This week in St. Mary's County

St. Mary’s County has so many great ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day and everyday! Find out what’s happening this week in St. Mary’s County!

What’s Featured, What’s Fun - Discover wonderful reasons to visit St. Mary’s County!

Valentine’s Dinner Deals

Tequila Grill and Sixty-Six Beans Valentine's Dinner & Dessert

Don't miss these great deals in Charlotte Hall! Enjoy a mouthwatering Mexican dinner for two at Tequila Grill for under $30, followed up by decadent desserts and coffee for $10 at Sixty-Six Beans. Visit tequilagrillmd.com or http://www.66beans.com/ for more information.

The Willows Valentine's Day Dinner

Join the Willows in celebrating Valentine's Day with a 5-course dinner for two for $65 per couple. Add a bottle of wine from the Willows' collection to complete your romantic meal! To find out more, or to make reservations, call 301-690-2019.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Wine and Chocolate
Treat your Valentine to local wines paired with gourmet European chocolates! Visit Port of Leonardtown Winery on February 11th and 12th to sample their wines and chocolate truffles from Chez Nous. For more information call 301-690-2192 or go to http://portofleonardtownwinery.com/.

Fine Dinning for Valentine’s
The Island Bar and Crab House will be offering their Valentine's Dinner on Saturday Feb 11 and Tuesday Feb 14. Treat your Valentine and yourself to a filet and lobster dinner, while enjoying the beautiful views of the Potomac. Special is $100 per couple. Call 301-994-1234 or visit www.stgeorgeislandinnandsuites.com for more information.

Savor the Season, Savor St. Mary’s - Taste the flavors of St. Mary’s County!

        Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a glass of local wine and some gourmet chocolates! St. Mary’s is home to two award winning wineries, Port of Leonardtown Winery and Slack Wines and Vineyards. Slack produces its grapes and wines with food in mind. Try Slack’s dessert wine, Danny Boy Danny, which makes “a perfectly sweet end to a perfectly sweet evening.” Port of Leonardtown Winery offers a great line up of reds, whites and rosés, to complement any meal. Sweeten up your Valentine’s Day with a glass of Autumn Frost, Port of Leonardtown’s Vidal Blanc dessert wine.

        Looking for the perfect companion for local dessert wines? How about some scrumptious sweets? Chez Nous, in downtown Leonardtown, has delectable, handcrafted chocolates that you can take home to share with your Valentine, if you can keep from eating them all yourself!

What’s New and of Note – Keep up-to-date on what’s up-and-coming in St. Mary’s!

        Visit Leonardtown's Chez Nous for ultimate indulgences! - Jeweler Balbina Meyer recently moved her shop "Art In Wire," from Park Avenue to Fenwick Street, reopening as Chez Nous. In addition to her line of fine custom jewelry, Chez Nous offers European-style chocolates produced by Baltimore-based chocolatier Albert Kirchmayr. 240-538-4571

 

Upcoming Events – Be a part of what’s happening in St. Mary’s County!

2nd Saturday at Sotterley
This Saturday, February 11, in honor of Black History Month and as part of the Second Saturday Series, Sotterley Plantation is offering specialty tours entitled, "To Live Enslaved." These specialty tours will run at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Hear the voices of the past and visit the places where African Americans lived and labored. Call 301-373-2280 or visit http://www.sotterley.org/ for more information.

Dance, Dance, Dance!

Dance a Virginia Reel!
Contra Dance -The Southern MD Traditional Music and Dance Association will host a Contra Dance on Saturday, February 11, 2011, at the St. Andrews Episcopal Church Hall, 44078 St. Andrews Church Road, California, MD 20619. The dance will begin at 7:30. Contra is a fun, traditional American style of social dance. Beginners are more than welcome and are encouraged to come early for friendly instructions and advice. Admission is $8. For more information, go to www.smtmd.org.

