Sotterley

Fall Fun at Historic Sotterley
2021-10-09, 2021-10-08 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
Enjoy some Fall Fun at Sotterley with family friendly events EVERY WEEKEND IN OCTOBER starting October 9th!
Come visit us to enjoy these activities included in your grounds fee (FREE for Members!):

Wagon Rides (Saturdays, 11:30-1:30, Sundays 12:30-2)
Story Time (Saturdays 10:30)
Scavenger Hunt
Round Bale Maze

While you’re here, peruse our pumpkin patch to purchase the best pumpkin for this year’s Jack-o-Lantern! Sign up for a Guided House Tour to get $1 off your pumpkin and show us your library card to get $1 off the price of your admission. Reminder for our members – your admission is FREE!
Proceeds from pumpkin sales will go to supporting our Growing for Good program, which grows fresh produce to donate to our local food banks and pantries. Purchasing your pumpkin with us helps community members in need.
Wagon rides will be limited to 10-15 people per ride, depending on family sizes and ability to social distance. We ask that masks be worn on the ride in the event that social distancing is not possible. Masks are still required in buildings such as the Visitor Center.
Check in at the Visitor Center to get the fun started!

Common Ground and Speaker Series: History Unearthed: Archaeological Discoveries at Sotterley
2021-10-06 19:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Dr. Julie King
Professor and Chair of Anthropology at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Former Expert Member on the U.S. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
History Unearthed: Archaeological Discoveries at Sotterley
Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
____________________________________________________________________________

Click here to Register!
Archaeologist Julie King reviews some of the exciting — and unexpected — findings from St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s recent archaeological survey of Sotterley. Traces of a pre-Sotterley dwelling, the houses of families who self-emancipated in the War of 1812, a mysterious buried feature and more reveal the rich lives of the people who called this place home.
​​​​​​​Julia A. King is Professor and Chair of Anthropology at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where she researches, writes about, and teaches Chesapeake and Atlantic World history, archaeology, and culture. King is a past president of the Society for Historical Archaeology (SHA, an international organization of professional archaeologists. From 2003 until 2011, she served as a presidentially-appointed Expert Member on the U.S. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, a Federal agency advising the president and the Congress on matters of national historic preservation policy. In 2018, King received the SHA’s J.C. Harrington Award for her scholarly contributions to the field of historical archaeology.
​​​​​​​This event is made possible by the generous support of Maryland Humanities and the Maryland Heritage Area Authority.
FREE WEBINAR for the public – Advance registration required.
This year’s speaker series will be offered virtually.
Click here to Register!

CANCELLED - Historic Sotterley's Annual Winefest
2021-10-02
For 16 years it has been a joy and an honor to hold Riverside WineFest at Sotterley, and to showcase our Maryland Wineries, but it is with a heavy heart that we must cancel this year. We hope to be able to host Winefest again in the near future, and until then we thank you for your continued interest and support of Sotterley!

Birding the Fields and Trails of Sotterley
2021-09-26 08:00 - 11:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
“BIRDING THE FIELDS AND TRAILS OF SOTTERLEY”
Leader: David Moulton
Join us for a fall excursion to this scenic and historic Patuxent River property Bald Eagles, migrant songbirds and lingering meadowlarks and sparrows can be found via Sotterley’s trails and river views. Directions: From Rt. 235, go north on Sotterley Road; turn right through gates to the Sotterley Plantation visitors’ center parking lot. 10-person limit – RSVP by Friday 9/24 to David at moulton.davidh@gmail.com or 240-278-4473.

Growing for Good Potato Harvest
2021-09-25 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-09-18 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-09-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
Saturday, September 11th, 18th, and 25th
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Please Register Here
Earlier in the year our generous community stepped forward to help us plant acres of potatoes which Sotterley earmarked for donation to our local food banks and food pantries. The time has come to harvest! Everyone willing to volunteer will be helping to “Pay it Forward”, directly supporting families in need in our community.
It is possible that the fields may not be in the condition to harvest potatoes that day, but we have other harvesting opportunities waiting no matter the conditions.
From our fields to our Community – Many hands are needed!
Please sign up in advance so we can know how many volunteers to expect each day and plan to meet at the Visitor Center area.
Note: We recommend hats, gloves, sunscreen, bug spray, shoes and clothes you are not afraid to get dirty!
Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your start time to check-in.
If you have any questions or need assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to contact Kim Husick at officemanager@sotterley.org or 301-373-2280.

