Carroll County Commemorates 175 Years

You're invited to Carroll County's birthday party on Jan. 19. The Carroll County board of commissioners will begin the celebration with the rededication of the Freedom Shrine and the day will end with a living history presentation hosted by the Historical Society.

Freedom Shrine Rededication

On Thursday, Jan. 19 at 9 a.m. the commissioners will rededicate the Freedom Shrine. The rededication will be held in the , 225 North Center Street in Westminster in the hallway outside Rooms 311 and 312.

The Freedom Shrine was originally dedicated in 1999 and it houses replicas of some of the  nation's most significant historical documents. According to a county news release, the purpose of the Freedom Shrine is to give everyone the opportunity to see and read for themselves the words and actions that marked momentous turning points in our great nation.

The rededication ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. and will be followed by a living history reading by President Abraham Lincoln.

Historical Society Living History Presentation

The will host a first-person living history presentation at Holy Cross Hall in the Ascension Episcopal Church, 23 North Court Street in Westminster at 7 p.m.

Dr. Beanes will tell the story behind the 1814 British attack on Baltimore and the writing of The Star-Spangled Banner. Dr. Beanes was arrested and held by the British on a ship in Baltimore Harbor when the people of his hometown enlisted the aid of Francis Scott Key to negotiate the doctor’s release. There will be celebration cake and beverages at the event. There is no charge to attend the county’s 175th birthday party.