CHESTERTOWN — The Historical Society of Kent County is inviting the public to the movies on Sunday, July 28 at 2 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church’s parish hall for a screening of a film documenting life in Chestertown at two moments in history.
A 1995 documentary, “Chestertown, Maryland: An American Home Town for more than 350 years,” portrays life in Chestertown and Kent County in the late 20th century, and offers a time capsule from 1940 with substantial clips from a film produced that year by the Kent & Queen Anne’s Hospital Auxiliary to raise funds for the expansion of the hospital.
The film features footage from life in Chestertown in the early 20th century, along with modern commentary from local residents and “luminaries” for what is described as “an immersive dual time capsule” with entries from both 1940 and 1995.
From the 1940 film titled “Chestertown, Maryland: A Classic American Town on the Chester River” comes a treasure trove of scenes from life in Kent County before World War II, from streetscapes to fashion, people, businesses, celebrations and pastimes. One of the highlights is the children’s pet parade, complete with dogs in bonnets, kittens, goats, a duck, at least one raccoon and much more.
There also are appearances by pillars of the Kent County community, people whose ideas and actions still influence life here today, including longtime Chestertown mayors Elmer Horsey and Margo Bailey.
Local residents share memories sparked by watching the scenes from 1940, and offer their perspectives on Chestertown’s history and where, in 1995, they saw the community going.
The screening will be followed by a brief discussion about life in Kent County in earlier eras.
The public is invited to bring their memories and stories to share. A special invitation is extended to those who appeared in the film and their relatives.
Admission is free, but tickets can be reserved at this link, https://www.tickettailor.com/events/historicalsocietyofkentcounty/1315371.
Those who can are encouraged to make a donation to help support the programming, events and activities of the Historical Society of Kent County.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church is located at 101 N. Cross Street in downtown Chestertown.