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#MARKERMOMENT on College Avenue⭐️ Ms. Lillie Mae Chase, a beloved figure in downtown Annapolis and the USNA community lived on College Avenue in a home that is now adorned with a gray historic marker, signifying its significance in the Annapolis Vernacular architectural style. Lillie Mae spent most of her life on College Avenue, which now holds an honorary title, “Lillie Mae Chase Way.” This can be seen on the street sign at the corner of College Avenue and Hanover Street. After working in a naval research lab for over 20 years, she became a custodian at the USNA Museum, where she took on a role far greater than her title—she became an unofficial sponsor, mentor, and mother figure to African American midshipmen who faced segregation and limited support in town. One day, Lillie Mae noticed a woman waiting outside USNA Gate 3. She soon learned that this was the mother of an African American midshipman who had nowhere nearby to sit and wait. With segregation still in effect, options were limited. Without hesitation, Lillie Mae invited her over to rest at her home until her son was released from the yard. That simple act of kindness sparked something much greater. Over the next two decades, Lillie Mae’s home became a haven for dozens of Black midshipmen and their families. In the 1960s and 1970s, when finding welcoming spaces was difficult, she provided them with more than just a seat—she gave them a home-cooked meal, a place to relax, and a warm, motherly embrace. Her home became a refuge filled with laughter, games, encouragement, and unwavering support. To those midshipmen, she was more than a caretaker—she was their cheerleader, their confidante, and their home away from home. A couple decades later, fate brought an extraordinary full-circle moment. Through a serendipitous connection between a dear friend and Lillie Mae’s great- grandson, a reunion at Lillie Mae’s former home was set in motion. In 2022, the current homeowner welcomed Lillie Mae’s only daughter, Shirley, back to her childhood home—just in time for her own 88th birthday. As Shirley stepped through the front door, daughters and grandson by her side, tears filled her eyes. She never imagined she’d see the inside of her childhood home again. Overwhelmed with emotion, she said it felt just as warm and wonderful as it had all those years ago—a moment of pure love, history, and legacy that will never be forgotten. What a reunion to remember. ✨ Do you think your house is eligible for a marker? Visit https://www.annapolis.org/historic/historic-markers/ to learn more about the program! OR to inquire about joining the Historic Marker Program, e-mail rachel.robinson@annapolis.org or call 410.267.7619. For a wonderful article on Ms. Lillie Mae, visit https://www.usna.edu/NewsCenter/2022/03/A_Giant_Among_Giants.php