It’s a great American story: A courageous rebellion against a tyrannical king; a military victory against impossible odds; a glorious declaration of national independence. But that does not begin to describe what happened in Oxford more than two centuries ago.

To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, the Oxford Museum is presenting a new exhibition. “Carried on the Tide: The Rise and Fall of Colonial Oxford” not only traces the town’s spectacular success as a port dependent on the British tobacco trade but reveals its collapse after independence left the port abandoned. Rare documents, artifacts, and artwork illustrate the shifting fortunes and loyalties of local merchants, landowners, planters, and sailors. The journal of Jeremiah Banning—Oxford mariner, trader, and civil servant—provides a vivid first-person narrative that will carry visitors to Atlantic and European ports and guide them through the tumultuous politics of the era.

The exhibition runs through the 2026 season, April 25 – November 15.  A variety of public programs, tours, and activities are being developed to expand the exhibition’s themes and details will be posted on the Museum’s website as they are finalized.

The Oxford Museum and Shop is located at 101 S. Morris St, Oxford, MD and admission is free of charge. For more information on the Museum and programing throughout the season, visit www.oxfordmuseummd.org.

Museum Days and Hours for the 2026 season are:

April 25 – May 17: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 12 – 4 pm.

May 22 – September 7: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm.

Memorial Day, Monday, May 25; Monday, July 6, Labor Day, Monday, Sept 7, 10am – 4 pm.

September 10 – November 15: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 12-4 pm.