havre-de-grace-chamber-of-commerce

15th Annual Mini-Golf Fundraiser presented by Weyrich, Cronin, & Sorra

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:38:19 GMT

Cinco De Mayo Mini Golf Fundraiser - Tuesday May 5th, 2026 5pm - 7pm EST

Location:

The Dugout Mini Golf
3722 Churchville Rd, Aberdeen, MD 21001

Fees/Admission

$100 per team of 4

Proceeds help fund the Harford County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation Scholarships!

Sponsorships Available!

Click here to register!

Chamber to Host 2026 City Council Candidate Forum

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:44:43 GMT

City Elections are right around the corner (May 5th, 2026)!

Join the Chamber of Commerce for an evening of community conversation and civic engagement ahead of the upcoming election.Hear directly from candidates running in the May 5 Havre de Grace City Council Election as they share their perspectives and answer questions that matter to our local business community and residents.

Submit questions for consideration: https://docs.google.com/.../1d2MyKt2rF0tpSUJGgBxQkQt.../edit

Silver Housing Support

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:20:25 GMT

HdG Chamber Supports City Legislation While Opposing State Legislation

The City of HdG recently signed Ordinance 1217 for Silver Housing Communities. This ordinance will facilitate the development of age- restricted housing (Lot Type S (Silver)) that meets the needs of senior residents while remaining compatible with the City's historic scale. The Chamber fully supports this legislation as it will provide needed housing for a growing segment of the city's residents.

However, the Chamber does not support the Maryland proposed legislation SB-36/HB239 as detrimental to the city of Havre de Grace. This bill would restrict the city’s control of zoning, design and planning for future homes. This bill restricts the City’s ability to ensure development is consistent, to protect our historical atmosphere, and address infrastructure and environmental needs. The proposed legislation conflicts with existing city charter requirements impacting our ability to have the desired consistency. Further, the City has planning and zoning processes to address critical facets such as traffic, parking, water /sewer distribution, and protection of our waterfront and the river/bay when new developments are proposed. New development must be controlled by the City to ensure we do not overwhelm our resources. This proposed legislation impacts on our ability to maintain this control. The Chamber submitted a formal letter of opposition to the city concerning this proposed legislation.

Chesapeake Bay Trust Grant Advocacy

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:53:51 GMT

The Havre de Grace Chamber of Commerce supports the City of Havre de Grace’s Chesapeake Bay Trust Grant Application

The Havre de Grace Chamber advocated in support of the City of Havre de Grace's Chesapeake Bay Trust grant application. The grant would support funding to install five vegetated curb extensions (also known as stormwater bump outs) along the 300 block of Green Street, and a pollinator garden at the end of Green Street on the coastline.

Downtown Havre de Grace Celebrates Completion of Revitalization Project

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:06:14 GMT

Downtown Revitalization Celebrated in Havre de Grace

The Havre de Grace Chamber of Commerce is proud to share a milestone for our city: the completion of the city’s major downtown revitalization initiative — the Downtown Restoration Project — and a vibrant Grand Opening and Fall Festival celebration on October 25th in our historic downtown.

A Vision Realized

For years, the city of Havre de Grace has envisioned a more walkable, welcoming, and beautiful downtown core — one that connects residents, visitors, and businesses in a meaningful way. The Downtown Restoration Project laid the groundwork for that vision by focusing on improved sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly design, streetscape enhancements, and infrastructure renewal.

What Was Accomplished

Key elements of the revitalization include:

Expanded sidewalks and parallel parking to enhance pedestrian access. Business Resource Network Harford+1
Streetscape upgrades, such as new trees, lighting, and brick-style pavers to evoke the city’s Chesapeake-colonial charm while incorporating modern infrastructure. Business Resource Network Harford
Infrastructure replacement beneath the surface: water, sewer, and other utilities updated to support downtown’s future.

These improvements set the stage for downtown Havre de Grace to thrive — as a destination for shopping, dining, strolling, and enjoying community gatherings.

The Grand Opening & Fall Festival

On October 25th, downtown came alive with community spirit. Residents, business owners, visitors and city leaders gathered to celebrate this signature achievement. The Fall Festival brought music, local vendors, and seasonal fun — providing a perfect backdrop to showcase our improved downtown environment.

It was a moment of pride for the Chamber, local merchants, and the city alike: a tangible step forward in our shared vision of a thriving, connected downtown.

Looking Ahead

For downtown businesses, the revitalization opens up new opportunities: increased foot traffic, enhanced aesthetics, and improved accessibility. For residents and visitors, the upgrades mean a more inviting public realm — one that invites lingering, exploring, and enjoying the unique character of Havre de Grace.

From our Tourism & Economic Development collaboration to the small business owners along Washington Street, the outcome is clear: a downtown ready for its next chapter.

While the physical work may be complete, the momentum is just beginning. T he Chamber encourages all stakeholders to take advantage of this renewed environment:

Plan storefront displays and outdoor seating to capitalize on improved sidewalks.
Consider coordinating events or promotions tied to downtown’s charm — and invite visitors from regional markets to experience the transformation.
Share photos and stories of your downtown experience on social media (tag us!) to amplify the narrative of change.

Thank you to the city leadership, the citizens of Havre de Grace, business owners, and the many professionals who contributed to this project. The Chamber invites you all to come downtown, enjoy the new spaces, and be part of what comes next.

Let’s continue to build momentum together!

— The Havre de Grace Chamber of Commerce

Jeff Siegler: From Apathy to Pride

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 18:15:10 GMT

From Civic Apathy to Civic Pride

Jeff Siegler is a writer, speaker, and consultant concerned with the powerful role place plays in our lives. He is the founder of the civic pride consulting firm, Revitalize, or Die and co-founder of the organization Proud Places. Jeff provides a blog on topics about revitalization. The blog below is shared from his webpage: "Revitalize or Die". I challenge you to read it, and tell me where HDG lies on this journey.

From Civic Apathy to Civic Pride, The Journey of Downtown Revitalization

Downtowns have an amazing ability to turn around, shifting from neglected and rundown areas to lively, bustling districts. This transformation doesn’t happen overnight; it unfolds in stages, each with its own set of hurdles and victories. Let’s take a look at how these neighborhoods go from being overlooked to becoming the heartbeat of a city.

1. The Apathy Stage

It all starts in the Apathy Stage, where the area is pretty much left to its own devices. Buildings sit empty, and there’s zero interest from potential buyers or renters. Here’s what typically happens:

•Market Stagnation: No one wants to open a business because the area seems dead.

•Safety Concerns: The place gets a reputation for being unsafe.

•Financial Roadblocks: Even though buildings are cheap, banks don’t want to lend money since there’s no strong market.

•Lack of Interest: Rent is low, but there aren’t enough people around to make it worthwhile.

In this phase, the area’s downfall feeds itself—bad conditions push people away, and without people, it gets worse.

2. The Brave Few Stage

Then comes the Brave Few Stage. This is when a handful of daring individuals see potential where everyone else sees a dump. They start buying properties and pushing for improvements:

•Initial Investments: A few bold souls buy buildings and start putting money into them.

•Push for Change: These early birds start asking the city for better services, which can sometimes seem like they’re just making noise.

•Skeptical Community: At first, these efforts might look like wishful thinking rather than smart investments.

Despite the doubts, these early movers kickstart small but meaningful changes, gradually setting the neighborhood on a better path.

3. The Turning Point Stage

Persistence pays off, and we enter the Turning Point Stage. The combined efforts of those initial investors start to show. The area begins to attract more businesses, and community life starts to buzz:

•Business Bloom: More shops and services pop up, bringing a fresh vibe to the area.

•Community Spirit: Locals organize events, creating a stronger sense of community.

•City Support: Seeing the positive changes, the city begins to relax some rules, making it easier for development to continue.

