157th annual ‘Nace Day’ celebrates Trappe Maryland native Nathaniel Hopkins

TRAPPE, Md. – The 157th annual celebration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Trappe Maryland is called ‘Nace Day.’

“Trappe is a little town between Easton and Cambridge. And you think about it: there’s Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman. But also, there was Nathaniel Hopkins.”

Said Diane Thomas, the lead organizer for Scott’s United Methodist Church’s annual tradition. She worked behind the scenes to continue one of the Eastern Shore’s longest-standing traditions.

Many vendors were there, including Talbot Interfaith Shelter. Hudson Berry who works with the shelter is happy to have her group be apart of such traditions.

“He is known around here for starting, you know, fighting, fighting in the Civil War for the union, being a former slave, being a part of this church community, and starting one of the first schools in Trappe for children of color.”

The celebration began with Hopkins back in 1867, “He went to the town council here in Trappe and asked if he could have permission to have a parade. And he had his wife, and his children march in the very first parade.” Said, Thomas.

Scotts United Methodist Church, who hosted the event, is encouraged the Nace’s Day tradition will continue for years to come. “To this day, we still are trying to continue this same service to go on to show that we are celebrating the emancipation for the state of Maryland.”

Thomas believes the area has so much more to offer and believes she is lucky to be a part of the community. “We are in a very rich area in this little town of Trapp, in Talbot County, in the state of Maryland, in this here United States.”