Sotterley Presents: People & Perspectives with Dan Dawson
2024-09-18 19:00 (America/New_York) | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
Dan will spend an evening discussing his family’s farming history from decades as tobacco-centric to small grains and currently to bourbon production. Topics will include the impact of the development of NAS Patuxent River on the farming community and his family, the tobacco buyout, the rise in popularity of bourbon – America’s spirit and the history of southern Maryland as bourbon’s true birthplace. For those of legal age, samples of Tobacco Barn’s currently released products will be made available as well as the opportunity to purchase bottles with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Historic Sotterley.
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 to attend In-Person
Register to attend Virtually
Dan Dawson retired after a 39-year career in the defense industry, having risen from an entry-level engineering role at Veda Incorporated to a senior executive position at KBR. His career was largely spent with the same company through various acquisitions. Before his defense career, Dan made a mark in ethanol fuel production during high school and briefly afterward, becoming the third licensed fuel ethanol distiller in 1980. After a long hiatus, he re-entered the distillation world in 2014 by co-founding Tobacco Barn Distillery, LLC on his family farm in Hollywood, Maryland, which has been recognized as the Top Farm Distillery in the U.S. Dan and his wife, Susan, who is also a distiller at Tobacco Barn, have two adult children.
This event is made possible in part by a sponsorship from:

Moments in Nature Art Exhibition
2024-09-29 - 2024-10-27 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
September 29 to October 27, 2024 – Come see Joi Lowe’s new art exhibition, “Moments in Nature: Acknowledging spiritual connections to the landscape of Historic Sotterley”. The exhibit features artworks created by Joi using resources from Historic Sotterley, as well as special contributions from artists Pamela Callen, Mark Boneham, and Damien Wilkinson. Joi’s exhibit aims to reflect her emotional and spiritual connection to Historic Sotterley’s complex history and to inspire viewers to engage with the past.
The exhibition will be open every Friday through Saturday in October. Please check in at the Visitor Center first to pay for your $5 grounds pass!

Moments in Nature Art Exhibit Open Reception
2024-09-29 15:00 - 18:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
September 29, 2024 – Join us for an open reception of Joi Lowe’s new art exhibition, “Moments in Nature: Acknowledging spiritual connections to the landscape of Historic Sotterley”. The exhibit will feature artworks created by Joi using resources from Historic Sotterley, as well as special contributions from artists Pamela Callen, Mark Boneham, and Damien Wilkinson. Joi’s exhibit aims to reflect her emotional and spiritual connection to Historic Sotterley’s complex history and to inspire viewers to engage with the past. The open reception will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m. with a tour of Historic Sotterley, concluding in the warehouse where Executive Director Nancy Easterling and Interpretive Programs Coordinator Katherine Humphries will provide opening remarks and acknowledgements as guests view the artwork.

Registration is encouraged.

Register here!

The Civil Rights Act in Southern Maryland: Yesterday, Today, and for Tomorrow
2024-10-01 19:00 - 20:30 | St. Mary’s College of Maryland Dodge Performing Arts Center, 47855 College Dr, St. Mary's City, MD, 20868, United States
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and to coincide with Governor Wes Moore’s proclamation of 2024 as Maryland’s Year of Civil Rights, the Center for the Study of Democracy, Historic Sotterley, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and Historic St. Mary’s City will host a panel discussion titled “The Civil Rights Act in Southern Maryland: Yesterday, Today, and for Tomorrow.” This program will feature distinguished panelists from academia, law, activist and advocacy circles and the museum studies community from the region to explore the legacy of the Civil Rights Act in Southern Maryland. We hope to stimulate dialogue, enhance learning, forge partnerships and promote civic engagement within the Southern Maryland community.

