Dorchester News | Feb 2025
WHAT'S INSIDE: New Song Celebrates Dorchester | Old Trinity Church Launches 350th Anniversary | Valentine's in the Heart of the Chesapeake | National Outdoor Show | Black History in Dorchester | Merchant News | February Events | Arts & Music

New song celebrates Dorchester County

There's a brand new song celebrating Dorchester County! Inspired by her recent move to Cambridge, 21-year-old rising R&B and soul artist Jayla Elise wrote "Dorchester Dreams" after meeting Director of Dorchester County Tourism Holly Gilpin at an event. Jayla found herself moved by the warmth and creativity of the people around her. "I wanted to capture the beauty of this place - both the landscape and the people - and what it means to call this area home," she said. The song also draws inspiration from the powerful legacy of Harriet Tubman (born in Dorchester County), whose courage and determination are a constant source of motivation for Jayla. "Living in a place with such a rich history, knowing that Tubman's legacy is part of the fabric of this county, gives me even more drive to keep pursing my own dreams." She's already performed the song in January at the Cambridge Ice & Oyster Festival, on WBOC's "DelmarvaLife," and at the Dorchester County "Water Moves Us" magazine release luncheon.

Old Trinity celebrates 350 years starting Feb. 8

Old Trinity Church is celebrating its 350th anniversary in 2025! Built by English settlers sometime between 1675 and 1690, Old Trinity is known as the oldest church building in the United States still used for regular worship. The anniversary celebration will begin on Feb. 8, when the church hosts the Chesapeake Independent Blues and the Fort McHenry Guard to honor the war veterans buried on the church's grounds. The day's events will also feature a reenactment of the Battle of the Ice Mound on the 210th anniversary of the battle. The battle originally took place Feb. 7, 1815 off James and Taylors Islands, and is noted as the last skirmish on the Chesapeake in the War of 1812.
  • The Feb. 8 event is free and open to the public, 10am-1:30pm. Old Trinity is located at 1716 Taylors Island Rd. (Route 16) in Church Creek.
  • On Feb. 9, Old Trinity will have a historic service featuring Holy Communion from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England, the liturgy in use when the church began holding services, and with vestments and furnishings arranged in keeping with the period.
  • The grounds of Old Trinity Church, Graveyard, and Cemetery are open daily from dawn to dusk. Tours are by appointment. For more information, call 410-228-2940 or email rector@oldtrinity.net.

Valentine's fun in the Heart of the Chesapeake

Celebrate with your Valentine in Dorchester County – known as the Heart of the Chesapeake – it's not only how the county is shaped, it's who we are! Whether you're coming to visit or you live here in Dorchester, we've rounded up a few ways to enjoy – fun events, sweet treats, dinner specials, and more. Roundup of Valentine's Fun.

Muskrats and more at Outdoor Show Feb. 21-22

Experience a slice of authentic Dorchester County culture at the National Outdoor Show Feb. 21-22 with everything from a beauty pageant to world championship muskrat skinning to turkey calling contests. As the National Outdoor Show folks say: "You are now in Muskrat Country: the heartland of sportsmen, trappers, watermen and wildlife! As you view the exhibits, sample the food, and observe the enthusiasm of the people involved in the show, we hope you will gain an appreciation for the true spirit and character of Dorchester County." The event, at Golden Hill School in Church Creek, also offers up an opportunity to taste one of Dorchester's more unusual delicacies — muskrat! Try it on Saturday afternoon while supplies last.
Muskrats once played an important role in Dorchester County's economy – their pelts fetched high prices and their meat was a regular on dinner tables. In addition to the Outdoor Show, you can experience muskrat a few other ways in Dorchester County:
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Explore Black history and heritage in Dorchester

Explore Dorchester County this February – or any time of year – to meet the Black pioneers, patriots, and freedom fighters who changed the course of history. The birthplace of Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman and home of civil rights icon Gloria Richardson, Dorchester County has a cultural tapestry that's been inspired by generations of Black leaders, enslaved people, and ordinary citizens. We've put together some places where you can explore Black history here, plus Black History Month happenings. See our Black History Month roundup.

Merchant and attraction news

  • Lil Bitta Bull BBQ's main restaurant (520 Race St., Cambridge) is now Bull Provisions & Smokehouse – opening soon! – to reflect their growing menu and expanded experiences. They call it "reimagining classic comfort foods with a twist." On the second floor, they'll have Bullseye’s Loft with axe throwing, golf simulators, and more. They'll also be opening Lil' Bitta Bull BBQ Express, a takeout spot on Route 50 in Cambridge. For the latest updates, follow their new Facebook page.
  • 3ten Creative Design & Gift Gallery is moving to a new location at 519 Poplar St. in Cambridge. Check out their new digs at their free Second Saturday reception, Feb. 8, 6-8pm.
  • RAR Brewing is planning a new concept for the site on Cambridge Creek that was, until mid-December, the longtime home to Snappers Waterfront Cafe & Tiki Bar. RAR hasn't announced any details yet, so watch their social media for the latest!
  • Cabin Fever Play Centre will be rotating some of their arcade games the first week of February. Plus a new sensory room will be coming soon.!

