The Center for the Study of Democracy  sponsors education about the roots of democracy in colonial Maryland and its link to contemporary domestic and international issues.

As the first capital of Maryland in the 17th century, Historic St. Mary's City is an example of the early stirrings of American democracy. "Liberty of conscience" in religion, representative political practices, freedom of the press, and minority rights are a part of St. Mary's City's history.

(photo at left: Calvert Hall at St. Mary's College of Maryland)

The Center strives to build upon the important themes in the state's history by providing new scholarship, courses, lectures, student internships, and publications that contribute to current debates about democracy. The primary consumers of the Center's output include the undergraduates and community of St. Mary's College of Maryland and Historic St. Mary's City, the people of Maryland, and all those interested in a healthy debate aimed at strengthening democracy at home and abroad.

The Center is a focal part of the Maryland Heritage Project and the programmatic centerpiece of the collaboration between Historic St. Mary's City and St. Mary's College of Maryland. Center initiatives include course offerings, visiting scholars, programs for scholars from emerging democracies, exchange opportunities and internships for St. Mary's College students, special lectures, and a publications program.

St. Mary's City is located 75 miles south of Washington, D.C., and 75 miles southwest of the state capital in Annapolis. It is ideally situated to serve as an intellectual crossroads where scholars, students and political leaders from around the world can meet with St. Mary's students and Marylanders to learn more about the heritage and future of democracy.