Family-Friendly, Free Events Planned At St. Mary’s County Museums This February

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Museum Division has unveiled a full calendar of February 2026 events, highlighting family-friendly programs and historical exhibits at its historic sites throughout the county.

Throughout February, the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) Interpretive Center in Lexington Manor Passive Park will host a Black History Month open house. Free exhibits showcasing the contributions of local African American soldiers and community leaders will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday — Feb. 4, 7, 10, 14, 18, 21, 25 and 28 — at 21675 S. Coral Drive in Lexington Park. The displays honor St. Mary’s County natives who served with the U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War, and museum staff will be on hand to answer questions.

At Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park, a family-oriented sleepover event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14. Children and families are invited to dress in pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal for an evening of storytime and hot cocoa beginning at 5 p.m. After the story session, participants can leave their stuffed companions at the museum for a “sleepover,” with surprise photos of the overnight adventure shared with families the next day. The free event is geared toward children ages 10 and under, while parents and siblings are welcome to join. Donations to support museum programming are encouraged.

On Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park will also host a community collection and scanning event inviting the public to help shape future museum exhibits. Residents are encouraged to bring historic photos, documents and objects connected to the Piney Point area from the 20th century and earlier, as well as materials related to the Drayden African American Schoolhouse. Museum staff will scan items on-site while participants retain their originals, and selected objects may be photographed for potential exhibit use. Appointments are recommended and can be scheduled by calling 301-994-1471. Donations supporting new exhibits will also be accepted.

Other regularly scheduled programming will continue at the Museum Division’s historic sites, including the Drayden African American Schoolhouse, the Old Jail Museum in Leonardtown, and additional interpretive experiences at Piney Point. These activities support the division’s ongoing mission to preserve and share the county’s cultural heritage.

The St. Clement’s Island Museum in Colton’s Point remains closed for construction of a new facility, but its museum store is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the project.

All February museum events are free and open to the public; some programs may require advance registration. For details, hours and specific event information, call 301-769-2222 or visit the St. Mary’s County Museum Division website.

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