The new courthouse for the Circuit Court of Queen Anne’s County in Centreville, Maryland, is set to open its doors to the public on Monday, June 17. This development will require anyone conducting business with the circuit court, such as attending court appearances or jury duty, to visit the new location at 200 North Commerce Street.
County Administrative Judge Thomas G. Ross of the Second Judicial Circuit stated, “The new courthouse brings Queen Anne’s County into the 21st century and provides increased security and ADA compliance, as well as additional courtrooms and space for services and staff.”
The current courthouse at 100 Courthouse Square will cease regular operations after Friday, June 14. This building has been serving Queen Anne’s County for 224 years since it was built during George Washington's first term as president. It holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously used courthouse in Maryland and one of the oldest in continuous operation nationwide.
Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera emphasized respect for history while meeting modern needs: “When a courthouse is to be built in a county with the rich historic setting that characterizes Centreville and Queen Anne’s County, additional care and thought must be taken to honor the history and to serve the needs of the people of this county today, tomorrow, and well into the future,” she said. “This new courthouse does exactly that.”
Marking a significant technological advancement for Maryland's judicial system, this new facility is described as "the state’s first all-electronic court," operating under the Maryland Electronic Courts system (MDEC) with features like CourtSmart electronic recording equipment.
Katherine Hager, Clerk of Circuit Court for Queen Anne's County commented on this transition: “We’ve gone from being the oldest to the newest courthouse in the state of Maryland,” she said. "While we will miss the charm and character of our historic courthouse, we look forward to serving citizens in a 21st-century courthouse allowing us to provide improved access to justice for all."
The new courthouse will maintain regular hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The existing phone numbers remain unchanged; contact can be made via 410-758-1773.