Grave Matters at Historic St. Mary's City

Experience life and death in 17th -century Maryland in a unique theatrical event that’s the perfect Halloween treat. Walk historical paths by moonlight as Maryland’s colonists provide a glimpse of their days and nights that’s entertaining, illuminating, and possibly haunting. End your evening in the old town by taking an optional horse-drawn carriage ride to the Brick Chapel, where a violin duet will serenade visitors.


Grave Matters will take place at Historic St. Mary’s City on Friday and Saturday, October 29 and 30. Tours will be offered every 15 minutes from 6:30 pm to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for visitors age 12 and up and $15 for those ages 6-12. Children 5 years and under visit free. Friends of Historic St. Mary’s City and St. Mary’s College of Maryland students with an ID enjoy a discounted rate of $15. Advance ticket purchase is required. Call the Historic St. Mary’s City Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday at 1-800-SMC-1634 or 240-895-4990 to reserve your place.

To ensure the best experience for everyone, parental guidance is suggested. Some material may not be suitable for young children.

This event is made possible through support by Brinsfield Funeral Home and the Historic St. Mary’s City Foundation. For more information about this event or the museum, call or visit http://www.stmaryscity.org/.

Get into the Halloween Spirit on a Ghost Tour

Sites and attractions throughout St. Mary’s County will be holding ghost tours in the weeks leading up to Halloween! Come hear the spooky history and legends of Sotterley Plantation, Summerseat Farm, Point Lookout Lighthouse, and Historic St. Mary’s City.

On October 14, 15 and 16, Sotterley Plantation will tell the tales of the Civil War and the experiences of Sotterley’s inhabitants, who were Confederate sympathizers during this volatile time in history. Tours will start every ten minutes beginning at 7 p.m. and tickets are limited.  Visit Sotterley's website, http://www.sotterley.org/, for more information.

Summerseat Farm will be holding its ghost walk, “The Gates of Summerseat,” on October 21, 22 and 23. “The Gates of Summerseat” will feature 332 years of history, lore, and legend at one of America’s oldest – and most storied – farmsteads. Tours run from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and tickets are limited.  Visit Summerseat's website, http://www.summerseat.org/, for more information.

Point Lookout State Park also has some eerie tales to tell. During Spirits of Point Lookout on October 29 and 30, guests will be taken on historically representative interactive tours of Point Lookout featuring the site’s many legendary tragedies and hauntings. The tours will run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Advance ticket purchases are recommended.  Visit the Spirits of Point Lookout website, http://www.spiritsofpointlookout.com/, for more information.

Historic St. Mary’s City will share the story of its early inhabitants and what happened to them after their deaths during Grave Matters on October 29 and 30.  Experience life and death in 17th century Maryland as you walk historical paths by moonlight with Maryland’s colonists providing a glimpse of their days and nights that’s entertaining, illuminating, and possibly haunting. Tours will run every 15 minutes from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Visit Historic St. Mary's City's website, http://www.stmaryscity.org/, for more information.

For more information on the ghost tours and other upcoming events, visit the St. Mary’s County Division of Tourism website, http://www.visitstmarysmd.com/.

Legends and Lore Tours at Sotterley Plantation

Over the years, many have lived at Sotterley Plantation … and died. Some have gone to their rest, yet others continue to be restless. On Saturday, January 23rd, Education Director, Carolyn Hoey will lead guests on this eerie after-hours tour experience through the over 300 year old Mansion.

Over the past few years, the Legends and Lore Tours have grown in popularity, with visitors coming from both near and far. At various times, some have had “experiences” of their own while taking this tour. For those who have longed to hear about actual spirit sightings from past to present at Sotterley Plantation, this is the tour to take. Stories of unexplained happenings will be shared, providing guests with enough information to decide whether or not they believe.

Space on the tours is limited and visitors must be ages 16 and up.  Tickets are $20 per person.  There will be two tours.  The first tour begins at 5 p.m. and the second tour begins at 7 p.m.  Reservations are required.  For more information, contact Sotterley Plantation at 301-373-2280 or visit http://www.sotterley.org/.