August 7 – 9, 2026 – For centuries, humans have relied on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for transportation and trade. From providing high-traffic trade routes to providing an avenue for the pursuit of freedom, these iconic waterways defined an entire region. This weekend, Historic Sotterley is offering its guided tours with additional notes on the way the Chesapeake played a crucial role in shaping history.

Tours will be offered on Friday & Saturday at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:00 pm and on Sunday at 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm. For more information about our hours and pricing, check our visit page.

Historic Sotterley’s guided tours allow visitors an intimate perspective of the lives and cultures of those that owned, lived, and worked in the historic Manor House, enslaved or free, over three centuries of American history. Tours this weekend will have an extra focus on how the Chesapeake and its tributaries shaped life at Sotterley and our region.

The tour is on the ground floor and is approximately 45 minutes in length. The 18th Century Manor House doorways may not accommodate all wheelchairs or walkers in some rooms of the house. Please call in advance for full access details.

After the tour, Sotterley offers a Visitor Experience Center with a museum shop, beautiful trails, expansive gardens, access to a quiet creek, and additional exhibits to explore and learn from. Historic Sotterley is a “Leave No Trace” site, so please be prepared to pack out any trash and leftover food when you leave.