This event will take place in-person at St. Mary’s College of Maryland in the Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center – Concert Hall
47855 College Dr, St Marys City, MD 20686

The panel will feature:
MODERATOR:
Kelsey R. Bush, Community Affairs Liasion for St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Mr. Bush is also the President of the Board of Directors for Walden Wise, the Secretary for Historic Sotterley, the Chair of the St. Mary’s County Human Relation Commission, and a Founding Board member of the Foundation Board for the Patuxent River Test Museum.
SPEAKERS:
Chuck Holden, Professor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland since 1999. His books include: In the Great Maelstrom: Conservatives in Post-Civil War South Carolina (2002) and The New Southern University: Academic Freedom and Liberalism at UNC (2011). He is also a co-author on Republican Populist: Spiro Agnew and the Origin of Donald Trump’s America (2019). His op-eds have appeared in The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, The Charlotte Observer, the Des Moines Register. and the History News Network.
Michael Kent,Historian. He began his career as an Historian by collecting his family’s oral histories and then expanded his research to include all of Calvert County’s Black history. He put that research in a book titled “Mulatto, the Black history of Calvert County”. Michael served as a Lt. for the Judge Advocate General Corps of the U.S. Naval Reserves and as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Baltimore and Prince George’s Counties in Maryland. Michael was appointed by Governor O’Mally and Governor Hogan to serve on the Maryland Commission for African American History and culture.
Maya Davis, Director of the Riversdale House Museum, the former 19th Century Plantation home in Prince George’s County. Ms. Davis, representing Prince George’s County, also serves as Chair of The Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture. She was also the Research Archivist and Legislative Liaison at the Maryland State Archives. Some of her recent projects include the Adam Francis Plummer Portrait Commission, Installation of the Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman Statue at the Maryland State House, Annapolis Port Marker project, and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park and Visitor Center.
Chief Mark Tayac, 29th generation of hereditary chiefs of the Piscataway Indian Nation. Mark Tayac and the Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers carry on the long-standing traditions, culture and heritage of their Indigenous ancestors. From Tayac Territory, (Port Tobacco, MD), Mark Tayac travels with the Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers presenting a colorful, educational and entertaining pow wow-style campus event featuring American Indian Dance, Drum & Song. Mark has worked tirelessly to ensure the recognition of the tribe in the state of Maryland and worked with federal authorities to repatriate material culture and human remains belonging to the Piscataway.
Dr. Janice Walthour, a retired educator, worked in St. Mary’s County Public Schools for 36 years as a teacher, resource teacher, assistant principal, principal and coordinator of academic intervention programs. As a political activist, she served as voter registration chair for the historic event of electing Joseph Lee Somerville, Sheriff of St. Mary’s County. Dr. Walthour is past president and currently a member of the Unified Committee for Afro American Contributions (UCAC). Walthour has been awarded numerous citations for professional and community services.
A pre-event reception with light refreshments will take place at 6 p.m. in the lobby of the Dodge PAC.

Registration information

The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required.
Register Here

Sotterley Presents: People & Perspectives with Ralph Eshelman
2024-10-16 19:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
October 16, 2024 – “It starts as a whisper near the four corners of Maryland, where Montgomery, Frederick, Howard and Carroll counties converge. It’s little more than a meandering brook winding its way through farmland, but when it completes its 110-mile journey to Southern Maryland, the Patuxent River runs 120 feet deep, reaches two miles wide and is the source of billions of dollars in industry, research and recreation.” – The Calver Recorder, June 7, 2020

Ralph Eshelman, specialist in maritime history, joins us to discuss the Patuxent River and highlight some lesser-known facts about the longest river fully contained within Maryland. Smack dab in the middle of Earth Science Week, this speaker event is perfect for learning about and appreciating one of our most important local resources.

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 to attend In-Person
Register to attend Virtually

Dr. Ralph Eshelman is a distinguished specialist in maritime history, particularly related to the Chesapeake Bay and the War of 1812, as well as geology and vertebrate paleontology. He earned his Ph.D. in 1974 from the University of Michigan, following earlier studies at SUNY Stony Brook and the University of Iowa. From 1975 to 2005, he served as a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. Eshelman has held leadership roles in various professional and civic organizations, including the Council of American Maritime Museums and The Nature Conservancy. His extensive research and fieldwork have taken him across continents and major global expeditions, reflecting his broad expertise and active involvement in scientific and historical communities.

