CAMBRIDGE — In unusual times, people sometimes make new choices — like how to spend their time. As long as schedules, both professional and personal, are mixed up, this could be an opportunity to try some new activities.
One is genealogy, the study of a family’s history. An advantage in Maryland is the area’s recorded history, dating back to early colonial times, which allows researchers to uncover details of ancestors’ lives.

Some of the resources are local. The Central Library in Cambridge, for example, has the “Maryland Room,” with archival entries going back centuries.
There is also the Facebook group, Dorchester County Genealogy Club. Members can help with a deep dive into research, or offer fun and fascinating facts on local heritage.

“This group is for individuals interested in Dorchester County Maryland History and Genealogy,” a statement on their page says. “Anyone with this shared interest is invited and encouraged to attend. And we welcome you!”
Not bad — a free hobby, and friends ready to reach out.

“If you have questions or want to share information on your Dorchester County ancestor, post away!” the statement continues. “And if you need particular help please contact the Dorchester County Historical Society. We would be glad to assist you in anyway we can. We have a team of volunteers who are always ready to help with your research. Our phone number is 410-228-7953.”

Another source is the Maryland State Archives. Church records, have an index of deaths and burials, an important resource in tracking lives and their locations.

The archives provide access to records of the following churches:
Anne Arundel County
• All Hallow’s Church (Protestant Episcopal), Davidsonville, 1669-1857
• Calvary Methodist Church, Annapolis, 1852-1873
• St. James’ Church (Protestant Episcopal), Lothian, 1663-1856
Baltimore City
• Mt. Calvary Church (Protestant Episcopal), Eutaw and Madison Sts., 1843-1875

Calvert County
• All Saint’s Church (Protestant Episcopal), Sunderland, 1859-1958
• Christ Church (Protestant Episcopal), Port Republic, 1795-1902
• Monthly Meeting at the Clifts (Religous Society of Friends), 1662-1782
• St. Paul’s Church (Protestant Episcopal), Prince Frederick, 1841-1938
Caroline County
• Christ Church, St. Mary’s Whitechapel (Protestant Episcopal), Denton, 1916-1951
Cecil County
• Trinity Church, Trinity Parish (Protestant Episcopal), Elkton, 1891-1903

Charles County
• Trinity Church (Protestant Episcopal), Newport, 1830-1850
Dorchester County
• Christ Church, Great Choptank Parish (Protestant Episcopal), 1790-1829, 1838-1924
Frederick County
• St. John the Evangelist (Roman Catholic), Frederick, 1811-1822

Kent County
• Shrewsbury Parish (Protestant Episcopal), 1699-1909
Queen Anne’s County
• St. Luke’s Church (Protestant Episcopal), 1722-1850
Talbot County
• Christ Church, St. Michael’s Parish (Protestant Episcopal), 1823-1887
Washington County
• St. John’s Church (Lutheran), Hagerstown, 1768-1967

Dorchester Tourism Photo contest
If genealogy isn’t your thing, how about photography? Just about everyone has a camera nowadays, and subjects are all around. Why not give it a whirl? It’s fun, and won’t cost a thing. Here’s one way to get started, Dorchester Tourism’s Sunrise/Sunset of the Month Contest.
“Post your photo — along with where you took it — on Facebook to the I Love Dorchester County page, or tag us on Instagram at @visitdorchester (But this will only work if your account is public), or email to jill@visitdorchester.org. Deadline is 8 p.m., Saturday,” a statement from the department said.

RULES: 1) Photo must be taken in Dorchester County, in the past four months; 2) Only one photo submission per person; 3) If you’ve won in the past eight months, you’re not eligible for this month’s contest; 4) After the submission deadline, we’ll post a photo album with all the entries. The photo that gets the most votes is the winner.
The winner gets a print up to 16”x20” of their winning image, compliments of The Copy Shoppe. Winners will be announced in Tourism’s July newsletter. If you aren’t a subscriber yet, sign up at VisitDorchester.org.