Accessibility & Facilities

Historic Sotterley strives to make all visitors feel welcome. This includes service animals and well-behaved and leashed dogs. 

Parking is free. 

Designated accessible parking spaces are available at the front of each of our buildings (Visitor Center and Interpretation Center). 

For visitors with limited mobility, we suggest taking advantage of the curbside drop-off area on the traffic circle and nearby benches. Transportation is not provided between the parking lots and the main entrance to the Manor House. 

Motorized electric scooters used as mobility devices are welcome on the Estate. Please contact us about the use of other mobility devices 

Access/ Mobility/Wheelchairs

One of the greatest assets is the vast size of the estate, but this can provide issues for some visitors.  Please be aware that our historic area has many areas with uneven terrain and steep inclines which can limit some wheelchairs, strollers and other mobility devices. The first floor of the Manor House is accessible. To ensure everyone enjoys their visit, we have a number of options including the booking of a Guided Tour of the farm in our 12-seater people movers or the smaller golf carts. All buildings are accessible and at least one entrance is accessible to visitors with limited mobility.  

Interpretative Assistance

We understand that access to historic sites like ours can present enormous challenges for people, so where we can, we offer support services to assist. Access services for public programs can be arranged by contacting the museum in advance. 

Descriptive Tour

Guests who require a descriptive tour of the Manor House or Grounds can arrange for one by emailing XXX@sotterley.org or calling 301-373-2280. 

Descriptive Listening

Audio tours are available through the Podcatcher app, which can be downloaded to a personal device, or devices available onsite. 

American Sign Language (ASL)

Guests interested in a tour with an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter can do so by contacting the Sotterley visitor center at XXX@sotterley.org or calling XXXX. 

ASL interpreters are third party contractors and services are based on their availability. Sign language interpretation or tactile and/or verbal description tours can be arranged by contacting Sotterley. Two weeks advance notice is appreciated. Tactile elements are included throughout the museums. 

Assistive Listening

Devices for amplification upon request for: 

  • Onsite films 
  • Selected evening programs  

Large Print Maps/Braille Books

Large print maps are available onsite. 

Braille books are available at the Guest Services desk for orientation purposes.  

Virtual Guided Tours

If you're unable to make it to one of our guided tours, you can enjoy a virtual tour of Sotterley with Clio! Clio is a website and app (available on iPhone and Android) that will guide you through 8 fascinating stops on the Sotterley grounds and give you some of our history. You can take this tour from home or let it guide you while you're visiting! 

You can access the virtual tour here, or download the Clio app and search "Historic Sotterley" to find it. 

Historic Sotterley is a nonprofit and new features like this are only possible with donors that believe in our mission. Please consider making a donation to support Sotterley after trying our new virtual tour!