Common Ground: Life in History by Maya Davis
2021-09-15 19:00 | Virtual
Maya Davis
Historian, Archivist, Activist, Museum Director
Life in History
Wednesday, September 15th, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
____________________________________________________________________________

Click here to Register!
Historian, archivist, activist and museum director, Maya Davis, discusses her life and career in the field.
Maya Davis is the new Director of the Riversdale House Museum in Prince George’s County where she will oversee the daily operation, preservation, and interpretation of the historic home. Prior to her arrival at Riversdale, Maya was the Research Archivist and Legislative Liaison at the Maryland State Archives where she consulted on statewide projects that document, interpret and preserve African American History and Culture and facilitated discussions on state legislation and contemplated legislation. Some of her recent projects include the installation of the Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman Statue at the Maryland State House and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park and Visitor Center. Maya currently serves as a Commissioner on the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and is a board member of the Prince George’s County Historical Society. Previously she served as the Interim Director of the Banneker-Douglass Museum and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, staff at the City Museum of Washington, DC, and Vice Chair of the Annapolis 1864 Commission to Commemorate the Emancipation of Slavery in Maryland. A native Washingtonian, Maya is a graduate of Howard and George Washington Universities where she obtained degrees in History and Museum Studies.
​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​This event is made possible by the generous support of Maryland Humanities and the Maryland Heritage Area Authority.
FREE WEBINAR for the public – Advance registration required.
This year’s Common Ground will be offered virtually.
Click here to Register!

Speaker Series: Lincoln in the Natural Environment by James Tackach
2021-09-08 19:00 | Virtual
James Tackach
Author, Professor of English at Roger Williams University
Lincoln in the Natural Environment
Wednesday, September 8th, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
____________________________________________________________________________

Click here to Register!
Tackach maps Lincoln’s lifelong relationship with the natural world from his birth and boyhood on Midwestern farms through his political career and presidency dealing with the effects of the Industrial Revolution and the Civil War. The contradiction of Lincoln grows, raised on a farm, he turned away from the outdoor, manual labor of his youth and chose careers in law and politics and yet found solace in nature. Lincoln often relied on examples and metaphors from the natural world in his speeches and writings. Amid the Civil War, Lincoln seemed to sense that postwar Reconstruction would have to be spiritual, political, economic, and environmental in order to heal the nation’s wounds. He signed the Morrill Act, creating the land-grant colleges, and the environmentally progressive Yosemite Grant Act, which preserved thousands of acres of forest in California. Tackach paints Lincoln’s personal and professional life against the backdrop of nineteenth-century American environmental history, issues, and writers, providing insights into contemporary environmental issues.
James Tackach is a Professor of English at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI. He is the author of Lincoln’s Moral Vision: The Second Inaugural Address and Lincoln and the Natural Environment, which received a 2019 Superior Achievement Award from the Illinois State Historical Society. He serves as President of the Lincoln Group of Boston.
FREE WEBINAR for the public – Advance registration required.
This year’s speaker series will be offered virtually.
Click here to Register!

Barn Bash & Craft Beer Tasting
2021-08-28 13:00 - 19:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
Important – Please read ALL event information and policies below before making your purchase:

DISCOUNTED Advance Online Ticket Sales End Midnight on Wednesday, August 25th!

Barn Bash – Saturday, August 28th, 2021
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm: Early party for VIP ticket holders.
1:00 pm – 7:00 pm: General admission. 6:00 pm – 7 pm: Use your own growler and have it filled!

Our annual Barn Bash & Craft Beer Tasting is a popular end-of-summer event with:
20+ Craft Beers
Souvenir Historic Sotterley Beer Glasses
Live Music from Unfinished Business
Food Truck Vendors offering Nachos, Wings, Cheeseburgers, and more!
Artisan Vendors
Lawn Games
Misting Station
and if you’re not a beer person: WINE will be available for purchase!

