Would you sail on this ship across the ocean? This replica of the Dove sailed the Atlantic Ocean in 1634, accompanying a larger ship, the Ark. Used as a supply ship and a scouting vessel in more shallow waters, the Dove carried no passengers.

The little Dove followed along with its larger ship the Arc, which carried about 140 passengers. These were the first adventurers to settle in Maryland. A fascinating story for another time tells about the Dove being lost in a storm off the coast of England, during this passage. Astounding as it seems, the Dove rejoined with the Ark a few months later in Barbados.

Maryland became the forth successful colony after Jamestown, Plymouth, and Boston. Lord Baltimore I, George Calvert, prior to his death procured Maryland from Virginia by a grant from King James I. Calvert envisioned Maryland as a unique experiment for religious tolerance and economic opportunity.

My newest novel, a work in progress, starts in England with the story of Lady Margaret Brent, who sails for Maryland with a sister and two brothers in the year 1638. Her actions changed not only lives but history, and her strength became a model for future women.

The American Bar Association gives an award in Margaret Brent’s name to deserving women attorneys each year.

Here’s a photo of a little bit of my research resources. Researching has taken me to some strange places, and I’ve discover unbelievable things. Most won’t make it into my book, but I’ll write about a few here in the coming weeks.

Would you have been adventuresome enough to leave your family and all that was familiar to you to sail across the sea to a strange and wild land?