Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime is a fun hour full of reading and activities in the William Paca Garden, a secret treasure in the Historic District of Annapolis. Each program is designed for little ones, 3-7 years, with a book reading, song, and craft/art project, plus time to explore the Paca Garden following the story hour. This Week’s Book: Max Celebrates Cinco de Mayo by Adria F. Worsham In Max Celebrates Cinco de Mayo, Max is invited to a fiesta at his friend José’s house. This holiday is a festive celebration of the...

Enjoy the Sounds of 60s Era San Francisco Bring your lawn blankets and chairs for a great day of local food, drink, and music! Band 600 Pounds of Sin will play music from the 60s, including that San Francisco sound!

On Sunday, May 7, the Odenton Heritage Society will open a special display, "Famous Farewells: VIP Funeral Trains through Odenton."  Funeral trains for American dignitaries were not new in the 20th century, but the Pennsylvania Railroad (today's Amtrak and MARC Penn Line) made this form of remembrance an institution.  Along the tracks, ordinary citizens paid their respects to Presidents William McKinley, Warren Harding, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, General Douglas MacArthur, and Senator Robert F. Kennedy as the trains rolled by.  The openness, public access, and outpouring of grief made the...

Join us to celebrate Preservation Month as Rachel Robinson, the new Vice President of Preservation at Historic Annapolis, examines the styles of architecture found in the city and introduces many of the outstanding examples of these styles among buildings you may know well or may not have noticed before. This talk will also introduce HA’s decades-old Marker Program, which can further help you to identify style and age of buildings when you are out enjoying the streets of Annapolis’ historic district. Other resources will be introduced that will help in...

A woman’s place is in the … workshop! Contrary to some modern misunderstandings of history, female colonists worked as hard as their male counterparts – not only in cooking & laundry, but in tavern-keeping, farming, and even silversmithing! This month we’ll highlight the work of 18th century women and their critical role in the creation of Maryland as we now know it. ​ $8 for member children ages 6-12 $10.50 for non-member children ages 6-12.​ Pre-registration is required.

A woman’s place is in the … workshop! Contrary to some modern misunderstandings of history, female colonists worked as hard as their male counterparts – not only in cooking & laundry, but in tavern-keeping, farming, and even silversmithing! This month we’ll highlight the work of 18th century women and their critical role in the creation of Maryland as we now know it. ​ $8 for member children ages 6-12 $10.50 for non-member children ages 6-12.​ Pre-registration is required.

The MHT Virtual Roadshow is for everyone--homeowners, government agencies, non-profit representatives, and members of the public--to learn about our programs, training, and grant funding opportunities. Come along to learn about MHT's role in historic preservation and architectural research, easement properties, the tax incentive program, cultural landscapes and heritage, tourism, and buildings under threat.

Presenter: Kasey Maes, National Archives While true crime has long fascinated humanity, finding physical records on historical cases can be a challenge. Crimes that once shook communities to their core are barely remembered, or become wisps of family lore of a great-grandfather who was found mysteriously murdered near the train tracks. How can you learn more about an old criminal case - referenced in a slip of paper, a brief article, or a single line in a book? To get an inside look at historical true crime research through archives, this...

Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime is a fun hour full of reading and activities in the William Paca Garden, a secret treasure in the Historic District of Annapolis. Each program is designed for little ones, 3-7 years, with a book reading, song, and craft/art project, plus time to explore the Paca Garden following the story hour. This Week’s Book: Mama Seeton’s Whistle by Jerry Spinelli Mama Seeton’s whistle to her family is heard throughout the neighborhood. Her children run home for dinner, chocolate cake, and kisses. Time passes and they travel...

For the first time, AAHPP has a new annual appropriation of $5 million, up from $1 million annually! AAHPP provides grants to assist in the preservation of buildings, sites, or communities of historical and cultural importance to the African American experience in Maryland. Attend this general in-person overview to learn how to apply and more.

The walls of the William Paca House are full of fine portraits and engravings, each with their own story to tell. This one-hour, curator-led tour through the house will focus on many of the fine works present and pieces that would have been hung throughout the home during the 18th century. Visitors will learn more about the artists behind the works, as well as some fascinating mysteries that are yet to be solved. Advance registration recommended; space is limited. Cost: $25 General Admission; $20 for HA Members, Military, and HA Docents

A tradition for over 40 years, the William Paca Garden Plant Sale provides the opportunity to take home a piece of history. HA volunteers personally raise over 8,000 plants – perennials, annuals, trees, vines, and vegetable starts – that represent the best of the old and the new. This year, you’ll find perennial offerings focused on native flowers, like white turtlehead, Virginia bluebells, and bleeding heart. Hostas and woodland phlox complement the shady garden, while sunny spaces shine with annuals like cockscomb, salvia, and zinnias. Bring drama to your fence...

In 1811, Frances Loockerman moved into the Hammond-Harwood House with her husband and three children. Over the next 46 years, she saw the neighborhood transform. On this walking tour of Maryland Avenue, led by Hammond-Harwood House Curator, Lucinda Dukes Edinberg, we will visit places Frances would have known, note changes she would have been aware of, and fill in the streetscape she could not have imagined. Tour begins in front of the Hammond-Harwood House, 19 Maryland Avenue.

Join the Friends of the Rising Sun Inn for a Make-Your-Own Mother’s Day Tea Cup Floral Arrangement program on Saturday, May 13 , 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Historic Rising Sun Inn located at 1090 General’s Highway, Crownsville. Celebrate Mother’s Day with the very special “make-your-own” event with a beautiful flower arrangement. Choose your flowers for a one-of-a-kind arrangement made by you! The price is $60.00 for one arrangement. If you want to make additional arrangements, advanced ordering is necessary. All materials and instructions are provided by professional florist,...

