October 16, 2024 – “It starts as a whisper near the four corners of Maryland, where Montgomery, Frederick, Howard and Carroll counties converge. It’s little more than a meandering brook winding its way through farmland, but when it completes its 110-mile journey to Southern Maryland, the Patuxent River runs 120 feet deep, reaches two miles wide and is the source of billions of dollars in industry, research and recreation.” – The Calver Recorder, June 7, 2020

Ralph Eshelman, specialist in maritime history, joins us to discuss the Patuxent River and highlight some lesser-known facts about the longest river fully contained within Maryland. Smack dab in the middle of Earth Science Week, this speaker event is perfect for learning about and appreciating one of our most important local resources.

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.

Register to attend In-Person

Register to attend Virtually

Dr. Ralph Eshelman is a distinguished specialist in maritime history, particularly related to the Chesapeake Bay and the War of 1812, as well as geology and vertebrate paleontology. He earned his Ph.D. in 1974 from the University of Michigan, following earlier studies at SUNY Stony Brook and the University of Iowa. From 1975 to 2005, he served as a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. Eshelman has held leadership roles in various professional and civic organizations, including the Council of American Maritime Museums and The Nature Conservancy. His extensive research and fieldwork have taken him across continents and major global expeditions, reflecting his broad expertise and active involvement in scientific and historical communities.

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