Celebrate 250 Years.
Shape the Next 250.
Art. History. Stewardship. Along the Potomac River.
In honor of Maryland’s 250th anniversary, the Alice Ferguson Foundation invites you to explore our historic riverside campus, where land has long served as home, muse, and teacher.
Series Overview
Five Experiences. One Connected Story. Each event stands alone. Together, they tell the full story of place.
Land as Muse Art Exhibit & Sale
September 19-20 &
25-26, 2026
A curated exhibition celebrating the land as creative inspiration, in partnership with the Accokeek Artists Alliance.
An Evening With The Artists
September 18, 2026
Kick off the series with an intimate evening with local and regional artists, featuring Cynthia Rudzis, who will unveil four newly commissioned stained glass panels, and Nicole Bourgea’s newly completed mural on the Pavilion wall. (Bundle-only access.)
Documentary Screening of Lenore + Q&A with Susan Gervasi, Producer
September 19, 2026
Experience the life and legacy of Lenore Thomas Straus, a New Deal-era sculptor whose work—and worldview—were shaped by the land, community, and history of Accokeek.
Celebration on the Potomac
September 26, 2026
An immersive experience exploring the farm’s signature buildings and highlighting the property’s history, while enjoying a variety of beverages and delicious, locally-sourced food.
Maryland 250 Historical Exhibit
September 19-20 & 25-26, 2026
Tracing how agriculture, art, and environmental education have shaped this landscape across generations.
Make a Lasting Impact
Maryland 250 Bundle – $250
Purchase a bundle ticket and gain access to all five event plus make a $50 donation to support environmental education for children.
Together, these experiences reveal how land shapes identity, inspires creativity, and teaches responsibility.
The series was designed to be experienced in full.
Maryland 250 Bundle – $250
The Complete Experience. A Lasting Impact.
Your bundle ticket includes full access to all five events — including the exclusive Meet the Artist Opening Reception with Cynthia Rudzis.
But it does more than grant entry.
$50 of every bundle ticket is tax-deductible and directly supports environmental education for children, many of whom attend at little or no cost thanks to philanthropic support.
Your investment helps
- Expand access for Title I schools
- Deliver hands-on watershed science education
- Preserve the historic property along the Potomac River
- Ensure cost is never a barrier to learning outdoors
Because the next 250 years begin with the children we educate today.
“Students don’t get many chances to go outside and explore any more. Being able to see and touch what we are learning helps students to remember and see how science affects them in real life.”
Rosa Parks Elementary school
The Impact of Your Support
Sponsor Invitation
Invest in the Next 250 Years
Sponsorship aligns your organization with
- Environmental stewardship
- Arts and cultural heritage
- Education access
- Community leadership
Maryland 250 sponsorship supports immersive outdoor education programs serving thousands of students each year.
Sponsor Recognition
With Gratitude to Our Maryland 250 Sponsors
Visionary Sponsors
Historic Legacy Sponsors
John J. Pohanka Family Foundation
Land & Culture Sponsors
Heritage Sponsors
Global Advisor Group
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative
Event Supporters
Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission
In Kind Sponsors
EK4KIDS
Partner Recognition
A Special Thank You to Our Maryland 250 Event Partners
Accokeek Artists Alliance
Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association
Cindi Rudzis, Blue Dog Art Glass
Charles County Youth Orchestra
Chris Shea, Art Furniture and Architectural Metalwork
County Manners
Maryland Wine Association
Mully’s Brewery
Nicole Bourgea, Mural Artist
Susan Gervasi, Lenore Film Producer
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the $250 bundle include?
All five series experiences, including the exclusive An Evening with the Artists reception.
How do I get a ticket for An Evening with the Artists reception?
An Evening with the Artists is available exclusively through the $250 Maryland 250 Bundle Ticket, which provides access to the full Land as Home. Land as Muse. Land as Teacher. event series. $50 of every bundle ticket is tax-deductible and supports environmental education programs for children.
Why should I purchase the Maryland 250 Bundle instead of individual tickets?
The series was designed to be experienced as a complete journey through art, history, and environmental stewardship. The $250 bundle provides access to all events in the series, including the bundle-only An Evening with the Artists reception, and $50 of every ticket supports environmental education programs for children.
Is Celebration on the Potomac a seated dinner?
No. It is an immersive exploration of our landscape where guests experience curated stations at our signature buildings.
What should I wear to Celebration on the Potomac?
Elevated outdoor or garden-party attire. Comfortable footwear recommended.
What if it rains?
Events are rain or shine, with covered and indoor options available.
How do proceeds support the Alice Ferguson Foundation?
Your participation helps connect children to the natural world through hands-on environmental education on our historic riverfront campus. Most students attend our programs at no cost, ensuring that every child — regardless of background — can experience the land as teacher.