•Economic Signs: Rising rents and property values hint that the area is becoming desirable.

•Regretful Spectators: Folks who didn’t invest early start to wish they had.

This stage is where the neighborhood starts to shine, making it a more appealing place to live and work.

4. The “Told You So” Stage

As the area continues to develop, we hit the “Told You So” Stage. The public’s view shifts dramatically, and what was once a forgotten area becomes the place to be:

•Changing Minds: Skeptics turn into fans. Everyone now sees the potential they missed before.

•New Narratives: Early investors are now seen as smart, even if they get called “greedy” by some.

•Bustling Activity: More people, more cars, and a lot more life fill the streets.

•Community Leaders: Those early movers now hold significant influence and respect in the community.

At this point, the transformation is hard to ignore, and the area becomes a magnet for new interest and investment.

How to Have Fun at Work

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 19:43:22 GMT

An article from Loyola University Magazine

The Loyola University Magazine for Spring 2025 included a helpful article I wanted to pass along. Isabel Bilotta, PhD is the head of learning and innovation at Deutser, a Houston consulting company, where she leads research on leadership development and culture initiatives. She shares the following tips:

1) Get some air! Create a culture where stepping outside is seen as a productive pause rather than a luxury. Encourage your team to take breaks outside or hold meetings in outdoor spaces. Sunlight boosts serotonin, improving mood and focus.

2) Rething Meetings: Reinvent your meetings to spark engagement and fun. Incorporate creative elements like sharing a meme to kick off discussions or hosting a Jeopardy style quiz. A little innovation can go a long way in creating excitement, fostering inclusion and boosting morale.

3) Make it a Game: Incorporate fun activities that also have a purpose. Games can be a safe way to explore new ideas, break down hierarchies and encourage collaborative thinking.

4) Allocate "Play" Time: Taking a cue from companies like Google and Patagonia, allocate time for free exploration at work. Allow employees to use work time to pursue passion projects, experiment with new ideas, or simply play with innovative tools.

5) Move Together: Movement is a powerful way to foster collaboration and creativity. Incorporate walking meetings or use other opportunities to break free of the confines of traditional work settings.

Thank you to Loyola University for providing this article.

Susquehanna Workforce Network Presentation

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:47:17 GMT

SWN Described the State of Career Education

The Susquehanna Workforce Network presented at our recent Chamber luncheon on Jan 14. The topic was Building a New Workforce. It was an eye-opening talk. Things have changed since I was in school!

Ms. Kim Justis, the Executive Director for SWN, explained that the Blueprint for MD’s Future, a state-level program, focuses on creating a talent pipeline, starting with children as young as the 6th grade. It exposes the children to a range of opportunities to find their “purpose, plans, and passion.” Ms. Justis introduced several of her staff: Al Reeves, In-School Youth Program Manager, and Sabrina Schepers (Bel Air Middle and High School.

In-School Youth Career Coach and Haidee Hynes In-School Youth Career Coach (Havre De Grace High School) gave details of how they work with kids. This includes Virtual Reality, allowing the kids to experience everything from performing knee surgery to working on a 500ft tower to finance and IT work. Zello is described as a “career matchmaker” who helps kids identify interests using online surveys and then connects them with information on what is happening now in those areas. These programs help them identify opportunities, what it takes to get there, training, school and scholarship opportunities, and even virtual tours of schools. These programs recognize that kids learn in different ways and that not everyone is a student who flourishes in the classroom. It provides other ways for kids to find their future and succeed.

SWN is not just about the kids; similar programs are available for young adults (under 24) and adults.

SWN then turned to how this helps local businesses. Charlie McMillan, SWN’s Harford County Business Services Representative, shared information and specific experiences to the catalog of opportunities, such as manufacturing or arts-related positions. They can include various support resources for businesses, including job recruitment tools like the "Hot Jobs" list, flyer distribution, virtual job fairs, and space for recruitment events at no cost. SWN provides training grants, such as the Susquehanna Works Grant, which offers partial reimbursement for incumbent worker training and new employee training through On-the-Job Training (OJT) grants. The best part is that many of these programs are free to employers or have reimbursement options.

