Coalition by-laws require the corporation to hold an annual meeting, with reports to the membership, election of a governing body, and the conduct of other business as needed. In over 30 years of assembling people with common objectives from all corners of Maryland in one place, this event has evolved into a successful one-day affair open to all.
In addition to conducting business, a typical Coalition annual meeting features interesting speakers, presentation of one or more Periwinkle Awards, and of course a guided visit to a nearby historic cemetery. The meeting is traditionally held in late April or early May, likely to appreciate periwinkle blooms and note the close of the General Assembly session. In the course of 30+ years, the Coalition has convened 6 times on the Eastern Shore, 17 times in Central Maryland, 5 times in Western Maryland, 1 time in Southern Maryland and twice virtually via Zoom.
In recent years, the event title has widened to reflect its value beyond an annual business meeting. Open Forum is a popular time for attendees to ask questions of the group, to reflect on experiences—both good and bad, and to renew old acquaintances. We have fun, eat well, learn from each other, and enjoy counting “I Brake for Old Graveyards” bumper stickers lined up in the parking lot.
Statewide Conferences and Annual Meetings
The Board of Directors of the Coalition to Protect Maryland Burial Sites invite you to save the date for the next Maryland Cemetery Conference and the Coalition’s Annual Meeting to be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024 in Havre de Grace, MD. Be sure to mark your calendars!
Registration will open in March 2024
Past Annual Meetings
31st Annual – 2023: Downtown Community Room at ERUCC, Frederick, Frederick Co.
30th Annual – 2022: Held virtually via Zoom
29th Annual – 2021: Held virtually via Zoom due to the COVID pandemic.
2020: Cancelled due to the COVID pandemic.
28th Annual – 2019: Old Greenbelt Theatre, Greenbelt, Prince George’s Co.
27th Annual – 2018: Sheppard Pratt Conference Center, Towson, Baltimore Co.
26th Annual – 2017: St. James Episcopal Church, Lothian, Anne Arundel Co.
25th Annual – 2016: Belmont Carriage House, Elkridge, Howard Co.
24th Annual – 2015: Shrine of St Anthony, Ellicott City, Howard Co.
23rd Annual – 2014: Poplar Hill Mansion, Salisbury, Wicomico Co.
22nd Annual – 2013: St John the Evangelist, Forest Glen, Montgomery Co.
21st Annual – 2012: Christ Episcopal Church, Columbia, Howard Co.
20th Annual – 2011: Apples Church, Thurmont, Frederick Co.
19th Annual – 2010: Kent Island Inn, Kent Island, Queen Anne’s Co.
18th Annual – 2009: St. George’s Church, Perryman, Harford Co.
17th Annual – 2008: Sandy Spring Museum, Sandy Spring, Montgomery Co.
16th Annual – 2007: New Windsor Conference Center, New Windsor, Carroll Co.
15th Annual – 2006: Holiday Inn, Ocean City, Wicomico Co.
14th Annual – 2005: Glenview Mansion, Rockville, Montgomery Co.
13th Annual – 2004: Tidewater Inn, Easton, Talbot Co.
12th Annual – 2003: Clarion Hotel, Hagerstown, Washington Co.
11th Annual – 2002: Blue Point Restaurant, Ellicott City, Howard Co.
10th Annual – 2001: Cecil County Historical Society, Elkton, Howard Co.
9th Annual – 2000: Evangelical Lutheran Church, Frederick, Frederick Co.
8th Annual – 1999: Charles County Community College, LaPlata, Charles Co.
7th Annual – 1998: Christ United Methodist Church, Salisbury, Wicomico Co.
6th Annual – 1997: Miller Library, Ellicott City, Howard Co.
5th Annual – 1996: Cumberland, Allegany Co..
4th Annual – 1995: Holiday Inn, Annapolis, Anne Arundel Co.
3rd Annual – 1994: St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Hancock, Washington Co.
2nd Annual – 1993: Ocean City, Worcester Co.
1st Annual – 1992: Columbia Hilton, Columbia, Howard Co.