Dance the Cha-cha!
Ballroom and Swing Dance Party - Hosts Donna and Brian Jordan welcome you to a special Valentine's Day Dance this Saturday, February 11th. Enjoy an evening of dancing the Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Cha-Cha, and more at The House of Dance at 24620 Three Notch Road in Hollywood! Dance lessons will be followed by an evening of open dancing. Doors open at 6:45p.m. with dancing until 11p.m. Admission is $12 per person in advance and $15 at the door. For more information call 301-373-6330 or visit www.thehouseofdance.org.

Dance for Relay for Life!
Valentine's Day Dance Fundraiser for Relay for Life - On Sunday, February 12, Always There Companion Care will be holding a Valentine’s Day Dance to support Relay for Life, from 2 p.m. until 6:00p.m at the Mechanicsville Firehouse Hall. Tickets are $15.00 a couple. There will a raffle and door prizes from local restaurants. For further information or tickets call Colleen Morgan 240-431-1902.

Dance for Vets!
Southern Maryland Vacations for Vets Sweetheart Dance - On Saturday, February 11, a Sweetheart Dance will be held at the Brass Rail in Great Mills from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. to benefit Southern Maryland Vacations for Vets. Admission is $7.00 per adult, children under 12 are free. Vacations for Vets provides free of charge weekend retreats for our recovering troops from military treatment centers. For more information, contact Connie Pennington at 301-904-0707.

The Free State – Enjoy St. Mary’s without spending a dime!

Poetry Open Mic Night
Wednesday, February 08, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Share a favorite poem or one of your own, or just come to listen! Call 301-475-2846 or visit www.stmalib.org for more information.

Artist Opening Reception
Thursday, February 09, 5p.m.-8p.m.
The public invited to meet artist Willy Yowiski, at the Lexington Park Library Art Gallery. His work, which includes acrylic on canvas, collage, and spray paint on glass and canvas, will be on display. Call 301-863-8188 or visit www.stmalib.org for more information.

Nature Walk at Myrtle Point Park
Sunday, February 12, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day early with a heart healthy hike around the park! Join Bob Boxwell, Sunday afternoon in front of the gates at Myrtle Point Park. Look for signs of winter activities, including the return of the great blue herons to their rookery. For more information call Bob at 410-394-1300 or Dudley at 301-475-1858 E-mail: dlindsley@verizon.net

Joseph McGill to Speak at Sotterley Plantation - "Slave Cabin Project"



Historian Joseph McGill, Program
Officer for the National Trust for
Historic Preservation, adds Sotterley
Plantation's original 1830's Slave
Cabin to his "Slave Cabin Project",
as he continues his journey
throughout the Southeast.



Sotterley Plantation is presenting Joseph McGill's "Slave Cabin Project" on Sunday, July 10, 2011 at 1:00 p.m., as part of the 2011 Speaker Series at Sotterley.

The night prior to Joseph McGill's Sunday presentation, he will spend the evening in our original 1830's Slave Cabin. For the last year, he has been making his way throughout the Southeast sleeping in these historic structures in order to honor the memory of all the people who lived in these cabins and to bring much-needed attention and resources to slave cabin restoration. In a recent interview with NPR, McGill said, "You get inside these walls and you think about that time of slavery and wonder what went through these people's minds, because within these walls was probably the easiest time of their lives. We know that beyond those walls there was a lot of hard work and toil."

The Sotterley Speaker Series events are free to the public. Please call for reservations, as seating is limited: 301-373-2280. 

For more information, visit the links below:

http://mtairy.patch.com/articles/cliveden-opens-its-servants-quarters-for-the-first-time-in-its-history

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20110514/ARTICLES/110519748/1005/sports?Title=-No-heading-
http://articles.boston.com/2011-05-26/travel/29587103_1_slave-quarters-urban-slave-property-owners

http://www.fox8live.com/content/news/heartoflouisiana/story/Heart-of-Louisiana-Evergreen-Plantation/y2Z0NCfdtkeWfzK06l0GDw.cspx

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129281290

http://www.presnc.org/Preservation-News-Roundup/Slave-Cabin-Project

http://www.visitlexingtonmo.com/images/file/SlaveCabinProject.pdf

http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=18850

4th of July Festivities in St. Mary's County

St. Mary's County has a number of events over the 4th of July weekend where you can enjoy live music, fireworks, and time with family and friends.

