Film Screening: Chestertown, Maryland, An American Home Town for more than 350 years

There’s nothing like going to the movies on a hot summer day. Join us for a screening of a film documenting life in Chestertown at two moments in our history. 

A 1995 film documentary portrays life in Chestertown and Kent County in the late 20th century, and offers a time capsule from 1940, with substantial clips film produced that year by the Kent and Queen Anne’s Hospital Auxiliary to raise funds for the expansion of the hospital. 

The 1940 film is a treasure trove of scenes of local life life in pre-World War II Kent County, from streetscapes to fashion, people, businesses, celebrations, and pastimes. A highlight is the children’s pet parade complete with dogs in bonnets, kittens, goats, a duck and at least one raccoon, and more.

By 1995, Kent County had a thriving economy beginning to focus on heritage tourism. The film includes pillars of the Kent County community whose ideas and actions still influence life here today, including longtime mayors Elmer Horsey and Margo Bailey, among many others. Local residents share memories and commentary on scenes from 1940, as well as providing their perspectives on Chestertown’s history and their thoughts about where we’ve been, and where, in 1995, they see the community going.