BDC Statement Regarding Fire at Memorial Hall

The Bainbridge Development Corporation (BDC) regretfully confirms that the news of a fire in Memorial Hall of the National Historic Tome School for Boys is true. An initial 9-1-1 report was made at roughly 2:45 AM by a passerby who saw smoke and flames and became concerned. Through the efforts of many of our local firefighters the fire was contained and no one was injured in the process. We would like to thank all of the volunteer firefighters for their hard work and bravery in handling such a dangerous occurrence. In response to comments about the condition of the building, we cannot produce specific details as to the damage but we can report that the building is still standing. This is a detrimental loss to all of us, especially the Town of Port Deposit, Cecil County, BDC and the redevelopment efforts. Memorial Hall is the central focus of the Tome Campus and holds a significant place in national, architectural and educational history. In 1901, Architects William Boring and Edward Lippincott designed Memorial Hall, and all of Tome, with a Beaux-Arts Georgian Revival style, seen through the monumental scale of the building, its symmetrical facades and elaborate ornamentations. The BDC remains dedicated to preserving, maintaining, protecting and restoring the Historic Tome School. The BDC has been in contact with local, county and state officials. The Tome School Campus remains private property and any trespassers caught on the property will be turned over to the police. The fire is an ongoing investigation and no further details can be released at this time. We encourage anyone with any information to contact Derek A. Chapman, Senior Deputy State Fire Marshall, at 410-996-2794.