Independence Day Weekend: Thomas Jefferson in his own words - River Concert Series

The Chesapeake Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Jeffrey Silberschlag will offer readings from Thomas Jefferson set to music and lots of festive, patriotic music, plus a salute to Naval Aviation's 100th Anniversary during the River Concert Series on July 1!  There will also be fireworks at the end of the concert.  The concert begins at 7 p.m. at St. Mary's College of Maryland on the lawn of the Townhouse Green.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase.  For more information, call 240-895-4107 or visit http://www.riverconcertseries.org/.  

Independence Day Celebration - Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department

On July 2, the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department will be holding it's Independence Day Celebration from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.!  There will be a variety of food vendors; a car, truck and bike show; kids games; live music by The Craze and HydraFX; and fireworks.  The cost is $5 per vehicle for spectators parking all day.  For more information, call 301-373-2900 or click here to view the flyer.

An Independence Day Celebration Concert - Sotterley Plantation

Sotterley Plantation is holding its annual Independence Day Celebration Concert on July 3 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.!  The event features the patriotic music renditions of the Chesapeake Orchestra Brass Quintet led by Maestro Jeffrey Silberschlag of St. Mary's College of Maryland.  Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch, lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of music on the Portico amidst the breathtaking view of the Patuxent River.  Bruster's Real Ice Cream, "On A Roll," and Sir Pops A Lots will be selling concessions.  There will also be a brown bag raffle, silent auction, and childrens activities.  All those with Military ID and their families are invited to celebrate this event free of charge.  General admission is $10 per vehicle.  For more information, call 301-373-2280 or visit http://www.sotterley.org/.

Site Re-Interpretation Results in a NEW Guided Tour at Sotterley Plantation

Sotterley Plantation now has a NEW Guided Tour called “Discovering Sotterley” of the 1703 Plantation House, which will be ready for public viewing on Sunday, May 1st, the first day of the 2011 tour season.



Photo courtesy of Sara Fisher

 A team of people came together beginning in the summer of 2010 to collaborate on the creation of a new guided tour for Sotterley Plantation. The goal was to not only gain a consistent and strong tour that would better recount Sotterley’s 300 year history, but to ensure that the stories of all who lived and worked here, including those enslaved, were remembered and told. The end result produced a tour which offers far more than Sotterley’s original goal, however, and the new tour will stand out in its approach and the experience it offers to visitors.

The new guided tour will still examine the complex and rich three century history of Sotterley Plantation, but will now also look at the site and its people through the lens of the Colonial Revival movement. At the turn of the 20th century when there was a resurgence of patriotism in our nation, the site was purchased and painstakingly restored by Herbert and Louisa Satterlee. Their restoration efforts focused on portraying the ideals of our colonial past, yet in doing so both highlighted and masked different aspects of Sotterley’s history. The new tour will not only offer new glimpses and perspectives into this National Historic Landmark’s past, but will also showcase collections pieces not previously displayed, which help to tell Sotterley’s stories.

This tour was made possible when Sotterley was awarded an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant last summer due to the efforts of Board of Trustees member Merideth Taylor. The new tour was written by Ken Cohen, Professor of History at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and this summer Professor Cohen will also help create a Plantation Tour of the grounds which will then be made into an audio tour for visitors. Finally, the grant will produce an audio version of the guided tour, a 10-minute video about Sotterley Plantation, and help place streaming videos on the website.

Sotterley Plantation's tour hours and prices are below:

1703 Plantation House Guided Tour: May 1 - October 31. Check in at the Visitor Center.

Prices: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 ages 6-12, 5 and under free.

Tuesday - Saturday: Tours at 10:30 & 11:30 am, 1, 2 and 3 pm. Sunday: Tours at Noon, 1, 2 and 3 pm.

