AeroPark Farmer's Market
2023-11-19 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | SMC Regional Airport
Historic Sotterley is sponsoring the AeroPark Farmer’s Market, but you don’t need a plane to visit! Drive, bike, or walk in to get fresh goods and produce. All businesses selling at our Airport Farmer’s Market are local small businesses that sell products that they have grown or produced themselves. When you shop local, up to 68% of the money you spend stays in the community, so come help support the wonderful entrepreneurs that make Maryland unique. The market runs from 9am – 1pm and is located indoors so you can enjoy watching the planes go by while shopping rain or shine!
Sotterley is sponsoring this unique market at the Airport Terminal building located at 44200 Airport Road, California, Maryland. Located in St. Mary’s County, the airport is about four miles northeast of the central business district of Leonardtown.

Vendors:

Free State Ciders
Olivin’s Oils & Vinegar
Mully’s Brewery
Intoxi-cake-tion
Zekiah Farms
The Garden (Mushrooms)
Black Pointe – Chocolatier
Beachin Bay Bakery
Muzzy’s Wine Jelly
Sotterley (Growing for Good) sweet potatoes
Bird Dog Bistro (hot food & coffee)
Tobacco Barn Distillery
Bella’s Bones Dog Treats
Nativo C&S (Spices)
Charlotte Stone (cocoa reindeer stocking stuffers)

Winter Wonderland Wreath Making Workshop
2023-12-02 08:30 - 15:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
Various times throughout the day available for you to choose from: 8:30, 10:30, 1:00 & 3:00
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 workshops on Saturday, December 3rd to share their expertise! Only 16 participants per session and each session is 1 1/2 hours long.
Make this Christmas event part of your family tradition!
Please Note: Bring your own gloves and clippers for the workshops – other materials to be provided. 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.

Reserve your seat here!

AeroPark Farmer's Market
2023-12-17 09:00 - 13:00 | SMC Regional Airport
Historic Sotterley is sponsoring the AeroPark Farmer’s Market, but you don’t need a plane to visit! Drive, bike, or walk in to get fresh goods and produce. All businesses selling at our Airport Farmer’s Market are local small businesses that sell products that they have grown or produced themselves. When you shop local, up to 68% of the money you spend stays in the community, so come help support the wonderful entrepreneurs that make Maryland unique. The market runs from 9am – 1pm and is located indoors so you can enjoy watching the planes go by while shopping rain or shine!
Sotterley is sponsoring this unique market at the Airport Terminal building located at 44200 Airport Road, California, Maryland. Located in St. Mary’s County, the airport is about four miles northeast of the central business district of Leonardtown.

Vendors:
TBD

AeroPark Farmer's Market
2024-02-11 09:00 - 13:00 | SMC Regional Airport
February 11, 2024, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm – Historic Sotterley is sponsoring the AeroPark Farmer’s Market, but you don’t need a plane to visit! Drive, bike, or walk in to get fresh goods and produce. All businesses selling at our Airport Farmer’s Market are local small businesses that sell products that they have grown or produced themselves. When you shop local, up to 68% of the money you spend stays in the community, so come help support the wonderful entrepreneurs that make Maryland unique. The market runs from 9am – 1pm and is located indoors so you can enjoy watching the planes go by while shopping rain or shine!
Sotterley is sponsoring this unique market at the Airport Terminal building located at 44200 Airport Road, California, Maryland. Located in St. Mary’s County, the airport is about four miles northeast of the central business district of Leonardtown.

Vendors: (Subject to change before market date)

Free State Ciders
Olivin’s Oils & Vinegar
Intoxi-cake-tion
Zekiah Farms
Olga’s Treats
Unforgoatable Goods
Dixon Family Farm
Boon Doggie Farm
Beez Kneez Ice Cream
Achterberg Acres Farm
The Garden (Mushrooms)
Black Pointe – Chocolatier
Beachin Bay Bakery
Juice Buzz
Muzzy’s Wine Jelly
Sotterley (Growing for Good) sweet potatoes
Bird Dog Bistro (hot food & coffee)
Mia Moore
Tobacco Barn Distillery
Coastal Canyon Seafood (Fresh Fish)

St. Mary's County History Day
2024-03-16 09:00 - 15:00 | Leonardtown Public Library, 23630 Hayden Farm Ln, Leonardtown, MD, 20650, United States
March 16, 2024 – 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.
St. Mary’s County History Day is brought to you by Historic Sotterley, in partnership with St. Mary’s County Library and Maryland Humanities and the St. Mary’s County Public Library.

