Subject
title
Approve the recommendation from the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board to approve the Proposal from the Maryland State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (MSSDAR) to plant a Liberty Tree scion at Glenview Mansion in recognition of America’s 250th Semi quincentennial.
end
Department
Recreation & Parks
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council approve the recommendation from Recreation and Parks Advisory Board to approve the proposal from MSSDAR and approve the planting of the Liberty Tree scion and any associated dedication activities.
Discussion
The Maryland State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (MSSDAR) is planting 13 Liberty Tree seedlings across the state to represent the 13 original colonies, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. Each seedling is genetically identical to the Annapolis Liberty Tree, a tulip poplar. Glenview Mansion has been identified as a proposed site for planting one of these historic scions.
On January 5, 2026, MSSDAR submitted their formal planting proposal to the City Clerk’s Office/Director of Council Operations. Pursuant to the city’s commemoration policy, the proposal was referred to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board for review and recommendation to Mayor and Council.
Proposal Summary:
The planting would include:
• Installation of a liberty tree scion at Glenview Mansion
• Dedication ceremony in Fall of 2026
• Placement of a plaque recognizing the “Legacy of Liberty” and America 250
Attachments for Review:
• Recreation and Parks Advisory Board recommendation (Attachment 1)
• MSSDAR Proposal (Attachment 2)
• Proposed plaque design (Attachment 3)
• Sample Certificate of Authenticity (Attachment 4)
• Dedication ceremony invitation template (Attachment 5)
• Dedication program template (Page 1 and 2) (Attachment 6)
Purpose and Community Impact:
This project supports Montgomery County’s recognition of America 250 and highlights Maryland’s significant contributions to the Revolutionary War. Planting the Liberty Tree scion at Glenview Mansion would serve as a lasting, educational, and symbolic reminder of the nation’s founding ideals.
Mayor and Council History
This is the first time this item has been presented before Mayor and Council.
Boards and Commissions Review
The proposal was presented to the Recreation and Park Advisory Board and discussed at their January 22, 2026, meeting. The Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the tree planting at Glenview Mansion.
Next Steps
Once approved, staff will work with MSSDAR to coordinate the logistics of the planting and dedication ceremony.