Check with SWN on the type of workers you need. They can help with all kinds of workers, not just the plumbers and electricians, but drivers, culinary and hospitality. SWN has many options to help Chamber members bring in new employees, train existing employees, or help in other ways. They are available to help you. Contact via www.SWN.com.

The Chamber institutes Muddy Boots Campaign

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 14:39:57 GMT

Muddy Boots will help downtown district during makeover

We have some exciting news to share with you, the start of the Muddy Boots campaign.

Muddy Boots is our name for a program to promote the downtown businesses during the construction and makeover of the streets. We need to help our small businesses through this difficult period. We want to let the public know that our businesses are open, the sidewalks are usable, there is parking available, and the trolley is running.

Here are some facts about the Muddy Boots campaign:

1) The City of HdG provided $17,500 that we requested to fund this campaign!

2) We will have billboards.
Our first billboard (using the design pasted below) at Rt 40 east of Revolution is already up! A second billboard (location: Route 40 in Aberdeen, East-bound) will be available starting in January.

3) We are creating radio ads. Our first WXCY radio ad aired on Sat, Nov 23. The focus of this radio spot is to announce that "Havre de Grace is getting a makeover!" and that guests should pick HdG as their Black Friday & Shop Small Saturday shopping and dining destination. We are also working with WXCY to start the email campaign as quickly as possible. WHFC is running a similar series of ads on their station; they are designed as underwriting of popular time segments.

4) We are creating a Question and Answer series with the City . We have started receiving responses to the Questions & Concerns Re: Downtown Revitalization form to guide the weekly video series. As a reminder: the goal of this series is not to replace the more timely construction updates issued by the City, but to create a means by which businesses/building owners can pose big picture questions re: construction impact to the City . The first round of questions will be recorded the week of Nov 25.

We are interested in your feedback and ideas concerning this project. Please use the form linked below to share your ideas and feedback, and feel free to share this with other business owners to help us gather their feedback!

Muddy Boots Feedback: Scripts & Signage

Thank you for your support,

The Havre de Grace Chamber of Commerce

Ryan Furniture Says Goodbye

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 14:28:06 GMT

Happy Retirement to one of our longest members

The HdG Chamber of Commerce is sad to say goodbye to one of our oldest members: Ryan Furniture. Ryan Furniture has been a member since 1996 (at least in our records). Jim Ryan is retiring and saying goodbye to his family business.

Ryan Furniture was started in 1944 by Jim’s father. Richard Ryan retired from the Army and started his new business with an old truck and $5 in his pocket. He built a store using excess lumber from the Aberdeen Proving Ground. In 1966, the store moved to its current location, buying the property on Rte. 40 from a local farmer.

Through the years, Richard, and current owners Jim and his wife, have been active members of the community. They supported the Fire Department, Boy Scouts and Little League teams. They are proud to display awards from Harford County, the Red Cross and the MD Home Furnishings Association.

Jim and his family want to thank you for your continued business and support for the past 76 years. As a family they have always appreciated their valued customers and will continue to do so as they close the doors at the end of 2024. All family members, some no longer with us, some who still are, will always stand by their great service and standards of excellence. “Once again, we want to thank you for the loyalty and support of local business and hope that in the future you continue to patronize your local small business’s as they are vital to supporting our community.”

The HdG Chamber of Commerce wants to thank the Ryan family for all their years of service and membership. We wish them the very best in their future retirement.