Visit the Museum of Historic Annapolis on the second Sunday of every month for Hands-On History Days. Drop in any time between 10 am and 2 pm for special family activities – a new theme each month means you and your family will want to visit again and again! Activities are included with Museum admission. In May, we are celebrating Preservation Month and sharing all about the importance of historic preservation! Engage with a preservationist and learn about the ongoing restoration of the James Brice House Learn about 18th century...

This Mother's Day, why buy your mom a bouquet when you can make one together? In this hour-long class, you'll enjoy mimosas and learn how to create beautiful arrangements for bouquets, centerpieces, wreaths, and more. While enjoying time with mom (or your bestie!), you'll each craft a gorgeous centerpiece to take home. ​Ages 21+ ​ Members: $35 Non-Members: $45

A tradition for over 40 years, the William Paca Garden Plant Sale provides the opportunity to take home a piece of history. HA volunteers personally raise over 8,000 plants – perennials, annuals, trees, vines, and vegetable starts – that represent the best of the old and the new. This year, you’ll find perennial offerings focused on native flowers, like white turtlehead, Virginia bluebells, and bleeding heart. Hostas and woodland phlox complement the shady garden, while sunny spaces shine with annuals like cockscomb, salvia, and zinnias. Bring drama to your fence...

The War of 1812 is the most misunderstood war in American history. But it turns out to have been nothing short of momentous, explains University of Maryland historian Richard Bell. Fought on three fronts, including on the streets of Washington, DC, the War of 1812 unfolded on a grand continental canvas. Like the American Revolution that preceded it, it combined bloody battlefield skirmishes with dramatic home-front conflicts that pitted neighbors and communities against one another. Like the Civil War that followed a half-century later, it was also a struggle involving...

Whether you’re a CEO, Executive Director, Board Chair, or Board member, your goal is the same: How can you build the best, most effective nonprofit board for your organization? The best boards include members who bring a breadth of diverse skills, talents and lived experiences. Whether your organization is small or large, all nonprofit organizations seek to find and engage the best people to serve as stewards of their organization through board service. But what is the best way to recruit new board members? And once you succeed, how do you retain...

From punches to bounces, syllabubs to juleps, colonists imbibed a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. At Colonial Cocktails, you’ll get to make and enjoy two historical drinks and learn about colonial tavern culture. This month, in honor of the Naval Academy Commissioning, we'll follow the history of gin and explore the role sailors played in spreading new drinks around the world. This month: Old Tom Gin & Tonic and Jenever & Bitters Participants must be 21+​ Members: $25 Non-Members: $33

Local artist Cynthia Shumaker joins us to lead a special Botanical Watercolor Workshop in the William Paca House Garden. Participants will learn the basics of working in watercolor and about expression through the watercolor medium as they complete a floral piece of art. All levels of experience are welcome! This creative workshop is a perfect gift for Mother’s Day or as a fun morning together with a friend. Supplies and materials included in ticket price; please feel free to bring your own smock and sun protection. Class will take place...

In this program, you’ll learn the history behind a popular colonial food and try your hand at making it. This month we’ll make non-alcoholic Syllabub, a frothy, fruity dessert drink. Participants must be 8+; children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Ingredients: heavy whipping cream, apple juice, lemons, sugar ​Members: $13 Non-Members: $17

Author Stephanie Verni

Join us for an afternoon of poetry with Maggie Benshaw, Poet Laureate of Annapolis  in the picturesque Paca Garden. Participants will have the opportunity to compose their own poems in our beautiful garden oasis, and then present their poetry to the audience during our special poetry open mic. (This event has been rescheduled from April 30.) Event Schedule: 2 pm – 3 pm – Compose poetry & explore the William Paca Garden 3 pm – 4 pm – Poetry Open Mic on our tented terrace *Each poet will have 4-5...

The Plant Sale is going hybrid! Following our in-person sale on Mother’s Day Weekend, HA is pleased to be able to offer remaining plant inventory for sale online. The online store will open at 10 am on Monday, May 22 at annapolis.org/shop. The online store will be available for shopping until 8 pm on Thursday, May 25! All orders must be picked up in person on the curbside pick-up date. Curbside Pick-Up Information Date: Saturday, May 27, 2023 Time: 10 am – 2 pm Location: 3 Martin Street, Annapolis, MD...

Participants will enjoy a 90-minute guided tour of the house that compares the customs and social graces of the Loockerman family, who lived in the Hammond-Harwood House in the early 19th century, with those of characters in Jane Austen novels. Make it extra special with Tea and a Tour! Hammond- Harwood House is proud to partner with Reynold’s Tavern of Annapolis. Reynold’s Taverns offers an extensive afternoon tea menu – a perfect pairing to enjoy before or after the Jane Austen Tour. Tours and tea are booked separately.  

This presentation explores the pivotal campaign of the War of 1812 that occurred in the Chesapeake Bay region, and particularly the events in Maryland. It will discuss such topics as the causes and conduct of the war, strategic setting of 1813-14, why the Chesapeake became a theater of war, the participation of Regular Army and Maryland Militia soldiers as well as civilians in the defense of the national capital and the state. The disasters at the battle of Bladensburg and subsequent British raid on Washington, as well as the land-sea...

On May 31, Green Drinks returns to the Graduate Hotel’s Trophy Room. We will celebrate the latest Earth-friendly practices the Graduate has integrated into its business practices this past year. City of Annapolis officials also will be on hand to talk about its bikeways trails and how the Graduate has played a role in making the College Creek Connector and West East Express happen. Innovation and collaboration are two themes that you will hear about on Wednesday from us and event sponsors like Biosafe, who will soon open its bioplastics...