History doesn’t always hang on a wall. Sometimes it drapes across your shoulders.
Just in time to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, Caroline Benson of Oxford, Md., has partnered with artist Alden Firth to create a piece that feels as enduring as the stories it honors. The result is a 35-by-35-inch silk scarf that is elegant, timeless, and unmistakably rooted in Maryland tradition.
For Benson, this project is more than a creative endeavor. It is personal.
A longtime steward of Maryland’s historic legacy, Benson has served on the board of the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage since 2014. She has been a member of the Talbot County Garden Club for 55 years and is the former owner of Garden Treasures, a well-known gift and garden shop in Easton. Her life’s work reflects a deep appreciation for beauty, place, and preservation.
“History is ingrained in my DNA,” Benson says. “I have lived here all of my life, and I am proud of our history.”
The design began as the cover artwork for the annual Maryland House and Garden pilgrimage. Together with Firth, they quickly recognized its potential to become a lasting keepsake to honor the nation’s 250th birthday.
To bring the vision to life, they turned to Benson’s nephew, Tucker Thompson, America’s Cup announcer and founder of Range & Bearing’s.
The company is known for designing high-quality custom apparel, accessories, and décor for private clubs, corporate organizations, schools, and sports teams. Founded in 2020 with a line of high-end men’s dress socks, Thompson’s business has grown into a full-service design and manufacturing firm.
With Thompson’s expertise guiding production, the scarf moved from concept to reality.
Available in both periwinkle blue and white, the design features a repeating pattern of the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage logo and emblem. Two commemorative flags frame the piece, a subtle but powerful nod to America’s Semiquincentennial.
Crafted from soft, luxurious silk, the scarf moves easily between roles. It can be worn as a statement, displayed as art, or gifted as a meaningful memento. It reflects the essence of Maryland’s historic homes and gardens, where beauty and preservation are part of everyday life.
For Benson, the project is also rooted in patriotism. With a grandson serving in the Navy, a husband who served in the Marine Corps, and a father who fought in World War II, honoring the nation’s milestone felt both natural and necessary.
“It’s wonderful that we live in such a fabulous area with so many stories that helped shape our nation,” Benson says. “We’re just so blessed. I wanted to honor our history and commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday with this keepsake.”
As America approaches its 250th birthday, this collaboration offers a reminder that history is not just remembered. It is carried forward, one thoughtful detail at a time. In keeping with that spirit, proceeds from the sale of the scarf will be donated to historic preservation efforts, ensuring that the stories woven into its design continue to endure.
The annual Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage begins in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon on April 25 and concludes in Frederick on June 13. Additional stops include Talbot County on May 9, Charles County on May 16, Cecil County on May 24, Charles County on May 30, and the town of Kensington on June 7.
Each scarf is priced at $130, plus tax and shipping, and is available for purchase online at www.mhgp.org.
About Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism
The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.
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