For more information, call 301-373-2280 or visit http://www.sotterley.org/.

"Spies and Other Guests" - Sotterley's Holiday Candlelight Tours

This year’s Holiday Candlelight Tours at Sotterley Plantation will feature a time-traveling experience during the Civil War Era to Christmas 1864. On December 10th & 11th from 6 p.m.–10 p.m., this historical dramatization unfolds within the 1703 Plantation House, with stellar performances by The Sotterley Players.

The Civil War rages on throughout the Southeast, but the holiday spirit is alive and well at Sotterley. Upon entering the historic Plantation House, tour guests will have the opportunity to witness the annual holiday celebration of Dr. Walter Hanson Stone Briscoe and Mrs. Emaline Briscoe. Along with their family and closest friends, this year’s guest list also includes “Spies and Other Guests”! The mood is one of joyous merriment as enchanting stories are shared.

Live musical performances from local premiere high school choral groups and complimentary cookies and punch will be available in the historic Barn, prior to the reserved tour time. Reservations are required.  The first tour begins at 6 pm.  Tours run every 10 minutes.
Save time and buy your tickets online for $15 per person: http://www.sotterley.org/.  Tickets can also be purchased by phone for $16 each by calling 301-373-2280.

Family Plantation Christmas at Sotterley Plantation

Family Plantation Christmas will be held on Saturday, December 4th, 2010 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Sotterley Plantation, offering a full day of wonderment and Christmas spirit!
New for 2010! Craft Vendors for choosey shoppers. Petting Zoo – for animal lovers. Demonstration by the Sotterley Garden Guild on Swag-Making. Patuxent Voices, a women’s acapella group, to perform Christmas favorites from various periods of history.

And the old favorites: Let Santa know what you want for Christmas, purchase scrumptious treats from Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, sing along with the carolers, make holiday crafts, visit the Sotterley Museum Shop to find unique holiday gifts while the children are buying presents at Santa’s Secret Shop, and purchase seasonal greens and hand-crafted items from Sotterley’s Garden Guild!

Make this Christmas event part of your family tradition!  The cost is $5 per person at the gate.

For more information, call Sotterley Plantation at 301-373-2280 or visit http://www.sotterley.org/.

Speaker Series: Ralph Eshelman, Ph.D. - "Vestiges of the War of 1812 Along the Patuxent”

Sotterley Plantation, in partnership with The Boeing Company, will proudly present Dr. Ralph Eshelman as part of the 2010 Speaker Series on October 22 at 7 p.m. Widely published, he lectures on military and maritime history, polar exploration, geology and paleontology. His lecture on The War of 1812 in the Chesapeake Bay area, focusing specifically upon our area of Southern Maryland, will be based on research disclosed in his recently published book, The War of 1812 in the Chesapeake: A Reference Guide to Historic Sites in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

The former Director of the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, Maryland, Dr. Eshelman worked as a Research Associate in the Department of Paleobiology at the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution. He is active in several professional and civic organizations including past president of the Council of American Maritime Museums, American Association for Quaternary Environment, founding vice-president of the National Maritime Preservation Task Force of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, vice-president for Science and Stewardship of the Maryland-Washington D.C. Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Society for Historical Archaeology, Patuxent Riverkeeper, and Society of Vertebrate Paleontology.

Research interests have taken Dr. Eshelman all over the globe. He is the owner of Eshelman & Associates, a cultural resource management consultancy firm and partner in a lighthouse preservation firm. He is a consultant to the National Park Service. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan with a major in geology and vertebrate paleontology and a minor in ecology.

This event is free to the public. Please call Sotterley Plantation for reservations: 301-373-2280.  To learn more, visit http://www.sotterley.org/.

Ghosts of Sotterley Tours: “The Civil War at Sotterley – the Nation will rise again … and so will the dead!”

The Nation is divided by the Civil War and the death toll is rising. Danger lurks at every turn … especially for Confederate sympathizers, as were the inhabitants of Sotterley during this era.

