A panel of Sotterley descendants discuss their stories and share their insights and feelings about their Sotterley connections and about preserving the past.

Facilitator, Jeanne Pirtle, Director of Educational Programs and Partnerships.

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Descendants on the Panel: 

Donald Barber descends from, his grandfather, Walter Barber, and father, Bernard Barber, and his mother, Ruth Sommerville. Three generations worked at Sotterley from the late 1800’s to the 1970s. Sotterley Trustee

Elizabeth Plater Cropp descends from Gov. George Plater III who owned Sotterley from 1755-1792, and his wife, Elizabeth Rousby.

Gina Gilliam descends from the Briscoe family, owners of Sotterley in the 19th century, among others. Sotterley Trustee

Angela Wilson descends from the Lyles family, among others.

Gwen Bankins descends from the Kane family who were enslaved at Sotterley in the 19th century, among others. Secretary of Sotterley’s Board of Trustees

Janice Briscoe descends from Walter Hanson Stone Briscoe and his wife, Emeline Dallam Wellmore, through their youngest son, Walter. The Briscoe family and their descendants owned Sotterley from 1826 to 1910. President of Sotterley’s Board of Trustees

This Common Ground event is made possible by the support of Maryland Humanities and the Maryland Heritage Area Authority.