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

Contest Date: Saturday, March 16th, 2024
Location: Leonardtown Public Library

Deadlines
Registration Opens: October 12th, 2023
Registration Closes: March 7, 2024
Project Submissions Due: March 7, 2024

Dates
Regional Contest Day: March 16, 2024
State Contest Day: May 4, 2024
National Contest Day: June 9-13, 2024

Sotterley Presents: People & Perspectives with Caitlyn Hunter
2024-03-20 19:00 | Virtual
March 20, 2024 – Caitlyn Hunter joins Historic Sotterley to discuss her book, “Power in the Tongue”, which fuses history and folktales to show Black perseverance across centuries. Her book is a hybrid of memoir and fiction which digs into the history of herself and her audience to show that the stories we tell are just as important as the facts. ​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​

Caitlyn Hunter was the inaugural Emerging Black Artist in Residence at Chatham University (2021-2022). She is a doctoral candidate at Duquesne University where she researches African American literature and Black Food studies. She is currently writing both a collection of short stories and a culinary memoir around her maternal ancestry. Her first book, Power in the Tongue (Tolsun Books) debuted in 2022. Her work appears in Midnight & Indigo, Lost Balloon, and elsewhere. She is currently an Assistant Professor of English at the College of Southern Maryland.

This virtual event is free and open to the public, but registration is required!
Register Here!

Growing for Good Planting Day
2024-03-23 09:00 - 12:00
March 23, 2024 – Ready to help Historic Sotterley usher in spring? We’re looking for volunteers who don’t mind getting dirty, love gardening and farming, and want to help their community to join us for our Growing for Good Planting Days! You will help us get our seeds planted so they can start growing in our Hoop House or cut and prep potatoes for planting in our fields. What we produce here at Historic Sotterley gets donated to our partners at local food banks and pantries to support community members in need.

We’re hosting 3 planting days: March 23, March 30, and April 6. Planting will take place from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. These planting dates are not weather dependent, if the weather does not cooperate we can move indoors to continue planting while staying dry! Please sign up in advance so we can know how many volunteers to expect.

This volunteer opportunity is family-friendly. Anyone 5 years and older is invited to help us plant, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to teach little ones about where food comes from. This is also a great opportunity for Girl Scout or Boy Scout troops to get their volunteer requirements in.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time and check-in at the Farm Building to the right of the Visitor Center. We recommend hats, gloves, sunscreen, bug spray, and shoes and clothes you are not afraid to get dirty.

Register to Volunteer Here!

Spring Break Activities - A Week in the Woods
2024-03-25 10:30 - 12:30 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
March 25, 2024 – Historic Sotterley and Southern Maryland Folklife Center are partnering to bring you family-friendly activities all Spring Break week! Join us for educational environmental fun! Further the fun by bringing a picnic lunch or other entertaining outdoor activities to enjoy onsite.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED prior to Monday, March 18th to purchase the necessary supplies needed for programming. Please sign up and pay online for the day(s) you would like to join for planning purposes.
$10/person ages 3 and up
$5/person for members
Monday – It’s for the Birds! We’ll spend the day watching and learning about the wonderful native birds that call Maryland home as well as the migrating birds that are flying through each spring. We’ll practice using binoculars and identification books and even learning to imitate bird calls.
Tuesday – Our Forest Home – we’ll learn to identify trees by the new leaves that they’re growing each spring and we’ll identify some edible wild plants as we walk through the woods, we can even make and sample pine needle tea.
Wednesday – Soil is Alive! Today’s the day to roll over logs, dig holes, and use hand lenses to see the many amazing organisms that call our soil home. We’ll even take home our own little cup of soil, complete with a native seed to plant and grow.
Thursday – Fabulous Fishes! We’ll talk about all of the fabulous fish in the bay and how fish migrate, too – in springtime many species are swimming from salty water up into the freshwater rivers to spawn. We get to practice seine netting, as well, and safely touching and identifying the fish we catch.
Friday – Wilderness + Disaster: How to Save Life and Limb. Dr. Bonnie Skinner joins us to teach about practicing first aid in the wilderness, rural areas, or far away from hospitals. Learn to be prepared for any situation, including what first aid items you can bring with you or things you can use from nature.
This is a rain or shine event. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to start time and proceed to the Warehouse to check-in (visible from parking area). Suggested to wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate attire.

Please note that we are not a drop-off site! Parents are required to stay with their children.

