November 13, 2024 – Join us for a screening of short film “Grandma’s Hands”, followed by a panel discussion with members of the cast and crew about the importance of the film, their inspirations, and how it was made. “Grandma’s Hands” celebrates Southern Maryland’s agriculture and food heritage by taking the viewers along to six family kitchens and sharing the recipes passed down through generations. The film was funded through a Maryland Heritage Areas Authority grant and was originally premiered at a Preservation Maryland and Southern Maryland National Heritage Area event earlier this year. Panelists will include Executive Producers Lucille Walker and Craig Sewell, Produce Lena McBean, film crew members Jim McBean and Chris Walsh, and film stars Tiffany Barber, Franklin Robinson, and Teandra Thompson. More panelists may be announced.

This event is FREE and hybrid, meaning you can join us in-person or virtually. Registration is required.
In-person participants are welcome to join us for a pre-reception at 6:15 pm.

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Craig Sewell is the Economic Development and Program Director for the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC). The Southern Maryland Meats (SMM) program is under his watch as is building the infrastructure to create a seamless farm to kitchen supply chain for the region. A successful business owner, professional chef and restauranteur, Sewell brought a wealth of experience and entrepreneurship to SMADC. His café in Annapolis was for 16 years in the forefront of the ‘Buy Local’ movement as one of the first restaurants in the area to source locally and develop a conduit for his customers to buy local produce and meats through the restaurant’s CSA program. Former Governor Martin O’Malley recognized Sewell’s contributions to Maryland farms by awarding him The Smart Green and Growing Governor’s Excellence in Supporting Maryland’s Farmer’s and Agriculture Award. A graduate of Harvard University with a AB in Economics, he was also the founding president of the Annapolis Sustainable Business Alliance and is a Master Gardener.

Lucille W. Walker spearheaded the initiative to designate Southern Maryland as a National Heritage Area, with legislation sponsored by Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Representative Steny Hoyer, passed by Congress in December 2022 and signed into law by President Biden in January 2023. The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area was officially launched on May 25, 2023, with Governor Wes Moore as the keynote speaker. As executive director, Walker is recognized for her strategic and entrepreneurial management, partnership building, and motivational leadership. She holds several significant appointments and has received numerous awards, including the 2024 Preservation Service Award, the 2023 Best of Maryland Leadership Award, and the 2022 Visionary Impact Award.

More bios to come.

This event is made possible in part by a sponsorship from: