Maryland and Liberia Establish Sister Partnership

Event to announce new diplomatic ties honoring Liberian President Stephen A. Benson's Cambridge roots

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Eastern Shore Network for Change and the Maryland 250 Commission are hosting a special event on February 28, 2026 to formally announce the establishment of a Sister State/County/City relationship between Maryland (with a focus on Cambridge and Dorchester County) and Liberia. The event will celebrate the deep historical connections between the two regions, including the legacy of Cambridge native Stephen Allen Benson, who became Liberia's second president, as well as President William V.S. Tubman's visits to Cambridge in the 1950s.

Why it matters

This new sister partnership aims to build enduring diplomatic bridges and cultural diplomacy between Maryland and Liberia, honoring their shared histories and legacies. It represents an important step in strengthening international ties and promoting greater understanding between the two communities.

The details

The event will take place at the Waugh United Methodist Church in Cambridge, Maryland, which holds deep significance as the site of the oldest African American Methodist congregation in the city. The announcement marks the culmination of years of dedicated negotiations to establish this sister relationship, which will also include plans for an upcoming mission trip to Liberia in November 2026 involving politicians, diplomats, and community leaders.

  • The event will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 2:00 pm.
  • The first mission trip to Liberia is tentatively scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Eastern Shore Network for Change

A local organization that aims to document President Benson's life and family history, connect relatives across the U.S. and Liberia, share collective histories, create documentaries, advocate for landmarks and interpretive signage, and develop educational exchanges and ongoing collaborations.

Maryland 250 Commission

A statewide commission that envisions an inclusive and nonpartisan reflection on Maryland's past, honoring the contributions of all Marylanders and uniting them in purpose to serve, engage civically, and shape the future of the state and nation.

Stephen Allen Benson

A native of Cambridge, Maryland who emigrated to Liberia in 1822 and became the country's second president.

William V.S. Tubman

The president of Liberia who visited Cambridge, Maryland in the 1950s.

Waugh United Methodist Church

A historic church in Cambridge, Maryland that is celebrating its 200th anniversary and holds deep significance as the site of the oldest African American Methodist congregation in the city, founded by free African Americans in 1826.

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What they’re saying

“I'm honored by this moment in Cambridge—birthplace of Liberia's 2nd president, Stephen A. Benson. We will strengthen these ties & build enduring diplomatic bridges via our Sister relationship.”

— Dion D. Banks (EINPresswire.com)

What’s next

The first mission trip to Liberia is tentatively scheduled for November 2026, bringing together politicians, diplomats, community leaders, and other key individuals to further strengthen the new sister partnership.

The takeaway

This new sister partnership between Maryland and Liberia represents an important step in building enduring diplomatic bridges and cultural diplomacy, honoring their shared histories and legacies while promoting greater understanding and collaboration between the two communities.