Honoring Westminster’s Past: A Reflection on My Internship and Our Community’s Legacy
July 2026
Greetings all! My name is Victoria Pearson and I’ve been an intern with Hey Westminster this summer. I’ve had the privilege of learning so much about the city and the amazing work we do here every day, but throughout my experience I have also been encouraged to contribute as well.
In the final weeks of my internship, I’ve been exploring remarkable individuals who shaped this community long before any of us arrived. The history is full of people whose courage, creativity, and commitment to service continue to echo through our organizations and shared sense of purpose. As I’ve googled and explored the stories of Westminster’s past, I’ve been amazed by how closely their values align with the mission of this organization–uplifting community members, fostering creativity, and supporting meaningful local impact. In many ways, the work we do today is a continuation of the legacy they began….
The Founder…William Winchester!
The founder of Westminster began his journey far from the rolling hills of Carroll County. Born in London in 1711, he arrived in Maryland as an indentured servant, working his way toward freedom and opportunity. After completing his service, he purchased land known as White’s Level and, in 1764, laid out the first plots of what would become Westminster, originally called Winchester’s Town. Winchester’s early vision centered on creating a connected, accessible community, a place where people could gather, trade, and build their lives. His support for the American Revolution, including contributions of land and supplies, reflected his commitment to civic responsibility and the future of the growing nation. Though the town’s name changed to Westminster in 1768, his influence remained woven into its foundation. Winchester’s story continues to echo through the city today. His legacy offers a meaningful reminder that Westminster has always been shaped by individuals who believed in the power of community.
Clyfford Still: the Creative Who Also Found Home in Westminster
Clyfford Still is one of the pioneers of Abstract Expressionism. Despite being known globally for his art, he chose to spend the last quarter of his life in rural Carroll County, finding inspiration in the quiet landscapes and close‑knit community. Still’s commitment to authenticity, painting on his own terms, preserving creative independence, and valuing the relationship between artist and community. His life reminds us that creativity flourishes when people feel connected, supported, and free to explore their ideas.
Mary Bostwick Shellman: A Force for Good
Mary Bostwick Shellman was a woman whose life embodied service, courage, and community leadership. Born in 1849, Mary spent her teenage years caring for wounded Civil War soldiers and later became a powerful advocate for women’s suffrage, leading the Carroll County chapter of the Just Government League. Her activism didn’t stop there. Mary organized Carroll County’s first Memorial Day observance in 1868 and spent decades honoring veterans, supporting the poor, and educating new women voters after the passage of the 19th Amendment. Her home on East Main Street became a hub for civic engagement, a place where community members gathered to learn, connect, and grow. Mary’s legacy was in uplifting voices, empowering community members, and creating spaces where people can learn, participate, and thrive.
The Legacy Continues
Carroll County’s history is filled with people who carved meaningful paths in community development and civic leadership. From annual events to supporting the ongoing work of local nonprofits, the spirit of connection, creativity, and community care remains strong each season. Hey Westminster is proud to carry that legacy forward by supporting local initiatives, uplifting our community, and investing in the future of this remarkable city. If you’d like to explore more about Westminster’s history, I encourage you to visit the Historical Society of Carroll County, whose digital archives preserve the stories that continue to inspire us today.
As this internship chapter comes to an end, I’m filled with gratitude for the stories I’ve heard, the people I’ve met, and the history that has shaped my experience. If you’d like to be part of the next chapter in Westminster’s growth, whether through grants, internships, or community events, stay tuned here on the Hey Westminster website or reach out at [email protected]!