FEBRUARY EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

For more Valentine's events, see our roundup.
For Black History Month events, see our roundup.

Feb. 1, 5:30-9pm
Spice up your dinner with "Degenerate Housewives," a murder mystery by Poe's Cafe Theatre at Suicide Bridge Restaurant. The menu includes shrimp cocktail, fruit and cheese, filet mignon and crab cake, salad, starch, veggie, dessert. Beer and wine included. Reserve at 410-943-4689.

Jan. 31, Feb. 1, 6:30-9:30pm
Layton's Chance Vineyard & Winery hosts a murder mystery evening. Includes a glass of the signature drink and heavy hor'doeuvres.

Feb. 8
Get into the Valentine spirit with Cambridge Main Street! The fun includes live music by Solitude Road Band at RAR Brewing 6-9pm (the launch of Main Street's new 2025 Second Saturday Music Series), Cupid's Cocktail & Chocolate Crawl at seven participating merchants, and Hearts on Fire with fire pits and s'mores 4-7pm at Blue Ruin Plaza. Plus, personalized hearts will be on display downtown Feb. 8-28.
Feb. 5, 7pm
David Williams is a skipjack captain, wood worker, amateur boat builder/restorer and amateur photographer who restored his first boat at age 12. He'll discuss a study of the life of ship caulkers, especially off San Domingo, Maryland. At the Dorchester County Historical Society. Free. Part of the South Dorchester Folk Museum Series.

Feb. 9, 16, 8am
Join an experienced birder at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge for a guided birding tour. Throughout the winter, waterfowl and raptors, including bald eagles, are plentiful at the refuge. Meet at Blackwater Visitor Center parking lot, then tour in your own car. Tours last 3-4 hours. Free.

FEBRUARY EVENT HIGHLIGHTS, cont'd

Feb. 16, 1-3pm
All are invited to the Dorchester Garden Club's workshop led by You Do Flowers. Includes glass of wine and everything you need to learn how to transform a grocery store bouquet into a lovely table arrangement to take home. At Vintage 414. $55 per person. Register at youdoflowers@gmail.com.

Feb. 18, 27, 5:30-6:30pm
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Horn Point Laboratory presents a series of Community Science Talks this winter. On Feb. 18, "Billions of Baby Oysters – A Virtual Hatchery Tour" will be presented by Stephanie Alexander, Oyster Hatchery Manager. At the Harriet Tubman Museum in Cambridge. On Feb. 27, “Virtuous Viruses” will be presented by Professor Joaquín Martínez Martínez. At the Dorchester Center for the Arts. Pre-register here.

Feb. 22, 12-3pm
A day filled with wedding inspiration and planning. Meet with vendors, sample cakes, and discover the latest trends in bridal fashion. Buy tickets.
Feb. 23, 3-5pm
Celebrate 20 years of accomplishments at Handsell Historic Site – and hear about the exciting plans for the future, including property expansion, the Three Cultures Center, and more! Enjoy soup and appetizers. At the Dorchester County Historical Society.

The Arts in February

3ten Creative Design & Gift Gallery is moving to a new location at 519 Poplar St., Cambridge. Check out the new digs Second Saturday, Feb. 8, 6-8pm.

Dorchester Center for the Arts has a free Family Art Day: Valentine Craft on Feb. 8 from 1 to 3pm. All supplies provided.
Resolve to expand your creativity in 2025 with a class at the DCA. They have everything from painting to collage, photography to fun ad funky furniture painting to decoy carving, pottery, stained glass. See the schedule.

Main Street Gallery continues "All That Glitters: A Metalsmith Collective," a show of fine jewelry and art glass. Exhibiting artists, who are showing alongside the gallery's member artists, are: Cindy Ayd, Wanda Jester, Alexa Matthai, Charles McMillin, Robin Morgan, Linda Starling and Barbara Trower. Free Second Saturday reception on Feb. 8, 5-8pm.


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Music in February

For the latest on live music, see our Weekend Roundup on our social channels each Friday.

Feb. 1, 8-11pm

Feb. 8, 6-9pm
Cambridge Main Street launches its new live music series Feb. 8 with Solitude Road Band at RAR Brewing. Watch for more live music coming on Second Saturdays!

Feb. 14, 8pm

Feb. 15, 1-4pm
Tuesdays, 6-9pm
Dorchester Center for the Arts hosts a weekly Open Mic night on Tuesdays, January through April. Bring your voice and instrument and join the lineup, or just come enjoy! All are welcome. Admission is free; cash bar and snacks.

Wednesdays Through the Winter, 5-9pm
Popular musician Pete Baker performs on Wednesday evenings at Blue Ruin in Cambridge.

Fridays, 6:30pm
Calling all musicians, poets, comedians, and other entertainers. Come strut your stuff or just enjoy the performances at Open Mic Night at Overflow Cafe in Cambridge. Alcohol-free.
Dorchester County Tourism | 2 Rose Hill Place, Cambridge, MD 21613
2 rose hill place, Cambridge, MD 21613