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

Legends, Lore, and More - Specialty Tour
2024-10-25 17:30 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
October 25, 2024 – Just in time for Halloween – Pirates, unmarked graves, and ghosts-oh my! Join us for an evening tour with local historian Sam Baldwin exploring the grounds and learning more about the myths, legends, and lore of Sotterley! Don’t be surprised if along the way you discover that truth can be stranger than fiction.
The tour will be followed by a reception with wine, nibbles, and a Q&A.
Recommended for ages 16 & older. Walking and standing required. The historic house is not ADA compliant.
Advance reservations required – please no walk-ins. Tour is limited to 18 people.
It is advised to arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to your tour. Please proceed to the Warehouse to Check-in upon arrival.

Purchase Tickets Here

Legends, Lore, and More - Specialty Tour
2024-10-26 17:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
October 26, 2024 – Just in time for Halloween – Pirates, unmarked graves, and ghosts-oh my! Join us for an evening tour with local historian Sam Baldwin exploring the grounds and learning more about the myths, legends, and lore of Sotterley! Don’t be surprised if along the way you discover that truth can be stranger than fiction.
The tour will be followed by a reception with wine, nibbles, and a Q&A.
Recommended for ages 16 & older. Walking and standing required. The historic house is not ADA compliant.
Advance reservations required – please no walk-ins. Tour is limited to 18 people.
It is advised to arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to your tour. Please proceed to the Warehouse to Check-in upon arrival.

Purchase Tickets Here

Legends, Lore, and More - Specialty Tour
2024-10-27 17:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
October 27, 2024 – Just in time for Halloween – Pirates, unmarked graves, and ghosts-oh my! Join us for an evening tour with local historian Sam Baldwin exploring the grounds and learning more about the myths, legends, and lore of Sotterley! Don’t be surprised if along the way you discover that truth can be stranger than fiction.
The tour will be followed by a reception with wine, nibbles, and a Q&A.
Recommended for ages 16 & older. Walking and standing required. The historic house is not ADA compliant.
Advance reservations required – please no walk-ins. Tour is limited to 18 people.
It is advised to arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to your tour. Please proceed to the Warehouse to Check-in upon arrival.

Purchase Tickets Here

Sotterley Presents: People & Perspectives with the Cast & Crew of "Grandma's Hands"
2024-11-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
November 13, 2024 – Join us for a screening of short film “Grandma’s Hands”, followed by a panel discussion with members of the cast and crew about the importance of the film, their inspirations, and how it was made. “Grandma’s Hands” celebrates Southern Maryland’s agriculture and food heritage by taking the viewers along to six family kitchens and sharing the recipes passed down through generations. The film was funded through a Maryland Heritage Areas Authority grant and was originally premiered at a Preservation Maryland and Southern Maryland National Heritage Area event earlier this year. Panelists will include Executive Producers Lucille Walker and Craig Sewell, Produce Lena McBean, film crew members Jim McBean and Chris Walsh, and film stars Tiffany Barber, Franklin Robinson, and Teandra Thompson. More panelists may be announced.

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 to Attend In-Person
Register to Attend Virtually

Craig Sewell is the Economic Development and Program Director for the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC). The Southern Maryland Meats (SMM) program is under his watch as is building the infrastructure to create a seamless farm to kitchen supply chain for the region. A successful business owner, professional chef and restauranteur, Sewell brought a wealth of experience and entrepreneurship to SMADC. His café in Annapolis was for 16 years in the forefront of the ‘Buy Local’ movement as one of the first restaurants in the area to source locally and develop a conduit for his customers to buy local produce and meats through the restaurant’s CSA program. Former Governor Martin O’Malley recognized Sewell’s contributions to Maryland farms by awarding him The Smart Green and Growing Governor’s Excellence in Supporting Maryland’s Farmer’s and Agriculture Award. A graduate of Harvard University with a AB in Economics, he was also the founding president of the Annapolis Sustainable Business Alliance and is a Master Gardener.