Register Here

Spring Break Activities - A Week in the Woods
2024-03-26 10:30 - 12:30 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
March 26, 2024 – Historic Sotterley and Southern Maryland Folklife Center are partnering to bring you family-friendly activities all Spring Break week! Join us for educational environmental fun! Further the fun by bringing a picnic lunch or other entertaining outdoor activities to enjoy onsite.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED prior to Monday, March 18th to purchase the necessary supplies needed for programming. Please sign up and pay online for the day(s) you would like to join for planning purposes.
$10/person ages 3 and up
$5/person for members
Monday – It’s for the Birds! We’ll spend the day watching and learning about the wonderful native birds that call Maryland home as well as the migrating birds that are flying through each spring. We’ll practice using binoculars and identification books and even learning to imitate bird calls.
Tuesday – Our Forest Home – we’ll learn to identify trees by the new leaves that they’re growing each spring and we’ll identify some edible wild plants as we walk through the woods, we can even make and sample pine needle tea.
Wednesday – Soil is Alive! Today’s the day to roll over logs, dig holes, and use hand lenses to see the many amazing organisms that call our soil home. We’ll even take home our own little cup of soil, complete with a native seed to plant and grow.
Thursday – Fabulous Fishes! We’ll talk about all of the fabulous fish in the bay and how fish migrate, too – in springtime many species are swimming from salty water up into the freshwater rivers to spawn. We get to practice seine netting, as well, and safely touching and identifying the fish we catch.
Friday – Wilderness + Disaster: How to Save Life and Limb. Dr. Bonnie Skinner joins us to teach about practicing first aid in the wilderness, rural areas, or far away from hospitals. Learn to be prepared for any situation, including what first aid items you can bring with you or things you can use from nature.
This is a rain or shine event. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to start time and proceed to the Warehouse to check-in (visible from parking area). Suggested to wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate attire.
Please note that we are not a drop-off site! Parents are required to stay with their children.
Register Here

Spring Break Activities - A Week in the Woods
2024-03-27 10:30 - 12:30 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
March 27, 2024 – Historic Sotterley and Southern Maryland Folklife Center are partnering to bring you family-friendly activities all Spring Break week! Join us for educational environmental fun! Further the fun by bringing a picnic lunch or other entertaining outdoor activities to enjoy onsite.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED prior to Monday, March 18th to purchase the necessary supplies needed for programming. Please sign up and pay online for the day(s) you would like to join for planning purposes.
$10/person ages 3 and up
$5/person for members
Monday – It’s for the Birds! We’ll spend the day watching and learning about the wonderful native birds that call Maryland home as well as the migrating birds that are flying through each spring. We’ll practice using binoculars and identification books and even learning to imitate bird calls.
Tuesday – Our Forest Home – we’ll learn to identify trees by the new leaves that they’re growing each spring and we’ll identify some edible wild plants as we walk through the woods, we can even make and sample pine needle tea.
Wednesday – Soil is Alive! Today’s the day to roll over logs, dig holes, and use hand lenses to see the many amazing organisms that call our soil home. We’ll even take home our own little cup of soil, complete with a native seed to plant and grow.
Thursday – Fabulous Fishes! We’ll talk about all of the fabulous fish in the bay and how fish migrate, too – in springtime many species are swimming from salty water up into the freshwater rivers to spawn. We get to practice seine netting, as well, and safely touching and identifying the fish we catch.
Friday – Wilderness + Disaster: How to Save Life and Limb. Dr. Bonnie Skinner joins us to teach about practicing first aid in the wilderness, rural areas, or far away from hospitals. Learn to be prepared for any situation, including what first aid items you can bring with you or things you can use from nature.
This is a rain or shine event. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to start time and proceed to the Warehouse to check-in (visible from parking area). Suggested to wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate attire.
Please note that we are not a drop-off site! Parents are required purchase a ticket and to stay with their children.
Register Here

Spring Break Activities - A Week in the Woods
2024-03-28 10:30 - 12:30 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
March 28, 2024 – Historic Sotterley and Southern Maryland Folklife Center are partnering to bring you family-friendly activities all Spring Break week! Join us for educational environmental fun! Further the fun by bringing a picnic lunch or other entertaining outdoor activities to enjoy onsite.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED prior to Monday, March 18th to purchase the necessary supplies needed for programming. Please sign up and pay online for the day(s) you would like to join for planning purposes.
$10/person ages 3 and up
$5/person for members
Monday – It’s for the Birds! We’ll spend the day watching and learning about the wonderful native birds that call Maryland home as well as the migrating birds that are flying through each spring. We’ll practice using binoculars and identification books and even learning to imitate bird calls.
Tuesday – Our Forest Home – we’ll learn to identify trees by the new leaves that they’re growing each spring and we’ll identify some edible wild plants as we walk through the woods, we can even make and sample pine needle tea.
Wednesday – Soil is Alive! Today’s the day to roll over logs, dig holes, and use hand lenses to see the many amazing organisms that call our soil home. We’ll even take home our own little cup of soil, complete with a native seed to plant and grow.
Thursday – Fabulous Fishes! We’ll talk about all of the fabulous fish in the bay and how fish migrate, too – in springtime many species are swimming from salty water up into the freshwater rivers to spawn. We get to practice seine netting, as well, and safely touching and identifying the fish we catch. Due to oncoming weather, Thursday’s activity will now be Soil is Alive Part 2, featuring a special shelled guest! The activity will take place in our Historic Barn so that you can stay dry while still learning about the environment.
Friday – Wilderness + Disaster: How to Save Life and Limb. Dr. Bonnie Skinner joins us to teach about practicing first aid in the wilderness, rural areas, or far away from hospitals. Learn to be prepared for any situation, including what first aid items you can bring with you or things you can use from nature.
This is a rain or shine event. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to start time and proceed to the Warehouse to check-in (visible from parking area). Suggested to wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate attire.
Please note that we are not a drop-off site! Parents are required purchase a ticket and to stay with their children.
Register Here