The Economics of an Arts and Entertainment District

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 19:39:05 GMT

September Chamber Luncheon confirmed value of A&E

The Chamber hosted Mr. David Mitchell, Program Director at the MD State Arts Council on Sept 10. Mr. Mitchell presented an overview of the Arts and Entertainment District program. This program allows local governments to leverage the arts to further revitalization and economic development priorities. The program creates a unique destination that attracts audiences, artists and arts organizations to MD cities. Havre de Grace is one of 29 districts across the state. The designation provides for incentives such as Income Tax Subtraction, Amusement Tax Abatement and Property Tax incentives. These incentives help the artists, the property owners and the organizations. The economic impact of attendee spending across these districts in 2023 provided over 940 jobs, $111.1M in income and attracted over 2.1 million people at the festivals and events. (FY2023 MD Arts and Entertainment District Economic and Tax Impact Analysis Report.)

The luncheon was enjoyed by approximately 50 people, including artists and representatives of Harford County Arts Council, HdG Arts Collective, Arts by the Bay Gallery and Harmer's Town Art Center. The extensive question and answer session ranged from artist incentives, the business of art, and educational opportunities, with energetic discussion of the topics.

Mr Mitchell's briefing is attached here .

Welcome to a New Generation

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:14:09 GMT

New stores recognize the change in HdG demographic

On August 21, we welcomed a new store: Kameron Michael Baby Couture to our community. It's a beautiful store with clothing and toys for babies and toddlers. It's great for parents and grandparents to spoil the little ones. Our other stores have increased their offerings for children as well. Blue Heron Gifts and Josephs Department Store have expanded children's sections. Our restaurants: Abbey Burger, Coakley's and MacGregors, all have children's menus. Bella's Tea Room is busy with Prince and Princess celebrations. Even Market Street and Hopkins Breweries are child friendly. Angel of Mine Daycare has opened on Fountain Street.

While official statistics are unavailable, it's clear that the demographics of HdG are changing. Just watch the number of parents pushing strollers or visit the playgrounds across the city.

Young families are a positive indicator of a community’s health. Here are a few reasons why:

Economic Vitality: Young families often contribute to the local economy by purchasing homes, goods, and services. This economic activity can help sustain local businesses and create jobs

Educational Investment: Communities with young families typically invest in schools and educational programs, which can lead to better educational outcomes and a more educated workforce.

Social Cohesion: Young families often participate in community activities and events, fostering a sense of belonging and social cohesion. This can lead to stronger community ties and support networks.

Health and Well-being: The presence of young families can indicate access to healthcare, recreational facilities, and other amenities that promote a healthy lifestyle.

Future Growth: Young families represent the future of the community. Their presence suggests that the community is attractive to new residents and has the potential for long-term growth and sustainability.

We welcome our new families and the changes to our community. We commend our local businesses for recognizing and supporting this change.

Building on On -line Persona

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 16:20:07 GMT

Building a persona on your social media sites

Social media and customer engagement are incredibly important in business these days. But best practices seem to change constantly. Many businesspeople find this frustrating and put off building an online persona because they don’t have the time or don’t see immediate results. But that type of online engagement takes time. You’re building relationships that will lead to sales so you want to put forth the effort. Think of it as a long-term marketing strategy, not a viral sensation and avoid these common practices

Here are the top 10 suggestions.

1.Posting only when you feel like it. Consistency builds an audience and makes you accountable. You have set business hours. You should have set posting expectations too. Then set aside additional time to interact with others.

2.Being “too corporate. "Social media is most effective when your audience gets to see the person behind the business. Show off your personality. Don’t sound like a postingrobot.3.Being “too willy-nilly.”The other side of being too corporate is coming across too casual. It may be your audience likes a casual approach, but they need to be able to see you as someone who knows what they are talking about. Never dumb down your message to the point it becomes unintelligible.

3. Using your soapbox. Social media is a powerful marketing tool but you should never use it as a bullhorn for your personal agenda. Unless you are 100% sure of your audience’s political preferences and religious interests, it is best to avoid these types of subjects. People are defriending long-time friends over meaningless memes. They will boycott you if you give them reason.