Lucille W. Walker spearheaded the initiative to designate Southern Maryland as a National Heritage Area, with legislation sponsored by Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Representative Steny Hoyer, passed by Congress in December 2022 and signed into law by President Biden in January 2023. The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area was officially launched on May 25, 2023, with Governor Wes Moore as the keynote speaker. As executive director, Walker is recognized for her strategic and entrepreneurial management, partnership building, and motivational leadership. She holds several significant appointments and has received numerous awards, including the 2024 Preservation Service Award, the 2023 Best of Maryland Leadership Award, and the 2022 Visionary Impact Award.

More bios to come.

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

Winter Wonderland Wreathmaking Workshops
2024-12-07 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
December 7, 2024 – 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 7th to share their expertise! 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 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!

Sotterley Presents: People & Perspectives Panelist Discussion with Sotterley Descendant Community
2025-02-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
February 26, 2025 – “Deeply Rooted: A Shared Journey Through Restorative Genealogy” will focus on the healing that can come through uncovering our shared and respective histories. As we learn more about our own history, we can become more aware of the journey that others are on. Members from Historic Sotterley’s Descendant Community will engage in a dialogue regarding balancing the pain associated with the lives of our ancestors while empowering growth and understanding for present and future generations. By sharing their genealogical journeys descendants help us to develop a deeper understanding of the past.

This event is a FREE virtual event. Registration is required.
Register Here

Panelists:
Gwendoline Bankins, a St. Mary’s County native, is known for her love of community and her passion for raising awareness and restoring hope through over three decades of local and state volunteer outreach programs on how to communicate on social and health related issues on behalf of children, youth, and families, and a criminal justice advocate for victims of crime. Gwen is the Vice-President of the Board of Trustees for Historic Sotterley, Chair of Preservation, Restoration and Interpretation, Chair of Day of Unity and Healing and a direct descendant of the Kane family who were enslaved at Sotterley in the 19th century with her first visit to the site in the late 1970’s. Ms. Bankins is a steering committee member of the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area and a steering committee member of Dismantling Racism and Privilege in Southern Maryland, member of the Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition. Gwen is a Chaplain with St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, a Master Chaplain, The Maryland Area Representative, and a member of the Spiritual Oversight Committee for the International Conference of Police Chaplains which serves 38 countries and all 50 states and U.S. territories. Gwen retired from Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative’s Engineering and Operations Department.

Samuel Baldwin, founder and senior partner at The Law Offices of Baldwin, Briscoe & Steinmetz, P.C., has practiced family law for over 20 years in Southern Maryland. Raised in Baltimore, he attended St. Paul’s School for Boys, the University of Virginia, and earned his J.D. from the University of Baltimore in 1984. Throughout his career, Mr. Baldwin has gained extensive legal experience through various clerkships, internships, and positions in prominent law offices before establishing his own practice in 1988. He is admitted to practice in several courts, including the Maryland Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. Baldwin is also actively involved in numerous professional associations, community organizations, and volunteer activities, including coaching youth soccer and serving on several advisory boards.

Jerome Spears, Native of Baltimore, Maryland, earned Geography degrees from Morgan State University & the University of Hawaii & over the years, has used his formal training & other life experiences to champion the cause of uncovering & preserving his family’s narrative & history (going back many generations). He is an Historic Sotterley & Susquehanna Plantation descendant, as well as a (Georgetown) GU272 relative, who in 2016, authored a manuscript entitled “I’VE GOT YOUR BACK”, where he chronicled his eight linear ancestral families (in southern Maryland) – rising out from slavery to freedom & beyond. In 2023 he was a featured panelist at the inaugural stakeholders Descendants of Slavery Empowerment Conference at the National Museum of African American History & Culture, in Washington, D.C., & is also featured in two (award winning) short-film documentaries, the first being “Talking and Walking Common Ground”, the second entitled: “FINDING US”, as well as a third project entitled: “The Story of Camp Stanton”. He has extensively used DNA (including “Genetic Visual Phasing”) & other advanced methods to find & then successfully contact distant relatives in Africa & other places around the world.

