courtesy of Slaveryimages.org, RegID: SI-OB-440


Meetings and Hearings, Open to the Public

  • Full Commission Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of the month from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm ET.
Meeting of the Frontiers Social and Civic club from MSA Special Collections.
View the public hearing presentation template (PDF)
This presentation is an outline of the areas and the steps which should be addressed to hold a public hearing on the subject of racial terror lynchings. These events are sponsored by the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission and planned collaboratively with private and public citizens and groups from the county in which the hearing is held. Topics include: Hearing Venues, Outreach, Program Agenda, and Public Comment.

Upcoming Public Meetings