Check out beers provided by some of the best breweries, like:
Stone
Flying Dog
Heavy Seas
Duclaw
1623
Monument city
Jailbreak
Black flag
Hysteria
RAR
Burley Oak
Oliver
Mullys
Calvert
Lillard and Daughter
Breton bay
Reckless
Patuxent
Gypsy
Scorpion
Manor Hill
Three Stars
Blue Jacket
DC Brau
Evolution
Fin City
Guy Distributing

SHOUT OUT! Huge thanks to our good friends Sunny Malhotra of Taphouse 1637/Bollywood Masala and Josh Peeling of The Hole, who are creating the beer menu.
NEW THIS YEAR – bring a growler and – if supplies allow – have it filled, BUT only in the last hour!
BUY ADVANCE TICKETS TO SAVE YOUR SPOT AND SAVE $$!
VIP Early Party: Includes eight tasting tickets, which equates to four 8-ounce half pours in a signature Sotterley pint glass, early entry, and exclusive tastings. Advance ticket price: $30 At-the-gate price (unless sold out online): $35.
Over 21 Tasters: Includes a signature Sotterley pint glass and four tasting tickets, which equates to two 8-ounce half pours from Maryland’s fantastic craft brewers. Advanced ticket price: $20. At-the-gate price (unless sold out online): $25
Under 21 & Designated Drivers (Non-tasters): $10
Children 6 and under: FREE
*Additional tasting tickets can be purchased on site.
A valid driver’s license or photo ID is required for anyone purchasing beer tasting tickets. Food & drink will be available for an additional cost. On the day of the event, proceed to the Warehouse to check in. Please read all event information and policies before purchasing tickets.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

ALL CURRENT CDC GUIDELINES WILL BE ENFORCED AT THE TIME OF THE EVENT.

All tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE. Event is RAIN or SHINE.

In the unlikely event of cancellation, all tickets will be considered a taxable donation to Historic Sotterley, Inc.
Coolers, food, drink and pets are not allowed at this event.
Proceeds from programming, membership and events support the education and preservation efforts of Historic Sotterley Plantation.
FAQs
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
You may call 301-373-2280 or email officemanager@sotterley.org.a
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
There will be a ‘Will Call’ list for check-in, but you may bring your tickets

UNESCO Day of Remembrance
2021-08-23 11:00
As a UNESCO Slave Route Site of Memory, Sotterley again invites the public to participate in this important day by honoring the memories of those that perished and survived the trans-Atlantic slave trade. We remember the abolition of the trade and celebrate the contributions of survivors whose strength built nations.

Sotterley will hold this event on site that will also be streamed on Facebook LIVE , beginning at 11:00 am. The day will include libations at the Slave Cabin, a bell ringing to remember the enslaved who perished on the Middle Passage to Sotterley, reading of the names of the known enslaved, and visiting areas such as the Middle Passage Marker Land, Lives, and Labor exhibit and Slave Cabin.

The virtual and in-person programs are free. Be prepared for walking and standing. Proceed to the Visitor Center when you arrive on site for checking and instructions.

Check our Facebook for the virtual event!

Narrative Voices, Honoring Ancestors Through the Voices of Descendants
2021-08-19 19:00
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.
REGISTER HERE!
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.

Common Ground: African American Gravesites by Dr. Latif A. Tarik
2021-08-18 19:00 | Virtual
Dr. Latif A. Tarik
Historian, Professor, creator of Kushito Advisory Group
African American Gravesites
Wednesday, August 18th, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
____________________________________________________________________________

Click here to Register!
Dr. Tarik will discuss African American gravesite history, their discovery, their care, and the people they honor.
Latif A. Tarik, graduated from Howard University and holds a Ph.D. in African Diaspora History. He is Assistant Professor of History and History Program Coordinator at Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina. He is the book review editor for the Southern Conference on African American Studies, INC journal, The Griot. His academic research interests are radical protest movement, African Diaspora communities, history and popular culture, public history, and African American scholarship. He created the Kushito Advisory Group to provide services in public policy research, cultural diversity training, and teacher-in-service training in social studies education. Dr. Latif has practiced martial arts sciences for over 20 years.
This event is made possible by the support of Maryland Humanities.
FREE WEBINAR for the public – Advance registration required.
This year’s Common Ground will be offered virtually.
Click here to Register!

Bug-a-Palooza!
2021-08-13 10:30 - 12:00, 2021-08-11 10:30 - 12:00, 2021-08-10 10:30 - 12:00, 2021-08-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
Aug. 9-13 10 am to 12 pm each day.