On October 14, 15 and 16, the “Friends of Sotterley” acting troupe promises even more thrills and chills than last year. For the second year, the incomparable James LePore has written a script of intrigue, surpassing his prior stab at creative genius and the ultimately spooky! Under the direction of Dawna Diaz and featuring the technical wizardry of Ming Diaz, the entire creative team offers a seemingly real-to-life (and death) exposure to Sotterley Plantation during this most volatile time in history. This historic dramatization walking tour unfolds at various outdoor locations around the plantation, so dress appropriately for the weather. Guests are also invited to take the chill off by a roaring bonfire (weather permitting) and to enjoy treats available for purchase.

Reservations are required for this event.  Tours start every 10 minutes beginning at 7 PM.  New this year: “Save Time, Buy Online at http://www.sotterley.org/!" The cost is $13 per person. Order online and receive a 10% off coupon for our Museum Shop!  This event may not be suitable for young children.  Phone orders: $14 per person, 301-373-2280.

An Independence Day Celebration Concert at Sotterley Plantation

For a traditional and quaint 4th of July celebration, visit Sotterley Plantation for their annual Independence Day Celebration Concert on Sunday, July 4th from 1:00 p.m. - 4 p.m. Come and enjoy an afternoon of music on the Portico, while taking in the breathtaking view of the Patuxent River! Pack your picnic baskets, bring along your lawn chairs and blankets, and listen to the patriotic music renditions of the Chesapeake Orchestra Brass Quintet led by Maestro Jeffrey Silberschlag of St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

To cool things down, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, with tasty ice cream, will offer a selection of their standard favorite flavors. “On A Roll” will sell hot dogs, the great American food, with a variety of favorite fixings. And since no event is complete without kettle corn, Sir Pops A Lots will be on the hill popping away. Beer, wine, and cold drinks will also be available for purchase. Take a chance at winning prizes at the Brown Bag Raffle and Silent Auction, including toys large and small, wine for the discerning taste, original artwork and prints, and the gastronomic delights from local restaurants. Fun activities for children, too!

As a special and sincere thanks, all those with a Military ID are invited to celebrate this event free of charge. General Admission is $10 per vehicle.

For more information on Sotterley Plantation events, visit http://www.sotterley.org/.

Half Price Admission for Dad

Sotterley Plantation is offering a special gift for all fathers on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 20, 2010. From Noon - 4 p.m., fathers will receive a Guided Tour of the Plantation House at HALF PRICE.

You and your father are welcome to stroll the exquisite blooming gardens, walk the plantation grounds and nature trails, see the historic outbuildings including the original 1830’s Slave Cabin, or picnic out on the lawn while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Patuxent River at Sotterley Plantation. Top off the day with buying a memorable gift at the Museum Shop, now located in the NEW Visitors Center. It will be a day he will never forget!

For more information on upcoming Sotterley Plantation events, visit http://www.sotterley.org/.

Free At Last! Black History Celebration

Rescheduled from the Blizzard of February 2010! At Last, indeed! On June 26, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Sotterley Plantation is partnering with The Boeing Company to offer this important all day, free to the public event, as part of the 2010 Speaker Series: FREE at Last! ~ Black History Celebration!

As time passes, life changes. Learning from the tragic mistakes of the past, we come together as a community of FREE people. One of the ways to honor the past is to recognize: It should not be forgotten. Our reflection upon the past helps us to measure our progress and strive for improvement in the future. In the 1790’s, Sotterley held nearly 100 enslaved people, who were largely responsible for the prosperity of this once over 4,000 acre plantation. Today we honor the sacrifices, struggles, and survival of those who have been lifted.

For a full day, there will be character presentations, tours of the original 1830’s Slave Cabin, hands-on learning, children’s activities, and the soulful praising performances by the St. Peter Claver Choir at 11 a.m. and the Southern Maryland Gospel Choir at 2:00 p.m.

