Ocean City, Maryland
As Ocean City celebrates its 150th anniversary, the town proudly dedicates March to honoring the remarkable women who have shaped its past, present and future. In recognition of Women’s History Month, Ocean City Tourism is spotlighting the trailblazing women whose resilience and leadership have left a lasting impact on the community.
One of the key highlights of this month’s celebrations is March’s Mobile Museum Exhibit, which showcases the Petticoat Regime—a group of pioneering women instrumental in Ocean City’s early tourism industry—and the Steel Magnolias, whose dedication in the 1980s helped propel the town’s hospitality sector to new heights. After making appearances at the HMRA Trade Show and the OC Film Festival, the Mobile Museum will be on display at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center throughout the month, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Ocean City’s rich history through the lens of these influential women.
Adding to the excitement, Ocean City welcomes Rachel Druckenmiller, a Maryland native and one of The Daily Record’s Top 100 Women, for an interactive workshop at the Convention Center on Friday, March 14. The workshop, Charting the Course: Co-Creating a Shared Vision for Ocean City’s Tomorrow, invites community members to explore the present, envision the future and develop actionable steps to strengthen the town’s legacy. This inspiring and dynamic session is free to attend, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with registration available at ococean.com/150.
To further celebrate the role of women in Ocean City’s history, Ocean City Tourism is partnering with the Maryland Tourism Coalition for a historic walk on May 8. Taking place during National Travel and Tourism Week, this event will bring history to life, highlighting the Petticoat Regime and their pivotal role in shaping Ocean City’s early development. The tour begins at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum and will journey through five historic establishments, offering a firsthand look at the contributions of these trailblazing women.
“The history of tourism in Maryland would not be what it is today without the incredible contributions of women, and Ocean City’s story is a prime example of that,” said Ruth Toomey, Executive Director of the Maryland Tourism Coalition. “From the early pioneers who built the foundation of hospitality in Ocean City to the women leading the industry today, this historic walk is a wonderful way to honor their legacies and inspire future generations.”
Ocean City’s 150th Anniversary festivities extend beyond history and leadership, offering exciting events for all this March, including:
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Saturday, March 15 – Celebrate the luck of the Irish with a vibrant parade featuring colorful floats, lively marching bands, and family-friendly entertainment.
- Dine Around Town: All Month Long – Enjoy 150th-anniversary dining specials at participating restaurants, featuring exclusive menus and discounts.
- Play Around Town: St. Patrick’s Day Adult Soccer Tournament -This spirited tournament at Northside Park brings together friendly competition and a “pot o’ fun” for participants and spectators alike.
For the full schedule of 150th Anniversary events and the latest updates, visit ococean.com/150 and follow @oceancitymaryland on social media.
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