Now, 179 years after this historic event, our State House, a registered
national historic landmark, still stands here as a proud reminder of
Maryland's great role in American history. The Old Senate Chamber,
the room in which the event took place, has been preserved just as it
was then. It is here for all of us to see and appreciate.

Last fall, at my Conference on Travel Development, I said that
thousands of visitors from other states and foreign lands are. passing
through Maryland without ever realizing that this State has played
such a significant role in the history and progress of America. I
stressed the need for signs and markers to point out to these people
our historic shrines and scenic spots. Some of you may wonder why
it is thought necessary to erect markers to identify this shrine of
history. Well, we know for a fact that a great many visitors to
Annapolis simply do not know what this building is. Many tourists
confuse it with the Naval Academy. They look at it with admiration
mixed with curiosity. After today, thanks to the Maryland Historical
Society, visitors will know at a glance that this is one of the most
significant shrines of American history.

On behalf of the people of Maryland, I would like to express my
gratitude to Senator George Radcliffe, President of the Maryland His-
torical Society, and to the many others who have made these markers
possible. I know that this is just the beginning of a program that will
ultimately result in markers and signs being erected at all of our
historic and scenic sites.

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