Rev. Danté Eubanks, a native of Cincinnati and a 1992 Colerain High School graduate, now resides in Leonardtown, Maryland, with his family. A United States Navy veteran, Rev. Eubanks was licensed to preach at 20 and has ministered in various locations, eventually founding New Covenant Christian Worship Center in 2014. A history enthusiast and genealogist, he is active in numerous historical societies. Married to Carrie Rowe, they have ten children and three grandchildren. Rev. Eubanks is deeply committed to his faith and family, believing that “a family that prays together stays together.”

(Tentative) Kelsey R.M. Bush, a native of Lexington Park, Maryland, is the Community Affairs Liaison for St. Mary’s College of Maryland and has a diverse background in public service and community involvement. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. Before his current role, Mr. Bush served as the Interim Chief Diversity Officer at St. Mary’s College and worked for St. Mary’s County Government for 20 years, developing youth initiatives and addressing various community issues. He holds leadership positions in several organizations, including Walden Wise and the Historic Sotterley, and has been appointed to state commissions by former governors. Mr. Bush lives in California, Maryland, with his wife Catherine, their two children, and two cats.

St. Mary's County History Day
2025-03-08 | MD
March 8, 2025 – 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.

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

Contest Date: Saturday, March 8th, 2025
Location: Leonardtown Public Library

Deadlines
Registration Opens: October 16, 2024
Registration Closes: March 1, 2025
Project Submissions Due: March 1, 2025
Dates
Regional Contest Day: March 8, 2025
State Contest Day: May 3, 2025
National Contest Day: June 8-12, 2025

Sotterley Presents: People & Perspectives with Anna Carneal-Davis
2025-03-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
March 19, 2025 – What happens when you find two runaway ads, 16 years apart, that describe a convict servant with the same name, nationality, trade, and a physical description too alike to ignore?

Anna Carneal-Davis will present her research methodology, tracking one man’s journey through Britain’s transportation system leading up to the American Revolution. The case study will illuminate the system of convict servitude in colonial America and pinpoint records in England, Maryland, and Virginia that help illustrate an underrepresented portion of history.

This is a FREE virtual event. Registration is required.

Register Here!

Anna Carneal-Davis is the Library Genealogy Associate at Thomas Balch Library, a local history and genealogy library in Leesburg, Virginia. She earned her M.A. in Applied History from George Mason University and her bachelor’s at Longwood University. Carneal-Davis has devoted over a decade to the public history field, working at historic sites, museums, and libraries. Her professional career enables her to explore a wide range of topics, and help others identify record sets best suited to their research.

Spring Break Activities
2025-04-14 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-04-15 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-04-16 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-04-17 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-04-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
Historic Sotterley, Southern Maryland Folklife Center, St. Mary’s County Public Library, and local artist Jami Faith are partnering to bring a week of FREE activities during Spring Break to keep kids active and engaged in learning while having fun on their days off. Each day is a different activity for your family to enjoy.

Registration is required to make sure we acquire enough supplies for each activity. The registration link is below and is the same for all days – while registering you can select which days you’ll be attending. Please register once per family group. Parents/Guardians will be required to stay with children throughout the event and are welcome to participate as supplies allow.

Register Here!

NOTICE
Due to higher than anticipated interest, registration for our Spring Break Activities has closed early. We deeply appreciate all of your support and apologize for any inconvenience. We will have more events popping up throughout the year with our partners at the St. Mary’s County Library, Southern Maryland Folklife Center, and local artist Jami Faith, so please keep an eye on our calendar and socials for additional information. Thank you and we hope you have a wonderful, educational, and fun Spring Break!