Spring Break Activities - A Week in the Woods
2024-03-29 10:30 - 12:30 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
March 29, 2024 – Historic Sotterley and Southern Maryland Folklife Center are partnering to bring you family-friendly activities all Spring Break week! Join us for educational environmental fun! Further the fun by bringing a picnic lunch or other entertaining outdoor activities to enjoy onsite.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED prior to Monday, March 18th to purchase the necessary supplies needed for programming. Please sign up and pay online for the day(s) you would like to join for planning purposes.
$10/person ages 3 and up
$5/person for members
Monday – It’s for the Birds! We’ll spend the day watching and learning about the wonderful native birds that call Maryland home as well as the migrating birds that are flying through each spring. We’ll practice using binoculars and identification books and even learning to imitate bird calls.
Tuesday – Our Forest Home – we’ll learn to identify trees by the new leaves that they’re growing each spring and we’ll identify some edible wild plants as we walk through the woods, we can even make and sample pine needle tea.
Wednesday – Soil is Alive! Today’s the day to roll over logs, dig holes, and use hand lenses to see the many amazing organisms that call our soil home. We’ll even take home our own little cup of soil, complete with a native seed to plant and grow.
Thursday – Fabulous Fishes! We’ll talk about all of the fabulous fish in the bay and how fish migrate, too – in springtime many species are swimming from salty water up into the freshwater rivers to spawn. We get to practice seine netting, as well, and safely touching and identifying the fish we catch. Due to oncoming weather, Thursday’s activity will now be Soil is Alive Part 2, featuring a special shelled guest! The activity will take place in our Historic Barn so that you can stay dry while still learning about the environment.
Friday – Wilderness + Disaster: How to Save Life and Limb. Dr. Bonnie Skinner joins us to teach about practicing first aid in the wilderness, rural areas, or far away from hospitals. Learn to be prepared for any situation, including what first aid items you can bring with you or things you can use from nature.
This is a rain or shine event. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to start time and proceed to the Warehouse to check-in (visible from parking area). Suggested to wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate attire.
Please note that we are not a drop-off site! Parents are required to purchase a ticket and to stay with their children.
Register Here

Growing for Good Planting Day
2024-03-30 09:00 - 12:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
March 30, 2024 – Ready to help Historic Sotterley usher in spring? We’re looking for volunteers who don’t mind getting dirty, love gardening and farming, and want to help their community to join us for our Growing for Good Planting Days! You will help us get our seeds planted so they can start growing in our Hoop House or cut and prep potatoes for planting in our fields. What we produce here at Historic Sotterley gets donated to our partners at local food banks and pantries to support community members in need.

We’re hosting 3 planting days: March 23, March 30, and April 6. Planting will take place from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. These planting dates are not weather dependent, if the weather does not cooperate we can move indoors to continue planting while staying dry! Please sign up in advance so we can know how many volunteers to expect.

This volunteer opportunity is family-friendly. Anyone 5 years and older is invited to help us plant, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to teach little ones about where food comes from. This is also a great opportunity for Girl Scout or Boy Scout troops to get their volunteer requirements in.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time and check-in at the Farm Building to the right of the Visitor Center. We recommend hats, gloves, sunscreen, bug spray, and shoes and clothes you are not afraid to get dirty.

Register to Volunteer Here!

Growing for Good Planting Day
2024-04-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
April 6, 2024 – Ready to help Historic Sotterley usher in spring? We’re looking for volunteers who don’t mind getting dirty, love gardening and farming, and want to help their community to join us for our Growing for Good Planting Days! You will help us get our seeds planted so they can start growing in our Hoop House or cut and prep potatoes for planting in our fields. What we produce here at Historic Sotterley gets donated to our partners at local food banks and pantries to support community members in need.

We’re hosting 3 planting days: March 23, March 30, and April 6. Planting will take place from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. These planting dates are not weather dependent, if the weather does not cooperate we can move indoors to continue planting while staying dry! Please sign up in advance so we can know how many volunteers to expect.

This volunteer opportunity is family-friendly. Anyone 5 years and older is invited to help us plant, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to teach little ones about where food comes from. This is also a great opportunity for Girl Scout or Boy Scout troops to get their volunteer requirements in.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time and check-in at the Farm Building to the right of the Visitor Center. We recommend hats, gloves, sunscreen, bug spray, and shoes and clothes you are not afraid to get dirty.

