Event Date:  Thursday, June 25, 2026

Speaker Presentation:

Celebrating the 250th Anniversary – A Brief Historical Review

Celebrating the 250th Anniversary – A Brief Historical Review traces America’s road to independence from the French and Indian War through the Declaration of Independence and Revolutionary War. Using maps, illustrations, and founding-era documents, the presentation explores British debt and taxation, colonial resistance, the Continental Congress, Maryland’s role, the divisions of 1776, and the struggle—through hardship, alliance, and victory—to secure American independence.

Event Location:  Oakland B&O Station and Museum, 117 E. Liberty Street, Oakland, MD.  Doors open at 6:30 and speakers begin at 7:00.  All are welcome!

Presenter:  Dr. Neal Brooks

Dr. Neal Brooks worked most of his academic career as Professor of History at the Community College of Baltimore County. As part time instructor at Garrett College, he taught a series of courses in local history, including his favorite topic of railroads in Garrett County.

He had an undergraduate degree from Towson University and graduate degrees in history from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. His interest in railroading stems from playing with his model trains as a child, a hobby he still enjoys.