FULL, Registration closed Monday, April 14 – Birds, Bees, Butterflies and You
Join us for a Nature Walk and Citizen Science Adventure, a fun partnership between Historic Sotterley and St. Mary’s County Library! Explore the beauty of nature on a guided walk with one of our local experts. Afterward, head to the Mobile Library to discover the Library’s Citizen Science Kits to learn how you can contribute to real-world science from your own backyard. End the day with a relaxing stroll through the Colonial Garden, observing pollinators at work and putting your new Citizen Science skills to work!
Perfect for nature lovers, future scientists, and families—don’t miss out on this exciting, hands-on adventure!

FULL, Registration closed Tuesday, April 15 – Hands-On with the History of Clay Pots
Step back in time at Historic Sotterley and discover the history of pottery and clay, then build your own clay pot to paint and take home!
In partnership with Historic Sotterley, families will learn how clay pots were crafted and used in the past. The St. Mary’s County Library will provide materials and guide children as they hand-build their own clay pots and decorate them with naturally pigmented paints. This hands-on program blends history and creativity for a memorable family experience!

FULL, Registration closed Wednesday, April 16 – Nature Sketching Around Historic Sotterley
Future Botanists, Scientists, Gardeners, Naturalists…
Come meet up at the barn with a representative of Historic Sotterley and Creation Guide Gramma Jami as we take you on a nature walk. You will be given a small blank notebook with which to take notes and do some sketching of the wonders that abound all around us. Sotterley Representative will help with what we see, and Gramma Jami will help you with your journal, and then we will return to the barn to add color to our sketches with various provided tools.

FULL, Registration closed Thursday, April 17 – Growing for Good, Growing for All
Help Farmer Joe prep and plant fruits and vegetables for our Growing for Good program. Growing for Good helps fight food insecurity in Southern Maryland by growing fresh produce right here in Sotterley’s fields and donates it to local food pantries and soup kitchens for families in need. Help your neighbors while learning how to grow your own food! At the end of the day, take home your own planted seed so you can grow food at home.

FULL, Registration closed Friday, April 18 – First Aid Safety
Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department will be visiting to give families a lesson in first aid! Help your family learn critical skills to help them in an emergency and give you more peace of mind. These are the building blocks they’ll use to navigate situations safely for the rest of their lives.

What's Soaring at Sotterley Birdwalk
2025-04-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
April 19, 2025 – 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 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.
No registration required.

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 Matthew Neff
2025-04-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
April 23, 2025 – Have you learned about one of the newest animal exhibits at the Calvert Marine Museum – the Eastern Hellbenders? These gargantuan amphibians were once common across the eastern United States, spanning from southwestern New York to Georgia, now their populations are widely declining and they’ve disappeared from many of their historic homes. Learn all about these lost denizens that used to be found in the Chesapeake Bay. Matt will also be talking about fieldwork he did with their larger cousins in Hiroshima, Japan – The Japanese Giant Salamander.

This is a FREE in-person event. Registration is required.
All participants are welcome to join us for a pre-reception at 6:15 pm.

Register Here!

Matt Neff is in his third year as Curator of Estuarine Biology at the Calvert Marine Museum. Since joining the museum, he has launched several new exhibits, including one focused on the Eastern Hellbender, an endangered salamander once found in the Bay. Matt is also starting his 13th season with FrogWatch, a citizen science program that trains individuals to listen for and record frog calls during the breeding season. Last year, over 1,100 observations of 14 different frog species were submitted across the Southern Maryland and surrounding DMV area. Prior to his work at the museum, Matt spent 12 years as a zookeeper in the Department of Herpetology at the Smithsonian National Zoo. With a lifelong passion for animals and environmental education, Matt is excited to continue sharing his love for the natural world, particularly the native species of Southern Maryland.