Sandi English will revive her performance of “Mammy Reminiscence” at 11 a.m. in the Customs Warehouse. Having mastered the art of African-American storytelling, she and her daughter Liana will transport guests back in time to when slaves risked all to make their way to freedom. At 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Ms. English will take on the persona of “Grandma Wisdom,” who recounts the significance of the more modern-day revolution for equality to her questioning granddaughter.

Sotterley Plantation Education Director Carolyn Hoey will give Slave Cabin Tours featuring slave inventories, new findings from the 2009 restoration project of this important structure, and a hands-on exhibit of day to day tools and household items used by the slaves.

Because of the generous grant and continued support from The Boeing Company, Sotterley Plantation is able to offer this important community outreach, fulfilling its mission of serving as an educational resource and cultural venue while it seeks to preserve, interpret and research the plantation’s diverse cultures and environments through its history.

This event is free to the public.  For more information, visit http://www.sotterley.org/ or call 301-373-2280.

Fourth of July in St. Mary’s County

The Fourth of July weekend is always a special one in St. Mary’s County for residents and visitors.

The holiday weekend in 2010 will start for many on Friday, July 2 at the River Concert Series at St. Mary’s College. The July 2 concert will showcase the Chesapeake Orchestra and conclude with fireworks. On Saturday, July 3, the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department has an event-filled day planned and will launch fireworks after dusk. The Annual Independence Day Celebration and Concert will be held on Sunday, July 4 at Sotterley Plantation from 1-4.

The holiday weekend in St. Mary’s County will begin by “Summoning the Heroes” at the Lawn of St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Jeffrey Silberschlag and the Chesapeake Orchestra welcome the 4th of July weekend with music of John Williams, George Gershwin and Sousa Marches, featuring Brian Ganz, piano, the Sax Quartet from the “President’s Own Marine Band” in P. Goldstein’s “Abundant Air” and Ian Chaava, Young Artist Concerto Competition runner-up PLUS Fireworks!! Additional information about the River Concert Series can be found at www.smcm.edu/rcs.

An old-fashioned Independence Day Celebration on July 3 is being staged at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department with live music by No Green Jelly Beenz from 7-11, carnival food and games in the evening and a car, truck and bike show during the day. A fireworks display is planned for dusk. For more information, call 240-925-7863 or visit http://www.hvfd7.com/.

The Independence Day Concert at Sotterley on July 4 will feature the Concert on the Lawn. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Members of Sotterley and military families are free; other visitors will be charged one fee per car. For more information on membership and Sotterley, log on to http://www.sotterley.org/.

Improve Your Outdoor Photography Skills!

On Saturday, June 12th, award-winning nature photographer Robert Tinari will offer his guidance and expertise to students during an Outdoor Photography Workshop at Sotterley Plantation. His instruction will include the basic fundamentals of capturing the essence of a subject with a camera, with the emphasis being on gardens and architectural applications.


Mr. Tinari works as a commercial and fine art photographer and is a master printmaker. Regularly chosen to appear in juried art competitions, his photographs have also been used in calendars, magazines and websites. He teaches photography and lectures on fine art photography throughout the Washington, DC area, and judges photography contests throughout the area. Robert is an active member and strong supporter of Sotterley Plantation.

FEES:

• $85 for non-members of Sotterley Plantation
• $75 for current members of Sotterley Plantation

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Sotterley Plantation.

To register, please contact Robert at 410-286-5445 or email him at roberttinari@comcast.net. Class size is limited.

David J. O'Neill to Speak on "Conservation and Exploration - Understanding the Capt. John Smith Trail"

On June 4 at 7 p.m., Sotterley Plantation, in partnership with The Boeing Company, will host David O’Neill, President of the Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail, as part of the Speaker Series 2010 at Sotterley.  He will share the story of Capt. John Smith and the creation of the first water-based national historic trail delving into the politics and the policy behind the new park entity. Current plans to implement the Trail, highlighting how it is being used to advance geo-tourism and regional conservation planning policy and practice will also be discussed.