Become a citizen scientist with a study in insect and bugology! Have close encounters of the crawling and flying kind in Sotterley’s Tidewater environment. Discover different creatures each day from 10:30 am to 12 pm. Enjoy the rest of your day with a Sotterley signage Seek-and-Find. Check in at the Visitor Center, then meet at the Warehouse overhang to begin each day’s adventure.
Aug. 9– Butterflies
Aug. 10-Bees
Aug. 11-Crickets and Grasshoppers
Aug. 12-Beetles
Aug. 13-The Praying Mantis
We have also been working with local members of the SOMD Rocks group to paint bug themed rocks that are placed around Sotterley! Kids can find these rocks and turn them in to the Education Team to get a prize! Check out these rocks painted by artist Tracy Anderson:

Guided activities: 10:30 am – noon, with site admission.
$5 per person, 3 and under free. Suggested Ages: 4 and Up!
$65 purchase family membership and bring your whole family to Sotterley all year!
Purchase tickets and memberships at Sotterley’s Visitor Center.
Activities happen rain or shine. Dress for the weather! Wear walking shoes.

Bug-a-Palooza
2021-08-12 10:30 - 12:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States

Common Ground and Speaker Series: Return to a Native Place: Native People of the Chesapeake Region by Dr. Gabrielle Tayac
2021-08-04 19:00 | Virtual
Dr. Gabrielle Tayac
Historian at Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, Vice President of the Board of Trustees for the Accokeek Foundation, Member of the Piscataway Indian Nation and the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association
Return to a Native Place: Native People of the Chesapeake Region
Wednesday, August 4th, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
____________________________________________________________________________

Click here to Register!
“Return to a Native Place” exhibition focuses specifically upon the Algonquian peoples of the Chesapeake region. –what is now Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware– the discussion will examine the continued Native presence in the region and provides an overview of the history and events from the 1600s to the present that have impacted the lives of the Nanticoke, Powhatan, and Piscataway tribes.
​​​​​​​
Dr. Gabrielle Tayac, a member of the Piscataway Indian Nation, is an activist scholar committed to empowering Indigenous perspectives. Gabi earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Sociology from Harvard University, and her B.S. in Social Work and American Indian Studies from Cornell University. Her scholarly research focuses on hemispheric American Indian identity, multiracialism, indigenous religions, and social movements, maintaining a regional specialization in the Chesapeake Bay. Gabi served on NMAI’s staff for 18 years as an educator, historian, and curator. She engages deeply in community relationships and public discourse. Gabi took a two year journey to uplift the voices of indigenous elder women leaders, sponsored by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors prior to settling back at home. She is now an Associate Professor of Public History at George Mason University.
​​​​​​​This event is made possible by the generous support of Destination Southern Maryland (Southern Maryland Heritage Area), the Maryland Heritage Area Authority, and Maryland Humanities.
FREE WEBINAR for the public – Advance registration required.
This year’s speaker series will be offered virtually.
Click here to Register!

Family Friendly Fridays
2021-07-30 10:30 - 12:00, 2021-07-23 10:30 - 12:00, 2021-07-16 10:30 - 12:00, 2021-07-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
It’s time to get outside and have some fun! Join us every Friday in July beginning on July 9th from 10:30am—12:00pm for a morning of fun, learning and exploration at Sotterley. Each Family Friendly Friday will have a different activity—it’s time to plan a weekly field trip to Sotterley!
Weekly activities are:
· July 9th—Learn about two important Sotterley women whose lives shaped Sotterley’s stories: Alice Elsa Kane and Grace Monroe. Learn about how people managed household tasks like cooking and laundry in a world without electricity!
· July 16th—That’s sweet! You will be walking the gardens of Sotterley and learning about all of the plants growing in the flowerbeds. You will make a sweet bag to take home with you!
· July 23rd—It’s time for some fun in the sun! Join us for two exciting activities! Local author and Sotterley Descendant Dr. Nocola Williams will be on site for “Once Upon A Time…” a story time event in the garden. She will be reading her latest children’s book, “Freddie the Flounder.” Afterward, the fun continues with games and toys from centuries ago on the portico!
· July 30th—Join us at the Slave Cabin built in the 1800’s and learn about the lives of the families who lived there.
$5 per person, 3 and under free. Suggested Ages: 4 and Up!
Sotterley members are FREE! Consider joining our Sotterley family—a $65 Family membership allows you to get into our summer programming for free, and you can also take a tour as often as you like or simply come and enjoy the grounds all year! Added bonus—you will be supporting this historic site and its important mission of preserving our past and serving our community as an exceptional cultural and educational resource.
Purchase tickets and memberships at Sotterley’s Visitor Center. No registration required.
Activities happen rain or shine. Dress for the weather! Wear walking shoes.