Annual Historic Sotterley Garden Guild Plant Sale
2025-04-26 09:00 - 14:00, 2025-04-27 12:00 - 15:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
April 26 & 27, 2025 – 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.
2025 PLANT SALE:
Saturday, April 26 – 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Sunday, April 27 – 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Guided Tour Season Opens
2025-05-02 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
May 2, 2025 – Historic Sotterley’s Tour Season officially begins on Friday, May 2nd! Guided tours of our Historic Manor House will be offered Friday through Saturday – specific tour times coming soon. 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 closer to opening weekend, see our visit page.

We’re looking forward to another great tour season!

Mother's Day Weekend - Mom's tours are FREE
2025-05-10 - 2025-05-11 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
May 10 & 11, 2025 – 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 10 and Sunday, May 11. 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. Other tour participants will need to buy their tickets at normal price.
Tours will be offered on Saturday at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:00 pm and on Sunday at 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm. For more information about our hours and pricing, check our visit page.
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.

Southern Maryland Heritage Festival
2025-05-17 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-05-18 11:00 - 17:00 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
May 17 & 18, 2025 – Historic Sotterley is excited to host the 2nd Southern Maryland Heritage Festival. Join us for an unforgettable two-day celebration of Southern Maryland’s rich history and culture, and the incredible people who make it unique. This festival promises something for everyone, so mark your calendars and get ready for an amazing experience!

Heritage Demos & Exhibits – Check out demonstrations and exhibits from Southern Maryland businesses and organizations, such as blacksmithing, jousting, quilting, antique tractor pulls, and more!
Food and Artisan Vendors – Shop one-of-a-kind hand-crafted goods made by local artisans, and enjoy fabulous food from local favorites!
Music & Entertainment – Music is part of our heritage! Enjoy live performances on our outdoor stage – more info about our performers to come.
Beer & Wine – Brews on tap and wine will be available at two locations on site. (Bring your ID!)
Kids Corner – Your little ones can enjoy games and other family-friendly activities at our designated kids area.
Wagon Rides – Take a scenic ride through Historic Sotterley on a tractor-pulled wagon ride.

Open House Tours – Explore some areas of our Manor House and learn some history from our experienced docents.

Don’t miss out on this vibrant celebration of Southern Maryland’s heritage. Bring your friends and family for a weekend filled with fun, learning, and community spirit! Event information will be updated as information becomes available.

Ticket Pricing
Two-Day Entrance (Adults): $18 in advance, $25 at the gate.
One-Day Entrance (Adults): $10 in advance, $15 at the gate

Children (12 & under): FREE

Boondocking at the Southern Maryland Heritage Festival
For the first time this year, the Southern Maryland Heritage Festival will allow 2 nights of on-site RV camping (May 16 & 17)! Guests will be able to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Sotterley and the festival experience.
Camping Registration costs $100 and includes 2 adult two-day tickets to the festival. To reserve your spot, please reach out to Sotterleyfest@gmail.com

Purchase Tickets Here!
Learn more about the Exhibitors, Vendors, Entertainment, Etc.!

Sotterley Presents: People & Perspectives with Lauren Zimmerman
2025-05-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
May 21, 2025 – The Southern Maryland Wine Growers Cooperative (SMWGC) was formed in 2007 by a group of local farmers, of which several were transitioning away from tobacco production to begin planting grapes. 12 farms came together to form the SMWGC making it the first grape-growing cooperative in the state of Maryland leading the way for viticulture and future wineries. With the help of local funding, the group opened Port of Leonardtown Winery in 2010 to process and sell their product. The Port of Leonardtown Winery has developed a strong reputation for producing premium wines grown from vineyards located throughout Maryland. The Winery is located in the prosperous town of Leonardtown and is open daily for wine tastings.
Lauren Zimmerman, winemaker at Port of Leonardtown Winery, will be joined by David Wood, current President of the Southern Maryland Wine Growers Co-op, and vineyard owner at Forest Hall Farm, who supplies grapes to Port of Leonardtown Winery to speak about the Southern Maryland Wine Growers Cooperative and Port of Leonardtown Winery.

This is a FREE in-person event. Registration is required.
All participants are welcome to join us for a pre-reception at 6:15 pm.

Register Here!

