| Volume 176, Page 49 View pdf image (33K) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
MARYLAND MANUAL 49 Marylanders have always taken pride in their history. The Maryland Historical Society, established in 1844, has done much to foster this interest, perhaps most notably by publishing the Archives of Maryland. Since 1935, the Hall of Records Commission, operating as the State archival agency, has collected in its vaults practically all of the most valuable records of Maryland, both State and local. It turned out to be by far the most significant accomplishment of the Tercentenary Commission, which was established for the purpose of devising ways to commemorate the three hundredth anniversary of the founding of Maryland. More recently, a number of county historical societies have been organized. As might be expected, Annapolis has been the center of attention among those interested in our colonial heritage. Historic Annapolis, Incorporated, the local historical society, has undertaken to preserve the old buildings and to per- suade those constructing new ones to maintain the distinc- tive character of the "Old City," an area which was just recently designated a National Historic District by the De- partment of the Interior. The State House, the Hammond- Harwood House and Whitehall, about five miles out of the city, have likewise been designated National Historic Land- marks. Plans to tear down the Paca House were thwarted when Historic Annapolis and the State combined to pur- chase the building. The Maryland Historical Trust and His- toric Annapolis are working together to develop gardens, an art and cultural center and a visitors' hall at this site. The Shaw House was also purchased by the State to save it from possible destruction. It now provides additional office space for members of the General Assembly. Government and Politics On June 16, 1965, Governor J. Millard Tawes established by executive order a 27-member commission to examine the nearly century-old Constitution of Maryland and determine whether it would be advisable to hold a convention for the purpose of preparing a new constitution and how it might be accomplished. In the course of events, a Constitutional Convention, composed of 142 members elected by the voters of Maryland, assembled in the State House in Annapolis on September 12, 1967 to undertake the task of drafting a new Constitution. The formal signing of the document pre- pared by the Convention occurred on January 10, 1968. In spite of all the careful preparation and hard work that had gone into drafting it, the proposed Constitution was over- |
| |||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
| Volume 176, Page 49 View pdf image (33K) |
An Archives of Maryland electronic publication.
For information contact
mdlegal@mdarchives.state.md.us.