Register to Volunteer Here!

Sotterley Presents: People & Perspectives with Jaelon Moaney, Phoebe Tate, Roderick Lewis, and host Kelsey Bush
2024-04-10 19:00 | Virtual
April 10, 2024 – Historic Sotterley will be proud to host a virtual moderated panel of exceptional young professionals to discuss the topic “How far have we come, and where do we need to go?”.
2024 has been proclaimed Maryland Year of Civil Rights as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The Civil Rights Act was a milestone in American democracy and justice, dismantling Jim Crow laws and paving a way for racial and gender equality, but with all the progress made, equality is still something that eludes many in our nation.
Tonight’s panel will discuss how they view the progress that has been made in the previous 60 years, and the challenges that they feel we still see face today, despite the effects of this groundbreaking legislation. Are there solutions for some of these challenges, and if so, are we up for making the changes necessary?
This is a free virtual event, but registration is required
Register here
Jaelon T. Moaney is the deputy director of the Starr Center for the Study of the American at Washington College. He is an interdisciplinary visionary, ruralist, historic resource steward, and civic change agent with deep roots in the Maryland Eastern Shore. As a descendant of founding Black families in Kent and Talbot counties, he carries forward a legacy of resilience and innovation, evidenced by his appointment by Gov. Wes Moore to the MD Commission on African American History & Culture. Jaelon’s commitment to producing scholarship centering life on, and along, Chesapeake Bay tributaries has garnered prestigious awards and recognition, including the Sentinels of the Republic Prize in Government and the Gaius C. Bolin 1889 Prize in Africana Studies. With a decade of experience as a national leader in the preservation movement, he has successfully advocated for legislative measures such as the designation of the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area. Additionally, Jaelon actively invests in future generations through his involvement with educational initiatives like The Needle’s Eye Academy and serving on various boards including the Williams-Mystic Alumni Council and the Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation.
Phoebe Tate is a Senior at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where she majors in English with a minor in Educational Studies. Fueled by her passion for Language Arts, she is dedicated to fostering a love for learning in others. Phoebe is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in English with the goal of obtaining a Master’s in Teaching. Outside of class, she immerses herself in reading, design, sketching, creative writing, and exploring various subjects including English, Science, Math, and History. Her internship at Historic Sotterley over the summer has deepened her lifelong interest in inclusive history, and she is currently focused on her St. Mary’s Project, which involves adapting Slave Narratives into a graphic novel. Phoebe finds immense joy in conducting research for her project and sharing the rich history of the site with others.
Roderick Lewis is currently Senator Ben Cardin’s Prince George’s County and Southern Maryland Field Representative. In 2019, he graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a BA in Political Science. While in high school and college, he worked on local campaigns, including for Delegate John Bohanan, and has been active in the St. Mary’s County NAACP Chapter. Roderick also interned in Congressman Hoyer’s District office and was a legislative intern in Annapolis for St. Mary’s College through the 2018 General Assembly session. He has served on the St. Mary’s County Democratic Central Committee and currently serves on the Charles County Democratic Central Committee. After graduation, Roderick worked in the St. Mary’s College Admissions Office and helped recruit future Seahawks during the challenging pandemic cycle. Today, Roderick resides in Waldorf, Maryland with his husband Ivan their two cats, Laura and Scrappy, and their dog Bentley.
Kelsey R.M. Bush, hailing from Lexington Park in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, boasts a diverse academic and professional background. With a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in Political Science and Sociology/Anthropology, as well as a Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, Bush currently serves as the Community Affairs Liaison for St. Mary’s College. Prior to this role, he held positions such as Interim Chief Diversity Officer at the college and spent two decades working in various capacities for St. Mary’s County Government, focusing on youth-related initiatives, grant monitoring, and collaboration on community issues. Bush’s extensive involvement includes appointments to the Historic St. Mary’s Commission and the Maryland Commission for African American History and Culture, along with membership in numerous boards and committees dedicated to youth, family, and historical preservation efforts. Residing in California, Maryland, with his family, Bush remains deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life and fostering inclusivity in his community.