Common Ground and Speaker Series: The Other Madisons: The Lost History of a President's Black Family by Dr. Bettye Kearse
2021-07-07 19:00 | Virtual
Dr. Bettye Kearse
Griotte, Family Historian, Author, Retired Pediatrician
The Other Madisons: The Lost History of a President’s Black Family
Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
____________________________________________________________________________

Click here to Register!
Inheriting the role of griotte–family storyteller–from her mother, Bettye Kearse set out to preserve and deepen the knowledge about her family that oral tradition traces back to President Madison and an African slave named Mandy. As she travels to Virginia, Portugal, and Ghana, she shares with readers her research, her reflections, and her poignant emotional responses to her family’s past.
​​​​​​​Bettye Kearse was born in Tucson, Arizona and grew up in Northern California. She has a B.A. in Genetics from the University of California at Berkeley, a Ph.D. in Biology from New York University, and an M.D. from Case Western Reserve University. Before retiring and moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico, Bettye practiced pediatrics in an inner-city Boston neighborhood for 31 years.
​​​​​​​This event is made possible by the generous support of Destination Southern Maryland (Southern Maryland Heritage Area) and the Maryland Heritage Area Authority.
FREE WEBINAR for the public – Advance registration required.
This year’s Common Ground will be offered virtually.
Click here to Register!

Junior Docent Academy
2021-06-22 09:00 - 17:00, 2021-06-21 09:00 - 17:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
Monday June 21, 2021 and Tuesday June 22, 2021

Historic Sotterley’s Junior Docent Academy is a two-day experience that is fun, interactive, and will teach you communication skills as you learn about Sotterley’s story on this 94 acre historic site. Upon successful completion, you will become a Junior Docent and ambassador of Historic Sotterley. Returning Junior Docents can hone their skills (updated registration form required). For Ages 8-18. Drop off 9 AM. Pick up 5 PM both days.
Advance Registration Required with completed and signed registration form and payment to Historic Sotterley for each student by mail, e-mail at education@sotterley.org, or drop-off during business hours at Sottelrey’s office before Wed., June 16, 2021. Download the Registration Form Here!
Tuition is $35 dollars (which includes a $25 Sotterley student membership or credit towards family membership).

United Committee for Afro-American Contributions Juneteenth Celebration
2021-06-19 12:00 - 18:00 | Lancaster Park, 21550 Willows Rd, Lexington Park, MD, 20653, United States
For more information, please visit the UCAC site here.
Sotterley is proud to partner with UCAC to promote their Juneteenth Celebration. We hope to see you there!

Virtual Tour of the Network to Freedom
2021-06-16 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual
Sotterley is proud to be a partner of this virtual tour of the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom Trail in St. Mary’s County.

The path to freedom from slavery in our county took many forms. Join us on a virtual tour of our three officially designated National Park Network to Freedom sites. Learn the origin stories of enslaved peoples who escaped Sotterley Plantation during the War of 1812; the tragedies of those recaptured and held in the Old Jail, along with the allies trying to help them; and also the history of the ‘contraband camp’ of escaped enslaved peoples outside the Civil War POW camp at Point Lookout. Our local historians will be there to guide you along the Trail and answer all your questions. In addition to exploring our history, we’ll be joined by local author Wayne Karlin, who has woven these real life situations into a work of historical fiction entitled A Wolf by the Ears, which is set in St. Mary’s County in 1814.

Register Here! Must have a St. Mary’s County Library Card.

Building Trust in Our Health Care Systems: Webinar Session III
2021-06-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
Dismantling Racism in Southern Maryland
Sunday, June 13
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Session III – How we can reimagine future healthcare for Southern Maryland. How we can implement it.
Register for Session III – https://calvertlibrary.libnet.info/event/5075376
We encourage attendance at all three sessions. To participate in Session III, you should attend at least one other session.
Speaker Steven K. Ragsdale continues the exploration of issues around building trust in our health care systems begun in Session I on April 25.
Steven Ragsdale has more than 25 years of experience in developing health care innovations and advancing pathways to better, safer, and more equitable care. His work with local hospitals, healthcare and other organizations in diversity, equity, and inclusion is guided by his steep understanding and desire to appreciate concepts that drive difference in society. He has enabled research, policy, and community efforts that expand services to underrepresented and vulnerable populations since 1997. Mr. Ragsdale is an associate faculty member at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Sotterley is honored to be a partner of the ongoing Big Discussion with Dismantling Racism in Southern Maryland.
