St. Mary's County, Maryland's historic landmarks are not just relics of the past but are evolving into dynamic forums for community engagement. The St. Mary's County Museum Division, in collaboration with the Community Mediation Center of St. Mary's County, spearheads a series of community conversations to foster dialogue and understanding among residents from diverse backgrounds.
These historic sites, including the Piney Point and St. Clement's Island lighthouses, the old Leonardtown jailhouse, and a Drayden schoolhouse, are more than just physical reminders of the county's rich history. They serve as a backdrop for conversations about the county's past, present, and future, offering lessons and insights into issues that have shaped the region.
The initiative, 'Community Conversations, ' is a partnership effort that brings together various local organizations. Its goal is to provide a safe and encouraging environment where people from different walks of life can engage in meaningful dialogue on topics of mutual interest and concern. This initiative aligns with the St. Mary's County Museum Division's commitment to preserving and interpreting the county's history.
The next conversation in this series is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 10, from 2 to 5 p.m.. It will be hosted by the county's museum division at the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) Interpretive Center, located in the Lexington Manor Passive Park. The series began last summer with a gathering in collaboration with the St. Mary's Chapter of the NAACP.
Mia Bowers, the Community Mediation Center's executive director, emphasized the importance of these dialogs in creating systemic change. The center has been instrumental in forming partnerships with various agencies, aiming to bridge gaps in communication and understanding. "There's a big disconnect," Bowers stated but stressed the two-way learning process that such conversations facilitate between agencies and the community.
The Community Conversations series is designed to foster new and lasting connections through open and honest information exchange. These discussions are open to all, with no admission charge, and light refreshments will be provided, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all participants.
For those interested in learning more about the Community Conversations series or the services offered by the Community Mediation Center, including conflict resolution, additional information can be obtained by calling 301-475-9118 or visiting the center's website at CommunityMediationSMC.org. This initiative represents a significant step in utilizing historical sites as platforms for dialogue, reflection, and community building, reflecting a progressive approach to heritage preservation and community engagement in St. Mary's County.
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