ROCKVILLE, MD – During National Park Week and on the grand opening of the new Josiah Henson Museum & Park, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) today recognized his 50th Local Heroes from Maryland’s 8th District: Mark Thorne, the Museum’s Historic Site Manager, and Cassandra Michaud, Senior Archaeologist, for their work vividly retelling the extraordinary life and legacy of Josiah Henson.

A year ago, Rep. Raskin launched a weekly video series featuring Marylanders across the 8th District making heroic efforts to support their communities during this time of public health crisis and economic upheaval. In 2021, Rep. Raskin’s Local Heroes have included Senator Chris Van Hollen’s State Director Joan Kleinman, retiring Mary’s Center CEO Maria Gomez, Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Dr. Earl Stoddard, and vaccine program managers in Frederick and Carroll Counties, to name a few.

To view a video playlist of all of Rep. Raskin’s interviews with Local Heroes, click here. To view all of Rep. Raskin’s 2020 Local Heroes, click here.

“It’s my honor to be able to recognize outstanding community members standing strong in crisis through my Local Heroes program,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin. “Whether distributing vaccines to Marylanders, delivering community services to residents or bringing Maryland’s history to life, these Local Heroes have helped us meet and surpass the challenges of COVID-19 in extraordinary ways. Our people have shown great vision and unwavering dedication to our community and nation, and I’m proud to share their exemplary work with my constituents. I look forward to continuing this video series through the end of the pandemic and beyond.”

As the nation continues the battle against the coronavirus, Rep. Raskin will continue recognizing and honoring 8th District Local Heroes. To nominate a Local Hero who lives in Montgomery, Frederick or Carroll Counties, click here.

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