Celebrating Where It All Started 225 Years Ago!

Although our founding date is actually January 20, we had to wait until January 22 to celebrate our first 225 years with the Maryland State Legislature. Members and friends gathered at Acqua Al restaurant in Annapolis, just up from our offices on Main Street.

I am sure that the founding physicians gathered in the pubs and taverns of Annapolis to celebrate their accomplishments, and here we were, 225 years later, treading in their footsteps, and making our way to Maryland's State House. 

About a year ago, we began working with the Maryland State Archives to have them bring the original founding documents that chartered the Medical & Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland to the State House for the proclamations in the House and Senate. (Unfortunately, because of the mylar covering the document, it was very hard to photograph.)

That moment when the documents arrived where they had been signed 225 years ago was pretty moving. Although the original document is eight pages long, we only had the first and last pages. 

Past Presidents and friends took turns having their photos taken with the founding documents, then everyone adjourned to the House and Senate Chambers to watch the proclamations given by the sponsoring legislators, Senator Clarence Lam, MD and Delegate Terri L. Hill.

To see the House Proclamation, please click here. It starts at about the 2:00 mark. Drs. Ben Lowentritt, MedChi's current President, and Renee Bovell, represented MedChi. 

To see the Senate Proclamation, please click here. It starts at about 2:20. Drs. Padmini Ranasinghe and Loralie Ma represented MedChi. 

Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated with us last evening, and to the Maryland State Archives who lent us the original documents!

Photos by Colleen George