5.Using a tone that’s not you. Your business online persona should not be the personality of whoever is doing your social media. Give some thought as to what you want your tone to be and create a document that illustrates who you are in adjectives. That way when your social media person moves onto a different role, you don’t lose yourpersonality.

6.Not posting to where your audience is. You may hate Snapchat but if that’s whereyour audience is, you need to be there. End of discussion.

7.Being a monologist. It’s easy to find and post good content. Some of it should be yours and some of it should be content from other sources that you think your audience will find valuable. However, some businesses get so into posting that they never interact with others. There are two people in a relationship, even an online one. You need to interact with others on the social web to create business opportunities. Otherwise, you’re just yelling into the wind.

8.Not knowing your audience. Don’t create and post things your audience doesn’t need or want. You’re wasting your time and theirs.

9. Not targeting your audience. If you’re posting good quality content that is important to your audience, you’re bound to get shares and comments. But eventually, you’ll likely find your marketing in need of additional assistance. That may come in the form of paid online advertising. When you do this, always make sure you are targeting the exact type of person who makes a good fit for your product or service. You’ll be more successful in getting a greater number of click-throughs and interest for less money.

10.Not being accessible. Have you noticed how many businesses are using Facebook Messenger? People want instantaneous answers to their questions. That’s why Messenger has taken off for business. You don’t want to conduct business in an ivory tower. Be available. Your online persona is incredibly important for your business. You’re trying to build relationships with customers and potential customers. If you’re bland and robotic, people will lose interest. If your online persona is over the top, people may question your ability to be serious.

If you follow these suggestions you should be able to navigate between the two edges and successfully improve your online relationships.

Christina R. Greenteaches small businesses, chambers, and associations how to connect through content. Her articles have appeared in the Midwest Society of Association Executives’ Magazine, NTEN.org, Association Tech, and WritersWeekly. She is a regular blogger at Frankjkenny.com and the Event Manager Blog.

June Annual Meeting

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:06:52 GMT

The annual meeting was held June 12 at Bulle Rock

The Havre de Grace Chamber of Commerce gathered at Bulle Rock on June 12th for its Annual Meeting to celebrate FY24 accomplishments, share their vision for the future, and of course...network!

Vice President John Muldoon kicked off the evening, after which President Heather Deno presented the Chamber's many accomplishments over the past year. Ms. Deno credited the Chamber's enhanced level of professionalism for its 20% growth in new Members and 90% membership retention rate, a notably high figure several points above the national average. She went on to detail how introducing new fundamentals and best practices for the organization, aggressively focusing on their mission and Members, and engaging more with the community in the spirit of fellowship all supported these achievements.

Board member Katie Noe (Suited Four, Inc.;The State Theater of Havre de Grace) followed up Ms. Deno's remarks with an overview of the Chamber's Strategic Plan. She explained that the plan provides an effective, measurable roadmap for accomplishing major goals for the organization. The FY24-FY25 goals include launching the new website, further enriching Membership benefits and experiences, and serving as an advocate for local business on a City, County, and State level. Those in attendance were given the opportunity to share their ideas for future activities to enhance Havre de Grace's economic landscape.

The Havre de Grace Chamber of Commerce wishes to extend our gratitude to Lisa Scott Funeral Home, who sponsored this event.

Member Spotlight: The Vandiver Inn

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:47:00 GMT

The Vandiver Inn: the perfect place to stay and play

The Vandiver Inn provides the perfect place to stay and play, located just blocks from the Chesapeake Bay in historic Havre de Grace, Maryland.

Surrounded by historic homes, museums, golf courses, shopping, marinas, and water-oriented activities, the Vandiver Inn consists of the Historic Vandiver Mansion itself, the adjacent Kent & Murphy Houses, the year-round Pavilion, and our beautiful Gardens area. Owned and managed by John and Susan Muldoon, the Inn provides rooms for business and leisure travel. It also is a wonderful host for weddings, retirements and any other type of event in either the Pavilion or in the Mansion. The Vandiver hosts events from Tuesday Night Bite Nights to Meet the Winemaker and Scotch Pairing dinners, all provided by Susan, an award winning chef.

The Vandiver prides itself on the personable experience the staff provides with each guest and each event. The Muldoons are proud to say, "We take pride in our local community, and our place in it!"

Welcome to our new site!

coordinator@hdgchamber.com (Julie Ruhnke) — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:11:35 GMT

Our new website bring you information on activities, events and oppportunities

The HDG Chamber welcomes you to our new webpage. We have upgraded our presence in the community with new membership, goals and activities. We want our webpage to reflect that new energy. The webpage will be a source of information on what happening in the Chamber, in the City of HdG, in our business community.

Our webpage is based on a model by Chamber Nation, which provides webpages for Chambers across the USA. We are thrilled to be working with Chamber Nation to bring you a page that is state of the art, clear and useful. You can see our membership with a directory to find the services you need. You can see our latest events, and news of our activities.

We will also be promoting our members with advertising, and with spotlight articles. There will be opportunities for you, our members, to take advantage of this promotion. Stay tuned for details on these opportunities.

The model is actually a Member Management System, which means we can do a whole lot of stuff behind the scenes. Member tracking, promotions and events, even accounting is linked into the system. You won't see this capability as a member, but you'll see the results.

Welcome to our webpage. Check it out. Let us know what you think!

The Lighthouse Story: Guiding Ships through Havre de Grace History

jsmith@glyphdg.com (Joe Smith) — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:53:41 GMT

Concord Point Lighthouse: A treasured local icon

At the confluence of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay stands a beacon of history and hope—the Concord Point Lighthouse. For nearly two centuries, this lighthouse has not only guided ships safely to shore but also served as a steadfast witness to the evolution of Havre de Grace. This blog takes you through a journey of its history, its architectural marvel, and its significance, illustrated by a special conversation with the present keeper, Alex Johnson, who shares insights and untold stories of this iconic structure.

A Beacon Through Time

Constructed in 1827, the Concord Point Lighthouse is one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the United States, an accolade that speaks volumes about its historical significance and enduring construction. John Donahoo, the mastermind behind this architectural gem, designed the lighthouse not merely as a navigational aid but as a symbol of resilience and guidance.

Over the years, the lighthouse has seen Havre de Grace transform from a bustling shipping port to a charming waterfront community, surviving the Civil War, natural disasters, and the test of time. From guiding fishermen and merchant vessels to becoming a crucial point in the Underground Railroad, its light has been a constant, shining over the waters and guiding souls to safety and freedom.

Architectural Marvel and Historic Landmark

The lighthouse's architectural integrity remains largely intact, standing as a testament to 19th-century craftsmanship. Built from Port Deposit granite quarried locally, its structure is robust and elegant, designed to withstand the elements. The lighthouse was automated in 1920, yet it still retains the original Fresnel lens, casting a light that can be seen for miles around, guiding mariners as it did nearly two centuries ago.

In 1975, the Concord Point Lighthouse was proudly designated a National Historic Landmark, a recognition that ensured its preservation for future generations to explore and appreciate.

Keeping the Light Alive: A Conversation with Alex Johnson

In an intriguing conversation with Alex Johnson, the current keeper of the Concord Point Lighthouse, we delve deeper into what makes this lighthouse unique and beloved by the Havre de Grace community.

Q: Alex, can you share with us what a typical day looks like for a lighthouse keeper today?

Alex Johnson: Certainly. While technology has taken over the operational aspect, my day involves maintenance work to ensure the lighthouse and the surrounding grounds are in perfect condition for visitors. I also conduct guided tours, sharing the rich history and stories of the lighthouse with tourists and school groups.

Q: What's an untold story or fact about the lighthouse that you find fascinating?

Alex: Many people don't know that during the Civil War, the lighthouse played a pivotal role. Havre de Grace was caught in the crossfires, and the lighthouse served as a lookout point. There's also a lesser-known tale of a keeper's daughter, who famously manned the light during a storm when her father was away, ensuring the safety of passing ships.

Q: The lighthouse is a historic site but also a community symbol. Can you expand on its significance to Havre de Grace today?

Alex: Beyond its historical and navigational purposes, the lighthouse is a gathering spot for the community. It’s where people come for quiet reflection, community events, and celebrations. It symbolizes our town's resilience and communal spirit. I've heard countless stories from locals who feel a deep connection to it, whether it’s serving as a backdrop to their life's milestones or simply as a beacon of home.

A Call to Explore

The Concord Point Lighthouse is more than a monument; it's a living piece of history that continues to serve its community. It stands as a tangible connection to our past, a reminder of those who came before us, and a beacon guiding us forward.

As Alex puts it, "The lighthouse isn't just a building; it's a chapter of Havre de Grace's story. And everyone is welcome to be a part of it."

Whether you're drawn by its history, the architectural splendor, or the serene water views, a visit to the Concord Point Lighthouse promises a journey through time, a moment of connection, and an inspiration that, much like its light, endures.

In closing, the keeper's tales and the lighthouse’s enduring presence remind us of the continuity of life, the strength found in community, and the guiding light that leads us home, making the Concord Point Lighthouse a beacon for all.

What does the Concord Point Lighthouse mean to you? Share your stories and reflections with us.

Alex's attachment to the lighthouse goes beyond his duties as a keeper. It's a profound commitment to preserving not just a landmark, but a legacy. This connection between the keeper and the lighthouse underscores the broader relationship between Havre de Grace and its historical symbols—a bond of continuity and care that ensures these stories are not left behind as mere footnotes in history.

Preserving a Legacy

Preservation efforts for the Concord Point Lighthouse have been a community endeavor, with numerous local volunteers and the Friends of Concord Point Lighthouse leading the charge. These efforts underscore the commitment of Havre de Grace's residents to safeguarding their cultural heritage for future generations.

"Preservation is more than maintaining the structure—it's about keeping the story alive and relevant," Alex observes. This philosophy extends to the Keeper's House and the surrounding park, which have been meticulously maintained and restored, providing a comprehensive historical experience for visitors.

A Beacon for the Future

As we look ahead, the future of the Concord Point Lighthouse shines bright, with plans to further enhance the visitor experience through educational programs and interactive exhibits. These initiatives aim to deepen the public's understanding of the lighthouse's role in maritime history, its architectural significance, and its enduring legacy as a community icon.

The lighthouse continues to be a beacon, not just for ships navigating the Chesapeake Bay, but for all those seeking a connection to the rich tapestry of history that defines Havre de Grace. It stands as a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and community spirit that are hallmarks of this charming waterfront town.

A Call to the Community

The lighthouse story is a call to action for all of us—a reminder of the importance of preserving our historical landmarks and their stories. It invites the community and visitors alike to contribute, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply by sharing the lighthouse's story. Each effort helps ensure that the Concord Point Lighthouse will continue to guide, inspire, and enlighten for generations to come.

In concluding our journey through the history and heart of the Concord Point Lighthouse, we're reminded that history is not just about the past; it's a living, breathing entity that enriches our present and informs our future. Through the efforts of keepers like Alex Johnson and communities like Havre de Grace, landmarks like the Concord Point Lighthouse continue to stand as symbols of our collective heritage and shared values.

As we navigate the currents of our own lives, let us take inspiration from the lighthouse—steadfast, resilient, and always guiding us home.

Your Reflections

Now, we turn to you, our readers. The Concord Point Lighthouse holds countless stories within its walls, each a thread in the broader tapestry of Havre de Grace's history.

What are your stories? Have you experienced a moment of reflection at the water's edge, celebrated a milestone against the backdrop of its steadfast beam, or simply felt the pull of history walking its grounds? Share your memories and connections with the Concord Point Lighthouse in the comments below. Let's celebrate the stories that bind us to this remarkable landmark and to each other.