The host of this month’s Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture (MCAAHC) Public Meeting is Commissioner Elinor Thompson, representing Anne Arundel County. Commissioner Thompson is the Founding member and president of Broadneck African-American Heritage Project, Inc. Thompson is an independent genealogist, historian and author and has contributed more than thirty five years of experience in preserving, archiving African American Church records and documenting African American cemeteries through genealogy and research. Join us to learn about upcoming initiatives of the commission, as well as hear from engaging speakers in...

On Saturday, October 7, the Odenton Heritage Society will open its doors for Odenton Day, the town's annual celebration.  Enjoy museum displays depicting the growth of Odenton as a railroad center and industrial town since the 1870s.  Learn how Odenton's railroad workers connected Baltimore, Washington, and Annapolis with train service before cars and highways were common.  "Odenton Eats and Treats" will feature the history of Odenton restaurants, with free food samples from today’s eateries.  A shuttle bus will provide frequent service from Odenton Day activities in the OVFC firehouse to...

Join award-winning poet Ellen Wise and Hammond-Harwood House executive director Barbara Goyette for an exploration of creative inspiration in the museum’s art collection, followed by a poetry writing session. Price: $15 | Members: $10

Visit the Museum of Historic Annapolis on the second Sunday of every month for Hands-On History Days. Drop in any time during event hours 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 October, drop by the Museum and learn about portrait miniatures.  Long before “selfies,” these mini-portraits were given as tokens of loyalty, friendship and love.    Learn more about these charming mini masterpieces and view some special miniatures...

Drop in and visit the William Paca Garden, a charming respite in the heart of bustling Annapolis. On this day, you’ll encounter the gentry of Annapolis enjoying a garden party, portrayed by the Annapolis Living Historians. Interact with these finely-dressed friends of William & Mary Paca and learn about the foods that were prepared to entertain their distinguished guests in the idyllic garden setting. Advance registration recommended, but not required; program included with admission to the Paca Garden. Please Note: this event is a living history program. Food is not...

In October, experience a spirited tour of the historic William Paca House highlighting tales of the past: sickness, treatments, and mourning rituals. You’ll be guided by candlelight on a special tour focusing on the treatment of diseases, the medical practices of the women of the era, the contributions of the enslaved, the local physicians, and the mourning rituals for their dearly departed. The tour continues in the physic garden to learn about the medicinal plants and their use during the 18th century and beyond. At the end of the tour,...

When Tom Paine, the author of Common Sense, died in June 1809 only a dozen people came to his funeral. This program with University of Maryland historian Dr. Richard Bell examines Paine’s meteoric rise to celebrity status during the American Revolution and his equally dramatic fall from grace in the decades afterwards. Once lionized as our most relatable and revolutionary founding father, Tom Paine died a pariah, too radical and uncompromising for the cautious new country he had called into being. Registration required. Registration closes one half hour prior to...

What makes the leaves turn colors in the fall?  What do the rings inside the trees tell us?  Who lives on, inside, and under trees?  Do trees move?  Do they communicate?  Find out as we look up and explore the canopy of London Town’s gardens.​ $8 for member children ages 6-12 $10.50 for non-member children ages 6-12.​ Please note: this program is best for children ages 6-9.

What makes the leaves turn colors in the fall?  What do the rings inside the trees tell us?  Who lives on, inside, and under trees?  Do trees move?  Do they communicate?  Find out as we look up and explore the canopy of London Town’s gardens.​ $8 for member children ages 6-12 $10.50 for non-member children ages 6-12.​ Please note: this program is best for children ages 6-9.

In October, experience a spirited tour of the historic William Paca House highlighting tales of the past: sickness, treatments, and mourning rituals. You’ll be guided by candlelight on a special tour focusing on the treatment of diseases, the medical practices of the women of the era, the contributions of the enslaved, the local physicians, and the mourning rituals for their dearly departed. The tour continues in the physic garden to learn about the medicinal plants and their use during the 18th century and beyond. At the end of the tour,...

It’s Friday the 13th! But why, exactly, is that something to cause a fright? Join us for a special candlelit experience at the William Paca House & Garden as we tour the home and explore early America’s belief in luck, witches, and magical charms.   Hear how people tried to guide their fate and protect their hearth and home from dangers, both seen and unseen. View a special collection item as you discover the hidden history of the past. Then, enjoy seasonal treats at the conclusion of the program. Advance registration...

It’s Friday the 13th! But why, exactly, is that something to cause a fright? Join us for a special candlelit experience at the William Paca House & Garden as we tour the home and explore early America’s belief in luck, witches, and magical charms.   Hear how people tried to guide their fate and protect their hearth and home from dangers, both seen and unseen. View a special collection item as you discover the hidden history of the past. Then, enjoy seasonal treats at the conclusion of the program. Advance registration...

On this cemetery tour, visitors will discover the fascinating lives of the men and women who called the Hammond-Harwood House home. Stories of love, tragedy, and insanity will be told in this 60-minute tour through the winding hills of the historic St. Anne’s burying ground. Tour begins at the cemetery entrance, between Northwest Street and College Creek. Participants will also receive a half-price admission to the Hammond-Harwood House. 20% of the proceeds are donated to the preservation of St. Anne’s Cemetery Price: $15 | Members: $10

Captain Avery Museum is preparing its 26th annual oyster festival, with this year’s waterfront gathering featuring good community company, fine regional music, an array of choice gifts for purchase, 50/50 raffle, local food and drink and the best oysters anywhere. Come out for the festival and fundraiser — winner in the past of the prestigious Best of the Bay award for Community Events — Saturday Oct. 14, from 12:30-5, on Captain Avery’s broad green lawn on the banks of the West River in Shady Side. Admission is $10 for members...

