Governor O’Malley To Row With Captain John Smith’s Shallop Crew

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Governor O’Malley To Row With Captain John Smith’s Shallop Crew
Shallop Arrival in Annapolis Marks Halfway Point of Smith’s 1,500 Mile Voyage

WHAT: Governor O’Malley joins the 12 modern adventurers retracing Captain John Smith’s exploration of the Chesapeake Bay to row the shallop from Back Creek to Ego Alley in the Annapolis Harbor. A media boat will be available, please RSVP to Michael Shultz at 410-353-3352.
WHEN: 9:15 A.M. on Saturday, July 14, 2007
WHERE: Annapolis Maritime Museum
723 2nd Street
Annapolis, MD 21403

WHAT: To kick-off the celebration of the Captain John Smith Shallop’s arrival in Annapolis, Governor O’Malley join elected officials as well as the businesses, regional historic and environmental organizations in a welcoming ceremony.
WHEN: 10:15 A.M. on Saturday, July 14, 2007
WHERE: Annapolis City Dock’s Ego Alley Dingy Dock
Located adjacent to the Kunta Kinte- Alex Haley Memorial
Annapolis, MD 21401
WHO: Listed in Speaking Order
Jeff Holland, Annapolis Maritime Museum Director
John R. Leopold, Anne Arundel County Executive
Joyce Huber Smith, Sultana Projects Board Chair
Paul Allen, Chesapeake Bay Trust Chairman
Robert E. Henel, PNC Bank Regional President
Will Baker, Chesapeake Bay Foundation President
E. Keith Colston, Maryland Council on Indian Affairs Executive Director
Congressman John Sarbanes
Governor Martin O’Malley
BACKGROUND:
On May 12, 2007, a crew of 12 modern explorers boarded a replica of Captain John Smith’s 28-foot open boat, or “shallop,” to embark on a 121-day voyage to retrace the 1608 expedition. Propelling themselves by oar and sail alone, the 2007 voyage follows Smith’s route to every corner of the Chesapeake, introducing millions of people to this important episode in America’s history while blazing the path for America’s first National Historic Water Trail.
Known as the Captain John Smith Four Hundred Project this ambitious reenactment is being undertaken by Sultana Projects, a non-profit organization based in Chestertown, Maryland, in partnership with the Friends of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, a group of organizations that includes the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, The Conservation Fund and the National Geographic Society.
The shallop is the centerpiece of a 2-day festival to celebrate the maritime community’s history, heritage, and environment. The voyagers, along with the 17th-century-style boat and their exhibit-- which includes videos, interactive displays and hands-on activities -- will be joined by regional historic and environmental groups at City Dock for a 2-day celebration hosted by the Annapolis Maritime Museum and City of Annapolis. Exhibitors include Chesapeake Bay Gateways, Chesapeake Bay Trust, Annapolis Maritime Museum, Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, Historic Annapolis Foundation, and the Four Rivers Heritage Area organizations. All events and displays are free and open to the public Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information about the Captain John Smith Four Hundred Project, visit www.johnsmith400.org.

July 13, 2007
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov