Birding the Fields and Trails of Historic Sotterley
2025-09-20 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
September 20, 2025 – Join us for an excursion to this scenic and historic Patuxent River property, sponsored jointly by SMAS and Historic Sotterley. Bald Eagles, migrant songbirds and lingering meadowlarks and sparrows can be found via Sotterley’s trails and river views.
The walk starts promptly at 9:00 am, please arrive 10-15 minutes prior in the parking lot in front of the Visitor Center. Please bring with you binoculars and a field guide (don’t worry if you don’t have). Suggested to wear comfortable walking shoes and attire weather appropriate. For all levels of birdwatchers.
Register Here!

In preparation for the walk, please download the Merlin app from Cornell University for your phone and install the US: Southeast Bird Pack. Both downloads are free and you won’t get spammed with email. It’s a GREAT app and you’ll be glad you downloaded it.
Directions: From Rt. 235, go north on Sotterley Road; turn right through gates then head towards the Historic Sotterley Visitor Center, we meet in the parking lot.
Watch our website and Facebook for updates on this event (especially in case of inclement weather).

Sotterley Presents: People & Perspectives with Franklin Robinson, Kathryn Barrett-Gaines, & Dorothea Smith
2025-09-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
September 24, 2025 – In 2012, a massive storm ripped through Charles County, ripping a tree and waterpipe from the ground on Serenity Farm in Benedict, Maryland. Years prior, the farm’s family of owners had found a human skull buried in that same place, so the storm’s damage presented an opportunity to deep dive into the archaeology. The result was not only the recovery of a lost African American slave burial site, but Serenity Farm stepping forward as private citizens to preserve and honor both the history and the recovery of ancestry. Join us for this incredible event to watch a documentary about the discovery and hear from Franklin Robinson, owner of Serenity Farm, Kathryn Barrett-Gaines, professor of Africa-centered history at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Dorothea Smith, President of the African American Heritage Society of Charles County, as they discuss a process of discovery and preservation that closely mirrors Historic Sotterley’s own efforts.

This is a FREE hybrid event, meaning participants can join us in-person OR virtually. Registration is required.
In-person participants are welcome to join us for a pre-reception at 6:30pm with cookies and drinks.

Register to Attend In-Person
Register to Attend Virtually

Franklin A. Robinson, Jr. is a life-long member of St. Thomas’ Parish and has served as parish historian since 1995. An archivist at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, he is also the chair of the Charles County Historic Preservation Commission in Southern Maryland. Mr. Robinson has received numerous awards for his commitment to historic preservation including The Maryland Historical Trust’s Preservation Service Award and the Prince George’s County Historical Society’s St. George’s Day Award. He is a contributor to Exhibits in Archives and Special Collections Libraries published by the Society of American Archivists. He has authored many finding aids, monographs, and was a contributing author to the award-winning The Naylors of Woodborough. He is also a professional actor, produced playwright, and adjunct faculty at George Mason University.
Kathryn Barrett-Gaines is a dynamic scholar, educator, and performer whose career bridges academia, international engagement, and the arts. A Washington DC native, she holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. from Stanford, and has earned prestigious awards like the Fulbright and Rotary scholarships for research in Uganda, where she also thrived as a musician, columnist, and media personality. Currently a tenured professor at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, she teaches African diaspora history and promotes student civic and global involvement. Her eclectic past includes teaching at every level, publishing on Ugandan history, winning academic honors, and performing stand-up comedy at the Apollo, all while maintaining a vibrant presence in both U.S. and Ugandan cultural spaces.
Dorothea Smith, a dedicated educator and civic leader, began her impactful 30-year teaching career in 1965 after earning both Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from Bowie State University. A highly recognized middle school language arts instructor, she received prestigious honors such as the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award and the Charles County Teacher of the Year Award. Beyond the classroom, she served in leadership roles within the Education Association of Charles County and represented faculty at John Hanson Middle School. Since retiring, Smith has continued to shape her community through service on multiple advisory boards and organizations, including the African American Heritage Society of Charles County, the Charles County Retired School Personnel Association, and the Kiwanis Club of Waldorf, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to education and public service.

Sharing our Common Humanity from Common Ground - Exhibit at Boyden Gallery
2025-09-29 - 2025-12-12 | MD
September 29 – December 12 – Historic Sotterley is honored to be partnering with the Boyden Gallery at St. Mary’s College of Maryland to bring the public a new art exhibit titled “Sharing our Common Humanity from Common Ground”. The exhibit features the first 38 portraits of Historic Sotterley Descendants by artist Nicole Stewart with additional work by photographer Ken Barlow and quilter Dr. Joan M. E. Gaither. Visitors can view the exhibit from September 30th through December 12th during the Boyden Gallery’s open hours, Tuesdays through Fridays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Please note that the Boyden Gallery will be closed from Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28th for Thanksgiving. It will reopen on Tuesday, December 2nd.

Nicole Stewart’s Sotterley Descendants Portrait Project is a two-year commitment she has made to paint as many registered Sotterley descendants as possible, aiming to complete somewhere between 60 and 100 total portraits. This exhibit of the first 38 portraits serves as the introduction for many visitors to Historic Sotterley and Historic Sotterley’s Descendant Project, with new portraits and more information in subsequent exhibitions throughout our area.

The exhibit is viewable at the Boyden Gallery, which is located in Montgomery Hall on the campus of St. Mary’s College of Maryland. A map of the campus can be found at https://sholink.to/campusmap

Sotterley Presents: People & Perspectives with Jonathan Kavalier
2025-10-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
October 15, 2025 – Join Jonathan Kavalier, director of gardens and grounds at Dumbarton Oaks, for a virtual exploration of the gardens as he shares the design history and management over the past century, along with contemporary guiding principles that are influencing future stewardship and preservation priorities. Following a virtual tour of some garden highlights, Jonathan will present challenges and opportunities that come with historical gardening in a 21st century context, and highlight some of the work the gardeners at Dumbarton Oaks are pursuing to ensure its preservation and relevance in the next century. Jonathan has served as Director of gardens and grounds at Dumbarton Oaks since 2018, and has spent the past 25 years working in public garden management and horticulture in the Washington DC area and abroad.

This is a FREE virtual only event. Registration is required.

Register Here!

Jonathan Kavalier is director of gardens and grounds at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, D.C., where he focuses on preserving Beatrix Farrand’s historic design within a 21st century horticultural context. A horticulturist and self-proclaimed plant-geek, he earned a BS in horticulture and international agriculture from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After several years of commercial landscape design, Kavalier managed a design & build firm in Madagascar focusing on ornamental gardens and ecological restoration using endemic Malagasy plants. From 2008-2015, Kavalier oversaw several public gardens for the Smithsonian Institution including the Enid A. Haupt, Mary Livingston Ripley, and urban bird habitat gardens, where he facilitated connections between people and plants. From 2015-2018, at the Architect of the Capitol, Kavalier led strategic planning and organizational development efforts for the Capitol Building, Capitol Grounds, the United States Botanic Garden, the Library of Congress, and the United Sates Supreme Court. He currently serves on the boards of the American Boxwood Society and Tudor Place Gardens, and is a Senior Fellow with the Partnership for Public Service.

Legends & Lore Specialty Tour
2025-10-17 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
October 17, 2025 – Forbidden love, gambling debt, and murder… Explore the unconfirmed (but oh so fun!) legends and lore of Historic Sotterley with historian Sam Baldwin and actors Jennifer Goddard, Luke Rowe, and Michael Blackwell. This specialty tour starts with a fascinating presentation followed by a guided tour through the manor house with thrilling acted scenes. Celebrate the dramatics of the Halloween season with us!
Prior to the tour, you can enjoy a reception in our beautiful Historic Barn with refreshments and nibbles.
Recommended for ages 16 & older. Walking and standing required. The historic house is not ADA compliant.
Advance reservations required – please no walk-ins. Each tour time is limited to 20 attendees. Tour times are available at 6:00 pm, 6:45 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:15 pm.
It is advised to arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to your tour. Please proceed to the Historic Barn to check-in upon arrival.

Buy Tickets for Friday, October 17
Buy Tickets for Saturday, October 18
Buy Tickets for Friday, October 24
Buy Tickets for Saturday, October 24

Legends & Lore Specialty Tour
2025-10-18 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
October 18, 2025 – Forbidden love, gambling debt, and murder… Explore the unconfirmed (but oh so fun!) legends and lore of Historic Sotterley with historian Sam Baldwin and actors Jennifer Goddard, Luke Rowe, and Michael Blackwell. This specialty tour starts with a fascinating presentation followed by a guided tour through the manor house with thrilling acted scenes. Celebrate the dramatics of the Halloween season with us!
Prior to the tour, you can enjoy a reception in our beautiful Historic Barn with refreshments and nibbles.
Recommended for ages 16 & older. Walking and standing required. The historic house is not ADA compliant.
Advance reservations required – please no walk-ins. Each tour time is limited to 20 attendees. Tour times are available at 6:00 pm, 6:45 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:15 pm.
It is advised to arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to your tour. Please proceed to the Historic Barn to check-in upon arrival.

Buy Tickets for Friday, October 17
Buy Tickets for Saturday, October 18
Buy Tickets for Friday, October 24
Buy Tickets for Saturday, October 24

Legends & Lore Specialty Tour
2025-10-24 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
October 24, 2025 – Forbidden love, gambling debt, and murder… Explore the unconfirmed (but oh so fun!) legends and lore of Historic Sotterley with historian Sam Baldwin and actors Jennifer Goddard, Luke Rowe, and Michael Blackwell. This specialty tour starts with a fascinating presentation followed by a guided tour through the manor house with thrilling acted scenes. Celebrate the dramatics of the Halloween season with us!
Prior to the tour, you can enjoy a reception in our beautiful Historic Barn with refreshments and nibbles.
Recommended for ages 16 & older. Walking and standing required. The historic house is not ADA compliant. The tour will last about an hour.
Advance reservations required – please no walk-ins. Each tour time is limited to 20 attendees. Tour times are available at 6:00 pm, 6:45 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:15 pm.
It is advised to arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to your tour. Please proceed to the Historic Barn to check-in upon arrival.

Buy Tickets for Friday, October 17
Buy Tickets for Saturday, October 18
Buy Tickets for Friday, October 24
Buy Tickets for Saturday, October 24

Legends & Lore Specialty Tour
2025-10-25 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
October 25, 2025 – Forbidden love, gambling debt, and murder… Explore the unconfirmed (but oh so fun!) legends and lore of Historic Sotterley with historian Sam Baldwin and actors Jennifer Goddard, Luke Rowe, and Michael Blackwell. This specialty tour starts with a fascinating presentation followed by a guided tour through the manor house with thrilling acted scenes. Celebrate the dramatics of the Halloween season with us!
Prior to the tour, you can enjoy a reception in our beautiful Historic Barn with refreshments and nibbles.
Recommended for ages 16 & older. Walking and standing required. The historic house is not ADA compliant. The tour will last about an hour.
Advance reservations required – please no walk-ins. Each tour time is limited to 20 attendees. Tour times are available at 6:00 pm, 6:45 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:15 pm.
It is advised to arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to your tour. Please proceed to the Historic Barn to check-in upon arrival.

Buy Tickets for Friday, October 17
Buy Tickets for Saturday, October 18
Buy Tickets for Friday, October 24
Buy Tickets for Saturday, October 24

Emancipation Day & One Maryland One Book
2025-11-01 09:00 - 17:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
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

Food Drive
2025-11-07 - 2025-12-31 | MD
Calling all helping hands! The end of the year can be an incredibly stressful time for families in need, and Historic Sotterley is no stranger to the battle against food insecurity in Southern Maryland. We’re asking for your help with donations of non-perishable food items so we can support our local food pantries and soup kitchens through the difficult holiday season.
Donations are being accepted through the end of 2025 in a collection bin outside our Visitor Center. We are looking for non-perishable food items only. Please no expired items or items in glass containers.
All donations will be distributed to the network of local food pantries and soup kitchens that we support year-round through our Growing for Good program.
If you need need help identifying good items to donate, we have provided a PDF at the link below. This list is not exhaustive and we’ll happily accept other staple items you may think of.
Help us feed Southern Maryland!
Food Pantry Items

Sotterley Presents: People & Perspectives with Victoria Christopher Murray
2025-11-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
November 12, 2025 – The daughter of formerly enslaved parents, Mary McLeod Bethune refuses to back down as white supremacists attempt to thwart her work. She marches on as an activist and an educator, and as her reputation grows she becomes a celebrity, revered by titans of business and recognized by U.S. Presidents. Eleanor Roosevelt herself is awestruck and eager to make her acquaintance. Initially drawn together because of their shared belief in women’s rights and the power of education, Mary and Eleanor become fast friends confiding their secrets, hopes and dreams—and holding each other’s hands through tragedy and triumph.When Franklin Delano Roosevelt is elected president, the two women begin to collaborate more closely, particularly as Eleanor moves toward her own agenda separate from FDR, a consequence of the devastating discovery of her husband’s secret love affair. Eleanor becomes a controversial First Lady for her outspokenness, particularly on civil rights. And when she receives threats because of her strong ties to Mary, it only fuels the women’s desire to fight together for justice and equality.
Victoria Christopher Murray joins us to discuss the book she co-authored with Marie Benedict, “The First Ladies, which tells story of two different, yet equally formidable, passionate, and committed women, and the way in which their singular friendship helped form the foundation for the modern civil rights movement.

This is a FREE hybrid event, meaning participants can join us in-person OR virtually. Registration is required.
In-person participants are welcome to join us for a pre-reception at 6:30pm with cookies and drinks.

Register Here to Attend In-Person
Register Here to Attend Virtually

​​​​​​​Victoria Christopher Murray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with over 30 novels to her name, including The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies, co-written with Marie Benedict. A native New Yorker, she earned degrees from Hampton University and NYU’s Stern School of Business before self-publishing her debut novel, Temptation, which was later picked up by Time Warner and remained on the Essence bestsellers list for nine months. Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, including five NAACP Image Award nominations and a win for Stand Your Ground. Her works have garnered critical acclaim, with The Personal Librarian becoming a Good Morning America Book Club selection and The First Ladies being named Target’s 2023 Book of the Year. Several of her Seven Deadly Sins novels have been adapted into Lifetime movies, while The Personal Librarian has been optioned for a miniseries. With more than three million books in print, Murray stands as a leading figure in African American contemporary literature.

This event is made possible in part by a sponsorship from:

Winter Wonderland Wreath Workshops by the Sotterley Garden Guild
2025-12-06 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
December 6, 2025 – Have you tried DIY holiday décor projects before, but just couldn’t seem to pull it off? Great news, the Sotterley Garden Guild is offering wreath workshops on Saturday, December 6th to share their expertise! These beautiful wreaths are made with real foliage and are stunning pieces of décor that everyone will notice.
Only 16 participants per session and each session is 1 1/2 hours long.
Various times throughout the day available for you to choose from: 8:30, 10:30, 1:00 & 3:00
Make this Christmas event part of your family tradition!
Please Note: Bring your own gloves and clippers for the wreath workshops – other materials to be provided. Wreath workshops will be held in Historic Sotterley Maintenance Building. Guests are asked to arrive promptly for your workshop time and to proceed directly to the Maintenance Building across from the Visitor Center to check in. Visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and to wear foot gear suitable for the conditions as the site is kept rustic, although the workshop will be held indoors.
If you experience any trouble making your reservation for a workshop, please call the office at 301-373-2280 (9 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday) and we will be happy to help.
Purchase Tickets Here!

St. Mary's County History Day
2026-04-18 | Leonardtown Public Library, 23630 Hayden Farm Ln, Leonardtown, MD, 20650, United States
April 18, 2026 – St. Mary’s County History Day is a local contest affiliated with Maryland History Day and National History Day. It is a district-level contest for middle and high school students to do in-depth research and create unique projects about each year’s theme in one of five categories: paper, exhibit, documentary, website, or performance. It is a chance for students to develop critical skills that they will use throughout their schooling and careers, and winners of the district contest will advance to the state-level contest.

Students from public, private, parochial, home, and cyber schools are welcome to participate.

St. Mary’s County History Day is brought to you by Historic Sotterley, in partnership with St. Mary’s County Library and Maryland Humanities.

Learn more about National History Day and register your student on our History Day website!

Contest Date: Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Deadline to Submit Project: Saturday, April 11th, 2026
Theme: Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History
Location: Leonardtown Public Library

Other Contest Dates
State Contest Day: May 2, 2026
National Contest Day: June 14-18, 2026
