The DeSoto Owners Club of Maryland, Inc. ("DOCM") is a non-profit, social "car club" organization (IRS Non Profit 501(c)(7) Social Club) founded in 1976, and is a chapter of the National DeSoto Club. The club has an award-winning, bi-monthly publication, "DeSoto Diary" for our members. There are monthly club breakfasts, luncheon meetings and various sponsored/co-sponsored car shows and other events (such as routine vehicle workshops) in the MD, DC, VA, PA, and DE areas. You do not have to own a DeSoto to be a member! We welcome all who appreciate the marque, even those who choose to modify their DeSotos. Our members are diverse and spread out beyond the Maryland region, including Florida, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. Most of our members are MOPAR centric since DeSoto was a Chrysler product, but they often have other vehicle interests including orphan vehicles: AMC, Studebaker, Packard, Plymouth, Edsel, Hudson, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac.
Our DeSoto Club marks 49 YEARS of DeSoto adventures in 2025! We were formed before a national club was developed. Many Thanks to Club Founder Mr. J Francis Werneth, along with his wife Margaret, for having the wherewithal and foresight 15 years after the last DeSoto rolled off the assembly line to create a club just for DeSoto that has stood the test of time. Sad to say, our beloved founder passed away on January 7, 2022 at age 87. You can read more here about the many accomplishments of his life and how he supported the car collector hobby in many ways: https://www.marzullofuneralchapel.com/obituary/J-Werneth
Our Club's Mission
The DeSoto Owners Club of Maryland (DOCM), Inc. is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of the DeSoto Automobile by the Chrysler Corporation, model years from 1929 to 1961.
NDC NATIONAL CONVENTIONS: The 2016 National DeSoto Club (NDC) Convention was held in Maryland. Learn more about our 2016 National DeSoto Club's National Convention on the 2016 National DeSoto Convention tab! DID YOU MISS OUR CARAVAN driving out to the 2017 NDC Convention in San Diego, CA via the Mother Road, Route 66; or the 2018 CARAVAN TO BRANSON, MO? We also had members drive out to Hutchinson, Kansas in 2019. The national convention for 2020 was rescheduled to Brookfield, Wisconsin, 7/28 - 871, 2021 and we visited The Henry Ford in Dearborn, MI with our caravan. For 2022, our chapter once again sponsored the NDC convention in Altoona, PA. The 2023 NDC National Convention was in Chatham, Ontario, Canada (eh!), July 26-30, 2023! In 2024, the national convention was in The Big Easy-New Orleans, LA.
In 2025, the NDC National Convention is in AKRON, OHIO! June 25-29, 2025~Hosted by Craig & Chris Lane and the Buckeye Chapter of the NDC. www.DeSoto.org or visit www.desoto.org/events
As you can see, we do road trips to conventions; Let us know of your interests at DeSotoClubMD@gmail.com
2024
Club-sponsored/Co-Sponsored EVENTS (This page was last updated on 12/26/24): All workshops, meetings and luncheons are subject to health guidelines for mask wearing and social distancing as prescribed at the time & location of the event!
2024
JAN 4: DOCM Workshop & Ladies Luncheon at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM
FEB 10: DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM
MAR 10: Visit & tour to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD + lunch outing. A joint event with Plymouth Owners Club members.
MAR 16: DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM.
APR 18: DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM.
APR 27: DOCM & POC Spring Fling Car Show & Luncheon. 9am -3pm, Casa Mia’s Restaurant, 17417 York Road, Parkton, MD. FEE MUST BE PAID BY APR 17th for LUNCHEON!
MAY 16: DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM.
JUNE 13: DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM.
JULY 12-14: A group of DeSoto Club Members plan on going to the All CHRYSLER NATIONALS in Carlisle, PA.
JULY 20: Saturday, DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM.
JULY 24-28: The National DeSoto Convention in New Orleans/Harvey, Louisiana.
AUGUST 17: Saturday, DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM. Contact Mike Bianco. NO ladies luncheon this time.
DATE CHANGE from Sept 7, DUE TO ORIGINAL FORECAST OF RAIN!!! SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8: DOCM MEMBER PICNIC, Bethesda MD.
SEPTEMBER 19: Thursday, DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM. Contact Mike Bianco.
OCTOBER 17: Thursday, DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM. Contact Mike Bianco.
DATE & TIME CHANGE: NOV 9th: SATURDAY, 9:30AM: DOCM Workshop, Meeting, and Ladies Luncheon Outing. Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, TIME CHANGE TO 9:30AM for the meeting, 10AM to start working on vehicles and Ladies Outing. Contact Mike Bianco if you plan to work on a vehicle and Cheryl Bianco if you want to attend the outing by Friday Nov 8th.
12/5: Thursday, DOCM Workshop at Cole's Garage, Coleus Dr, Millersville, MD, 10AM. Contact Mike Bianco.
12/8: SUNDAY, DOCM is invited to the Plymouth Owners Club Mid Atlantic BUFFET and AUCTION. See Calender.
12/13: DOCM Holiday Luncheon and Food Drive, Kings Contrivance (Restaurant), Columbia, MD Members were sent info.
12/31: Last day to drive your DeSoto ... in 2024!
2025
The 2025 DOCM Schedule has not been set yet. The Board is working on that!
6/25-29: NATIONAL DESOTO CLUB NATIONAL CONVENTION.
7/11-13: All Chrysler Nationals AND Walter P. Chrysler Club National Meet AND the CHRYSLER CENTENNIAL EVENT: https://www.chrysler100.com/
See the calendar tab (pull down menu under "More") for other events and details.
NOTE: Some of the above items may be retained for historical reference so you can see what the club does each year. Also, we migrated from "DeSotoClubMD.com" to this NEW DOMAIN name www.DeSotoClubMD.org and site format. You can contact us at DeSotoClubMD@gmail.com . Thank you, The Webmaster.
Our club is Not affiliated with the Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Corporation, The Chrysler Corporation, Stellantis N.V. (or any subsequent mergers), or The State of Maryland.