November 1, 2025 – In honor of Maryland Emancipation Day on November 1st, Historic Sotterley is partnering with Maryland Humanities and their One Maryland One Book initiative to host a full day of programming that celebrates ancestry, literature, and the power of storytelling. The event will highlight the impact of descendant voices in preserving, sharing, and interpreting ancestral histories, while inspiring others to embark on their own genealogical journeys.

One Maryland One Book brings our community together across the state through the shared experience of reading the same book. This year’s book, Kin: Rooted in Hope by Carole Boston Weatherford with art by Jeffery Boston Weatherford, is a work of art, history, and personal genealogy. It is the authors’ search into their family history and led them to ancestors who were some of the founders of Maryland.

Kin: Rooted in Hope can be purchased in Historic Sotterley’s Visitor Center/Museum Shop or online!

Activities will include:

• A Keynote from Olivia Smith of St. Mary’s Public Library
• A Sotterley Descendant Discussion Panel with Gwen Bankins, Dante Eubanks, Kelsey Bush, Tre Lancaster-Smith, and Nocola Williams, Facilitated by Merideth Taylor
• Creative Writing Workshops with author Caitlyn Hunter
• Living History Performances from Ms. History
• A presentation and Q&A from Dave Brown, author of The Barber Family and his newest book on Agnes Kane Callum
• An Open Mic for presenting poetry and creative writing

Please note: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Aunt Titty’s Food Truck will no longer be available at the event. Although we will have some light snacks on hand, we recommend bringing a bagged lunch if you intend to stay for the entire duration of the event.

This is a free event. Registration is appreciated! 

Register Here!

Schedule of Events

9:00 – Doors Open

9:30 – Program Start, Welcome from Nancy Easterling

9:40 – Keynote from Olivia Smith of St. Mary’s Public Library

9:50 – Living History Chapter 1 performance by Ms. Story

10:20 – Sotterley Descendant Panel with Gwen Bankins, Dante Eubanks, Kelsey Bush, Tre Lancaster-Smith, and Nocola Williams, Facilitated by Merideth Taylor

11:30 – Creative Writing Workshop 1 with Caitlyn Hunter

12:00 – Lunch/Free Time, Manor House Tours and Exhibits Open

1:15 – Living History Chapter 2 performance by Ms. Story

1:45 – Creative Writing Workshop 2 with Caitlyn Hunter

2:15 – Open Mic

2:45 – Presentation by Dave Brown

3:15 – Living History Chapter 3 performance by Ms. Story

3:45 – Final remarks, opportunity to purchase books and book signings