In October, experience a spirited tour of the historic William Paca House highlighting tales of the past: sickness, treatments, and mourning rituals. You’ll be guided by candlelight on a special tour focusing on the treatment of diseases, the medical practices of the women of the era, the contributions of the enslaved, the local physicians, and the mourning rituals for their dearly departed. The tour continues in the physic garden to learn about the medicinal plants and their use during the 18th century and beyond. At the end of the tour,...

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. Price: $12...

In October, experience a spirited tour of the historic William Paca House highlighting tales of the past: sickness, treatments, and mourning rituals. You’ll be guided by candlelight on a special tour focusing on the treatment of diseases, the medical practices of the women of the era, the contributions of the enslaved, the local physicians, and the mourning rituals for their dearly departed. The tour continues in the physic garden to learn about the medicinal plants and their use during the 18th century and beyond. At the end of the tour,...

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, we'll learn about the wines colonists drank with Hannah Wooley Punch, a claret-based punch, and Sangaree, made of fortified red wine.​ Participants must be 21+​ Members: $25 Non-Members: $33​ Please note: this program is held outside.

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: I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont   When Mama catches her son “paintin” pictures on the floor…and the ceiling…and the walls…and the curtains…and the door, she sticks him in the...

Professor Sydney Van Morgan lecture on slavery in the Crofton area

In October, experience a spirited tour of the historic William Paca House highlighting tales of the past: sickness, treatments, and mourning rituals. You’ll be guided by candlelight on a special tour focusing on the treatment of diseases, the medical practices of the women of the era, the contributions of the enslaved, the local physicians, and the mourning rituals for their dearly departed. The tour continues in the physic garden to learn about the medicinal plants and their use during the 18th century and beyond. At the end of the tour,...

In October, experience a spirited tour of the historic William Paca House highlighting tales of the past: sickness, treatments, and mourning rituals. You’ll be guided by candlelight on a special tour focusing on the treatment of diseases, the medical practices of the women of the era, the contributions of the enslaved, the local physicians, and the mourning rituals for their dearly departed. The tour continues in the physic garden to learn about the medicinal plants and their use during the 18th century and beyond. At the end of the tour,...

Join us for our annual Pumpkin Walk! Come celebrate the spooky season with games, crafts, snacks, storytelling, face painting, and a costume parade around the mansion. This event will also feature a brief tour of the mansion to introduce children to colonial superstitions and the special architecture of the Hammond-Harwood House. Wear your best costume for the selfie station! This family event is an Annapolis tradition not to be missed! Costumes encouraged. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. The ticket price includes the price of the family! Price: $25 |...

Come meet the United States Colored Troops (USCT), Union Army regiments during the U.S. Civil War that were primarily comprised of African Americans. Volunteer members of Company B  will share their in-depth understanding of the Civil War era through performing demonstrations of camp life, military service and general values of the Black Civil War soldier. Cost: Free ($5 suggested donation)

In October, experience a spirited tour of the historic William Paca House highlighting tales of the past: sickness, treatments, and mourning rituals. You’ll be guided by candlelight on a special tour focusing on the treatment of diseases, the medical practices of the women of the era, the contributions of the enslaved, the local physicians, and the mourning rituals for their dearly departed. The tour continues in the physic garden to learn about the medicinal plants and their use during the 18th century and beyond. At the end of the tour,...

Featuring the internationally renowned soprano Elissa Edwards, artist-in-residence at the Hammond-Harwood House, this spellbinding event weaves an enchanting tapestry of music inspired by Poe’s literary masterpieces, eloquent poetic recitations, and soul-stirring vocal performances.  With poetic readings and art songs featuring the text of Poe, you will step into a world of eerie atmospheres and spectral whispers as we transport you to the heart of Poe’s haunting tales. The historic ballroom of the Hammond Harwood House Museum becomes the stage for an unforgettable evening that promises to linger in your memory. We invite you to join...

Join this fun family event to support Anne Arundel County families and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. ​Get ready for a fun-filled day perfect for the entire family featuring: Fun and scenic 5k run course with lots of hidden zombies Kids Fun Run  Inflatable Costume Mad Dash Finish-line medals for all participants Participant shirts for all registered 5k participants Skele-bration Zone with lots of tricks and treats, including local food and beverage vendors Bring your friends and family out to The Brick Companies Zombie Dash 5k & Kids Fun Run....

Fear of crime was a concern in early America as it is today. Limited light sources heightened residents’ worries –sometimes fostered by superstitious beliefs –of thieves, wayward travelers, and pranksters. Families systematically shut-in, barred the front door, and retreated to family life, while others frequented the taverns, played in the streets, or engaged in other raucous behavior. On this tour, visitors will learn what the lock-down rituals would be for the Loockerman family in the early 19th century, as they try to keep their family secure. Mulled cider will be...

In October, experience a spirited tour of the historic William Paca House highlighting tales of the past: sickness, treatments, and mourning rituals. You’ll be guided by candlelight on a special tour focusing on the treatment of diseases, the medical practices of the women of the era, the contributions of the enslaved, the local physicians, and the mourning rituals for their dearly departed. The tour continues in the physic garden to learn about the medicinal plants and their use during the 18th century and beyond. At the end of the tour,...

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: Halloween is Coming by Cal Everett   “Marching in the school parade in frightening costumes that we’ve made; Look around, the signs are clear, Halloween is getting near!”   Get ready, ghosts, goblins,...

In October, experience a spirited tour of the historic William Paca House highlighting tales of the past: sickness, treatments, and mourning rituals. You’ll be guided by candlelight on a special tour focusing on the treatment of diseases, the medical practices of the women of the era, the contributions of the enslaved, the local physicians, and the mourning rituals for their dearly departed. The tour continues in the physic garden to learn about the medicinal plants and their use during the 18th century and beyond. At the end of the tour,...