What's Soaring at Sotterley Birdwalk
2024-04-20 08:00 - 11:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
April 20, 2024 – Historic Sotterley and Southern Maryland Audobon Society are joining in partnership to bring you this FREE Event being led by Dean Newman, Director of the Southern Maryland Audobon Society.
Celebrate Earth Day with a bird walk at this scenic and historic Patuxent River property as the annual surge of migrating birds begins throughout St. Mary’s County. Nesting Bald Eagles, migrating warblers, meadowlarks, woodpeckers and waterfowl can all be found via Sotterley’s farm roads and trails.
The walk starts promptly at 8:00 am, please arrive 10-15 minutes prior in the parking lot in front of the Visitor Center. Please bring 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

Garden Guild Plant Sale
2024-04-27 09:00 - 14:00, 2024-04-28 12:00 - 15:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
From nurturing and maintaining our exquisite Colonial Revival Gardens – to giving fun and informative workshops, and bringing extra flair and beauty to the site. The Sotterley Garden Guild are dedicated volunteers who do so much! Please stop by, support, and shop at their Annual Plant Sale!
Here is your chance to buy plants lovingly nurtured by the Sotterley gardeners. Have questions? Members of the Garden Guild will be on hand with the answers and to share advice. The funds raised by this all-volunteer group of gardening enthusiasts are used to maintain the beautiful Colonial Revival Garden. It is in the gardens that their labors and their love of gardening is displayed so majestically.
To come and browse the plant selection is free. A cost is only involved if you choose to purchase plants or other items.
PLANT SALE:
Saturday, April 27 – 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Sunday, April 28 – 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition: Accessing the Diverse History of Southern Maryland Website Launch
2024-05-01 16:00 - 19:30 | St. Mary’s College of Maryland Dodge Performing Arts Center, 47855 College Dr, St. Mary's City, MD, 20868, United States
**This is an event by our partners at the Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition**
Join in to celebrate the launch of the Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition’s program and website “Accessing the Diverse History of Southern Maryland.” The program’s purpose is to elevate the history of Black, Indigenous and other people of color and make it more accessible for educators, students, the people of Southern Maryland, and those beyond the region.

Thirty organizations across the three counties (museums, community organizations, school systems, colleges, historical societies, churches and libraries) are working together to identify this history and make it accessible through this comprehensive easily searchable website.

The launch will include:

The initial showing of the website
An exhibit area featuring the Coalition organizations and others
Information about the three summer teacher’s institutes
A general session featuring keynote speaker Melisande Short-Colomb – a descendent of the families sold south by Georgetown U. in 1838. She is a noted speaker about her experience and has been featured in print, TED talks, and other news outlets. She serves on the Board of Advisors for the Georgetown Memory Project, is a founding Council Member of the GU272 Descendants Association.

Visit this page for more information about the project and partners.
This project has been financed in part with State funds from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, an instrumentality of the State of Maryland. However, project contents or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.

Tour Season Opening Weekend
2024-05-02 - 2024-05-05 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
May 2, 2024 – Historic Sotterley’s Tour Season officially begins on Thursday, May 2nd! Guided tours of our Historic Manor House will be offered Thursday through Saturday at 10:30, 11:30, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 and on Sunday at Noon, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00. Tickets can be purchased at our Visitor Center the day of the tour. Exhibits will also be opened for self-guided tours. For more information, see our visit page.

We can’t wait to see all of you for another great Tour Season!

Sotterley Presents: People & Perspectives with Donald Barber, David Brown, and Janice Walthour
2024-05-08 19:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
May 8, 2024 – Historic Sotterley’s next Sotterley Presents: People & Perspectives event will introduce a new book, The Barber Family: From Slavery, Through Segregation, and The Civil Rights Movement, by Donald Barber and David Brown. The Barber family are Sotterley Descendants, and the book tells their story against the backdrop of their challenges with post-Civil War economic decline and racism in St. Mary’s County, and the struggle for more self-reliant, prosperous, and fulfilling lives with dignity. The two authors and Janice Walthour will share their perspectives about the book. The Barber Family: From Slavery, Through Segregation, and The Civil Rights Movement will be available for purchase and signing during the event.
This is a FREE hybrid event, but registration is requested.
Register to attend in-person here
Register to attend virtually here
Donald Maxwell Barber, DOB 3/24/1957 was the sixth of 7 children born to Alice Ruth Somerville Barber and James Bernard Barber, who were employees of Mabel Ingalls at Sotterley. His parents instilled him with a strong work ethic and he worked in the gardens until he left Sotterley in the mid 1970’s. Donald’s parents impressed upon him the value of a college education, as well as their inability to afford college tuition. Donald was a strong student and was awarded a National Merit Scholarship that enabled him to attend St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where he achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science. He embarked on a 30 year career in Human Services and returned to Sotterley as a volunteer; serving many years as a Trustee. Donald is retired and living quietly in Hollywood with his wife Rosa.

Born in Boston MA, David Brown was a Foreign Service Officer in the U.S. State Department for over thirty years serving mainly in Asia. After retiring, he spent almost twenty years as a researcher, administrator and adjunct professor in the China Studies program at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAAIS) in Washington. For the past two decades, he has been a volunteer interpreter at Sotterley researching and writing numerous articles about Sotterley personalities, including the short history entitled Sotterley: Her People and Their Worlds.