Best known in the Chesapeake region for his leadership of the Chesapeake Bay Trust, Mr. O’Neill increased revenues by 200 percent during his tenure and more than doubled its grant making to support Chesapeake Bay environmental restoration and protection activities. While at the Trust, he helped develop and pass several important pieces of legislation, including the Chesapeake Bay 2010 Trust Fund that dedicates millions of dollars annually for Bay restoration. He was awarded the prestigious Andrew White Medal from Loyola University for outstanding commitment to the Chesapeake Bay and the State of Maryland. He has also presented papers and given speeches on issues of land use and environmental policy in cities across the United States and in Europe.

Because of the generous grant and continued support from The Boeing Company, Sotterley Plantation is able to offer this important community outreach, fulfilling its mission of serving as an educational resource and cultural venue while it seeks to preserve, interpret and research the plantation’s diverse cultures and environments through its history.

This event is free to the public. Please call Sotterley for reservations: 301-373-2280.  For more information, visit the Sotterley Plantation website, http://www.sotterley.org/.

Mother's Day Fun at Sotterley!

Sotterley Plantation is offering a special gift for all mothers on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9, 2010. From Noon until 4 p.m., mothers will receive a Guided Tour of the Plantation House at HALF PRICE!

You and your mother are invited to stroll the exquisite blooming gardens, walk the plantation grounds and nature trails, see the historic outbuildings including Sotterley's original 1830’s Slave Cabin, or picnic out on the lawn while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Patuxent River. Top off the day with buying a memorable gift at the Museum Shop, now located in Sotterley's NEW Visitors Center. It will be a day she will never forget!

For more information on upcoming Sotterley Plantation events, visit http://www.sotterley.org/.

"Museum-On-The-Go" Event - Discover U Children's Museum

Discover U Children’s Museum is holding a “Museum-On-The-Go” event at Sotterley Plantation on Saturday, May 8th from 9:00 a.m. until noon. The event is free for children of all ages.


A group of committed parents and grandparents, educators and business leaders, Discover U Museum is dedicated to bringing an exciting children's museum to Southern Maryland. The Museum-On-The-Go is a hands-on, interactive, and creative place where children can play to learn and discover all that they are and all that they can do.  Kids will be able to plant their own mini-gardens to take home and watch grow!

And be sure to stop by the Sotterley Garden Guild Plant Sale and Free Plant Exchange on the very same day from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Own a piece of Sotterley Plantation by purchasing plants from Sotterley’s Colonial Revival Garden. During the Plant Exchange, exchange your plants for other annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, shrubs, trees, bulbs and seed for free.

For more information, contact Sotterley Plantation at 301-373-2280 or visit http://www.sotterley.org/.  Be sure to also check out the Sotterley Plantation blog by visiting http://sotterleyplantation.blogspot.com/!

The Sotterley Garden Guild Plant Sale and Free Plant Exchange

New Extended Hours! The Sotterley Garden Guild Plant Sale and Free Plant Exchange will take place at Sotterley Plantation on Saturday, May 8th, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Plant Sale will run for the full extent of the day, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., where guests are able to purchase plants from Sotterley’s Colonial Revival Garden. The Free Plant Exchange will run from 10:00 a.m. to Noon only. Your plants in exchange for other annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, shrubs, trees, bulbs and seeds! For Free Plant Exchange information, call 301-904-3439.


Because of their dedication to this National Historic Landmark, the Sotterley Garden Guild has not only raised thousands of dollars in support of Sotterley Plantation, but they are also responsible for the exquisite gardens. Their passion for beauty is evident to the smallest of details, so take the opportunity to appreciate their horticultural artistry!

For more information on upcoming Sotterley Plantation events, visit our website at http://www.sotterley.org/.

