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The Looking For Maryland Story

In the 1930’s a National Geographic writer described Maryland as “America in miniature”. As photographers Salam Dahbour and Missy Loewe began “looking for Maryland”, they were curious how well this term would hold up over the 70 plus years since. How could one of the nation’s smallest states ever live up to such a lofty title? This husband and wife team, had about a year to find out!

Rivers, lakes, and the Bay….side roads, interstates, and country lanes…yuppies, seniors, and country farmers…high tech, crab boats, and universities…ports, trains, airports…mountains, beaches, and the nation’s capitol…battlefields, honor, and history…is Maryland America in miniature? They saw so many sights, met so many people, had adventures, naps, and even a train ride up a mountain. They often brought a border collie named Bandit, who loved the views and smells. Despite decades of living in the state they love, suddenly things looked new. The people, signs, and buildings - each had to be studied, each was appreciated anew.

Maryland may not exactly be “America in miniature” anymore. Statistics say it is far more ethnically diverse, more liberal, and more educated than average. It has fewer farms, fewer lakes (no natural lakes, at all!), and fewer empty spaces than the average state. Having seen every county, nook and cranny, they gave Maryland their own new title: “the best of America, in miniature”.

We hope our adventure of “Looking for Maryland” will encourage you to look for your own Maryland, and see something new and beautiful in our wonderful “Best of America” state!

Salam Dahbour and Missy Loewe