Dr. Janice Walthour is a retired educator, political activist, poet, speaker, and life-long resident of St. Mary’s County. She has a long list of accomplishments, including serving as principal of George Washington Carver Elementary School for 15 years and being elected delegate to the 1980 Democratic National Convention. She is also involved in various organizations, such as the Unified Committee for Afro American Contributions (past President and current member) and the St. Mary’s County Branch NAACP. Dr. Walthour has received numerous awards for her professional and community services, and she is an active member of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church. She is dedicated to advocating for equity and civil rights in her community.

Women of Sotterley Specialty Tour
2024-05-10 17:30 - 19:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
May 10th, 2024 – In honor of Mother’s Day weekend, we are offering a tour focusing on the lives and legacies of ten remarkable women who lived at Sotterley over the course of 300 years. Learn about the lives of the women of Sotterley including Rebecca Bowles, Elsa Bond, Mabel Ingalls, and Agnes Kane Callum. We will hear about the lives of women from the 18th century, 19th, and 20th centuries. We will tell these women’s stories and explore how women’s roles in marriage, birth, family differed depending on their era and status. Along the way we will discover the role that women have played in preserving the history of the site. A reception with Q & A will follow the tour.
Recommended for ages 16 & older. Walking and standing required, please note the historic house is not ADA compliant.
Advance reservations required – please no walk-ins. Limited to 15 people per tour.
It is advised to arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to your tour. Please proceed to the Warehouse to Check-in upon arrival.

Register Here

Mother's Day Weekend Tours - Moms get in FREE!
2024-05-11 10:30 - 2024-05-12 15:00
May 11 & 12, 2024 – Looking to spend time with your mom this Mother’s Day? Spend the day at Historic Sotterley!
Historic Sotterley will have an extra focus on the women of Sotterley on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12. To make the day extra special, Moms get their tours for free! Tickets can be purchased at Sotterley’s Visitor Center on the day of the tour.
Tours will be offered Saturday at 10:30, 11:30, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 and on Sunday at Noon, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00.
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 the women of Sotterley, from Rebecca Bowles, the second wife of Sotterley’s first owner, to Ruth Barber, one of Sotterley’s last residents. Visitors will learn about how these women influenced Sotterley’s history and set the course for its future.
The tour is on the ground floor spaces and is approximately 45-60 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 museum gift shop, beautiful trails, expansive gardens, access to a quiet creek, and additional exhibits to explore and learn from. Tour attendees are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy all that the grounds have to offer with their mom. Historic Sotterley is a “Leave No Trace” site, so please be prepared to pack out any trash and leftover food when you leave.

Learn How To Bird - SMAS Class on Birdwatching
2024-05-18 08:00 - 11:00
May 18, 2024 – Come learn about identifying birds, how your smart phone can make you an identification expert and how to properly use your binoculars. Immediately following the presentation, Dean Newman, an avid wildlife photographer, speaker and veteran bird guide, will lead a walk around the Historic Sotterly grounds helping you put into practice what you learned earlier.
The presentation starts promptly at 8:00 am, please arrive 10-15 minutes prior. We will be meeting in the barn. Please bring 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.
Registration is appreciated as space is limited.
Register Here

Habitat Scavenger Hunt
2024-06-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
June 8, 2024 – Historic Sotterley and Southern Maryland Audubon Society are partnering to bring you a family-friendly morning of environmental learning. Learn about all the things birds and other animals in our ecosystem need to survive, and then set out on a scavenger hunt to locate those things here at Historic Sotterley. Afterwards, there will be a small craft related to the scavenger hunt that families can take home.
$5/person, recommended for ages 5-8 and their families. Members are FREE. Not a member, yet? You can become a member here.
Spots are limited and registration is required.
Register Here!

This is a rain or shine event. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to start time and proceed to the Warehouse to check-in (visible from parking area). Suggested to wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate attire.
Please note that we are not a drop-off site! Parents are required to purchase a ticket and to stay with their children.

Sotterley Presents: People & Perspectives with Patricia Samford
2024-06-12 19:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
June 12, 2024 – Join us and Dr. Patricia Samford for a speaker event all about the James Adams Floating Theater. In the days before television and computers, residents of coastal Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina anxiously awaited the arrival of the James Adams for an evening of diverting musical and theatrical entertainment. An inspiration for Edna Ferber’s novel, Showboat, this floating theatre was the “…best entertainment going…” along the Chesapeake in the early 20th century.

This event is FREE and hybrid, meaning you can join us in-person or virtually. Registration is required.
In-person participants are welcome to join us for a pre-reception at 6:15 pm.

Register here to attend in-person
Register here to attend virtually

Dr. Patricia Samford is the Director of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum. Prior to receiving her doctorate in Anthropology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she was an archaeologist at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for 13 years. Samford is the author of Subfloor Pits and the Archaeology of Slavery in Colonial Virginia (2007) and Below Baltimore: An Archaeology of Charm City (2023), coauthored with Adam Fracchia.