Speaker Series at Sotterley: Flo Stone

Sotterley Plantation, in partnership with The Boeing Company, is presenting Ms. Flo Stone, President and Founder of the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital on Friday, April 30 at 7 p.m. She will highlight the 13 day program of the 2010 Festival with a special collection of film clips, a celebration of the diversity of outstanding environmental films. Clips to be featured at Sotterley will include selections from:

The Music Tree (a Festival award winner for artistry in film); Portrait films of distinguished writers of fiction and non-fiction (Peter Mattheissen and Frederic Back); A look at the remarkable Olympic Sculpture Garden in Seattle; Pearl Fryer’s topiary garden in Bishopville, South Carolina; A prize winning film about an orangutan - victim of forest destruction in Indonesia; Discussions with a family showing how they produce over 6,000 lbs. of homegrown organic crops on less than a quarter of an acre; Megamall explores the origins of the massive Palisades Center Mall built just north of Manhattan; Araya, a brilliant 1959 black & white film about the life of salt miners in Venezuela, winner of the International Prize at Cannes.

Stone’s extensive experience in film includes: public programs at the American Museum of Natural History, Founder of the Margaret Mead Film Festival, Film Chair for the Smithsonian’s Biodiversity Symposium, establishment of the Earthwatch Film Awards at the National Geographic, and preparation of filmographies for the Ocean exhibit at the Smithsonian and for the Festival of Indonesia.

Because of the generous grant and continued support from The Boeing Company, Sotterley Plantation is able to offer this important community outreach, fulfilling its mission of serving as an educational resource and cultural venue while it seeks to preserve, interpret and research the plantation’s diverse cultures and environments through its history.

FREE to the public. Call for Reservations: 301-373-2280.

A Blooming Good Time! The Second Annual Garden Fair at Sotterley

The Second Annual Garden Fair at Sotterley Plantation will take place the weekend of April 17th and 18th, 2010 from 10am – 4pm. This year’s event will include a wide array of things to do, offering something for everyone!

The entire site will be a flurry of activity: Presentations on everything from Orchid Growing to Oyster Ranching by University of Maryland Professors, Environmental Experts, and Master Gardeners in the historic Barn. Pick up a mallet and play croquet on the Croquet Lawn. Shop the booths abundant with beautiful hand-crafted wares by local Artisans. Fly a kite down on the field. Check out the Going Green! and eco-friendly exhibits. Take a tour through the magnificent Colonial Revival Gardens. Children are welcome to craft birdhouses, birdfeeders, and paper flowers. Enjoy lunch in the garden. Pick up some lovely additions for your garden at the Sotterley Garden Guild plant sale.

Admission is $7 for one day; $10 for a two day pass (Sotterley Members free the second day); Children under 12 FREE.

For more information, contact Sotterley Plantation at 301-373-2280 or visit http://www.sotterley.org/.

Photo by Sara Fisher.

Local Author’s New Book about Sotterley!

Sotterley Plantation has announced the release of David G. Brown’s newly published book, Sotterley ~ Her People and Their Worlds. Generously, all of the proceeds of the publication will be donated to Sotterley Plantation. His motive: “I love the place. I want to see Sotterley succeed … to survive for future generations.”

With retirement from his long-standing career with the U.S. State Department at the beginning of the new millennium, Dave and his wife Erna adopted Southern Maryland as their second home and were introduced to Sotterley Plantation. The connection was immediate, and they dove into volunteer work. For the past decade, they have dedicated time, resources and energy to this National Historic Landmark and its mission. Brown’s impressive work experience, combined with his passion for Sotterley’s history as an Interpreter and member of the Education Committee’s Oral History Project, motivated him to write the stories of some 50 people who lived and worked at Sotterley over 300 years.

The story of Sotterley Plantation began shortly after the founding of Maryland and continued over the next three centuries. It rose from humble beginnings, prospered in the age of tobacco and slavery, endured The Great Depression, and survived three wars, only to stumble toward imminent ruin until a generous fate brought both restoration and a renewed relevance for our time. Some who resided at Sotterley were socially prominent, though many were not. Some were free, while others were enslaved. Some were white, many more were black. Yet together their stories have much to tell us about the history of Southern Maryland and a maturing Chesapeake society.

The book is $17. To order, call Sotterley Plantation at 301-373-2280 or email Kim Husick at officemanager@sotterley.org.