Lauren Y. Zimmerman has 20 years of experience managing different areas of the wine industry, from grape growing, and winemaking, to marketing and sales. After graduating with a degree in Enology, she purchased land and planted 5 acres of vines in her hometown of Wellington, Ontario, Canada. She has worked with wineries around North America and New Zealand, gaining experience from top players in the industry. Lauren met her husband and moved to Maryland in 2012. Since working with Port of Leonardtown Winery, the winery has brought home numerous prestigious awards, including five Best in Show trophies. Lauren is a big advocate for local tourism and is an ongoing ambassador for the local craft beverage industries.

Creating our own Natural Brushes with Jami Faith
2025-05-23 10:30 - 12:30 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
May 23, 2025 – You don’t need expensive brushes to create art, you can do it with things you forage around you! Creation Guide Jami will take us out on the grounds, as we walk about the garden and surrounding areas to gather leaves, twigs, pine needles etc.
Once we have acquired our own items we will return to the barn where we will assemble our brushes, play with the marks they make and then create a painting. A great way to create texture and unique patterns from various natural elements.

This opportunity is open to artists of all levels and ages. Registration is not required. $5 per person for non-members. FREE for Members. Please Arrive between 10:00-10:15 to pay your event fee at the Visitor Center.
Not a Historic Sotterley Member yet? Become a Member now!

Create Artwork from Nature All Around You with Jami Faith
2025-06-06 10:30 - 12:30 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
June 6, 2025 – Create art at Historic Sotterley by using objects found in nature. Creation Guide Jami will provide small accordian style books and guidance to our guests as we create prints from leaves and other natural elements. We will do a short walkabout on the grounds of Historic Sotterley , gathering items – lookinh for textures, and then return to the barn to make our own nature booklet.

This opportunity is open to artists of all levels and ages. Registration is not required. $5 per person for non-members. FREE for Members. Please Arrive between 10:00-10:15 to pay your event fee at the Visitor Center.

Not a Historic Sotterley Member yet? Become a Member now!

Sotterley Presents: People & Perspectives with Jennifer Ritterhouse
2025-06-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
June 11, 2025 – When white newspaper editor Jonathan Daniels set out to “discover the South” in his stately black Plymouth in the summer of 1937, he especially hoped to find the land that existed somewhere between the mythical old plantation and the sharecropper’s cabin, between Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind and Erskine Caldwell’s Tobacco Road. He succeeded. His published and unpublished accounts of his trip captured a panoramic picture of the South during the Great Depression. In Discovering the South: One Man’s Travels through a Changing America in the 1930s, historian Jennifer Ritterhouse follows Daniels on his journey to explore a wide range of interrelated topics, from the impact of the New Deal and the southern literary Renaissance, to the tragic Scottsboro case and planters’ and industrialists’ violent suppression of labor organizing.
The questions at the center of Discovering the South are big ones: What was the true nature of the South and its problems, and who was trying to address them–in what ways, against what opposition, and with what results–during the Roosevelt years? More provocatively, why, in the late 1930s when Jonathan Daniels, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and a great many other Americans were “traveling,” did the destination of a more just and egalitarian South prove so impossible to reach?

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

Register for In-Person Attendance Here!
Register for Virtual Attendance Here!

Jennifer Ritterhouse is Professor of History at George Mason University. She specializes in the history of the post-Reconstruction South, with emphasis on race and gender issues. She is the author of Discovering the South: One Man’s Travels Through a Changing America in the 1930s (UNC Press, 2017) and Growing Up Jim Crow: How Black and White Southern Children Learned Race (UNC Press, 2006). She is the editor of a reprint edition of Sarah Patton Boyle’s autobiography, The Desegregated Heart: A Virginian’s Stand in Time of Transition (UVA Press, 2001), and one of several co-editors of Remembering Jim Crow: African Americans Tell About Life in the Segregated South (New Press, 2001). Her current research focuses on the surprisingly southern history of the women’s rights projects of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in the 1970s.

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