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

Father's Day Weekend - Dads get in FREE!
2024-06-15 - 2024-06-16 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
June 15 & 16, 2024 – Spend the day with Dad at Historic Sotterley for Father’s Day! To make the day extra special, Dads get their tours for free! Tickets can be purchased at Sotterley’s Visitor Center on the day of the tour.
Tours over this weekend will have an extra focus on the history of Juneteenth in addition to the normal tour topics. Tours will be offered Saturday at 10:30, 11:30, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 and on Sunday at Noon, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00.
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 the women of Sotterley, from Rebecca Bowles, the second wife of Sotterley’s first owner, to Ruth Barber, one of Sotterley’s last residents. Visitors will learn about how these women influenced Sotterley’s history and set the course for its future.
The tour is on the ground floor spaces and is approximately 45-60 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 museum gift shop, beautiful trails, expansive gardens, access to a quiet creek, and additional exhibits to explore and learn from. Tour attendees are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy all that the grounds have to offer with their dad. Historic Sotterley is a “Leave No Trace” site, so please be prepared to pack out any trash and leftover food when you leave.

Art in the Gardens
2024-06-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
June 21, 2024 – Art in the gardens! Participants will meet at the gorgeous Sotterley Colonial Revival Gardens where we will explore, sketch flowers and plants, and then walk to the Barn to create a beautiful painting using watercolor pencils. Creation Guide Jami will provide assistance and instruction on using the watercolor pencils and will guide all in translating their garden sketches into farmable art.

$10 per person for non-members, $5 per person for members. Not a member yet? Sign up today!
Materials will be provided for all participants. This event is geared toward ages 6 and up.

Please note: Due to the heat wave, the indoor portion of this Friday’s Art in the Garden class has moved from the Warehouse to our Historic Barn, which has air-conditioning. Rest assured you will be able to stay cool while being creative!

Parents, please note that this is not a drop-off event and children are expected to have a parent or guardian with them at all times. Parents who would like to paint are welcome to purchase a regular ticket, or if you will just be accompanying your child you only need to pay our usual grounds fee.

Purchase tickets here!

This event is made possible by a grant from St. Mary’s Arts Council.

Clean the Bay Day - Cancelled!
2024-06-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
June 22, 2024 – After great consideration, tomorrow’s clean up day has been CANCELLED. Due to the weather forecast and heat warning for tomorrow, we have decided to cancel for the safety of our incredible volunteers.
We are looking to plan a make-up date for sometime later in the year, if possible. Please know how grateful we are to those who had signed up to help. We hope we can see you again soon!
Stay cool, stay safe, and have a wonderful weekend!

Come out to Historic Sotterley for a volunteer Clean the Bay event! Historic Sotterley and the Chesapeake Bay are both national treasures, and we want to keep it that way!
When trash and plastics make their way into the tributaries feeding the bay, they largely get trapped in the local waterways and break down into microplastics. Instead of washing out to the ocean, 95% of these plastics stay trapped in the Bay ecosystem, damaging the local habitat of crabs, oysters, and fish. The best way to combat the plastic pollution is to stop it before it breaks down in the water – and you can help!
On Saturday, June 22, from 9:00am to 12:00pm, Sotterley will be hosting a Clean the Bay Day for volunteers to help collect trash along the water fronts and across the property.
This volunteer opportunity is family-friendly. Anyone 5 years and older is invited to help, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to teach little ones a sense of community by helping to keep it clean and safe. Children learn by example.
In need of a corporate team project, a church team project, a family project, community service hours, a scout badge, something to do, then this is for you! No experience necessary, just the desire to help.
Please sign-up to help so that we know how many helping hands we have for the project. Plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time and check-in at the Farm Building to the right of the Visitor Center. We recommend hats, gloves, sunscreen, bug spray, and shoes and clothes you are not afraid to get dirty.

Art Inspired by Birds
2024-06-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
June 28th class- Art inspired by birds! Participants will meet at Sotterley’s historic Warehouse where we will discuss some of the colorful Maryland birds found in the area of Historic Sotterley. Creation Guide Jami will give some tips and show some FUN techniques to create pop-up cards and/or a small booklet made of materials including feathers and foliage. There will be resource materials provided to use for visual aids.

$10 per person for non-members, $5 per person for members. Not a member yet? Sign up today!
Materials will be provided for all participants. This event is geared toward ages 6 and up.

Parents, please note that this is not a drop-off event and children are expected to have a parent or guardian with them at all times. Parents who would like to paint are welcome to purchase a regular ticket, or if you will just be accompanying your child you only need to pay our usual grounds fee.

Purchase tickets here!

This event is made possible by a grant from St. Mary’s Arts Council.
