Thursday, June 20, 2013



Please patronize the generous businesses and individuals whose gifts made the silent and live auctions the centerpiece of our Gala in the Garden!   Thank you to all of our attendees, we can't wait to see you next year!   


Saturday, February 16, 2013

Camp Skipping Stone at Sotterley!


Summer will be here soon and it's time
to start making summer plans for your children.
 
Add the Summer Mini Camps at Sotterley -
"Camp Skipping Stone" to your list!
 
Registration forms will be available on our website
by the end of February: www.sotterley.org.  
 
 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

SPRING Break at Sotterley!


 NEW EVENT for 2013!!!
Spring Break at Sotterley!
 
Monday, March 25 - Friday, March 29
from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
 
Daily Activities


 
Living in the Big House
11 AM, 1,2,3 PM  (Tour 30 minutes) 
Visit Sotterley’s 1703 Plantation House in this family friendly, interactive tour. Learn about the people and families who lived and worked in this house and their daily activities.  Check in at the Visitor’s Center. (House is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.  Limited to 20 persons per tour. )
 

 
Discovering Sotterley Farm
10 AM - 3 PM  (30-45 minutes)
Become Charles Knott, Sotterley’s farm manager from 1910-1960. Learn about the early 20th century farm and Sotterley’s outbuildings and history through this interactive audio grounds tour. Available at the Visitor Center. 

 

Sotterley, A Tidewater Legacy
10 AM -3 PM (15 minutes)
See this film about Sotterley’s 300 year history beginning   every half hour in the Visitor Center.

 
Self-Guided Activities

Go for a walk on Sotterley’s nature trails!
(Map available at the Visitor Center)
 
Visit the Discovery Room at the Creamery!
 
Visit Sotterley’s Colonial Revival Gardens!
 
Go on the Sotterley Scavenger Hunt!
(Details at the Visitor Center)
 
Have a picnic on the grounds!
 
Visit Sotterley’s Play Area located in front of the Barn!
 
Visit the Museum Shop for admissions, gifts, books, toys, snacks, and other items for purchase.
 
 
 
 
Monday

Guided Trail Walk -- 11 AM: Meet your guide for a nature walk about Sotterley’s plant and animal life. Begins behind the Slave Cabin (45 Minutes).  A family activity.
Colonial Games on the Portico - 1-3 PM:  Play games and have fun as children did centuries ago on the river side of the 1703 Plantation House.  A come and go family activity.

 
Tuesday

Family Archaeology - 11-1 PM:  Families join in together to learn about  the science of Archeology. Set up a grid, find and analyze artifacts. A come and go family activity. Follow the trail signs behind the Barn.
Learning at the Schoolhouse - 1-3 PM: Come and join the class in this 19th century schoolroom and  learn like  children did at Sotterley long ago in the North Gatehouse. A come and go  family activity.

Wednesday

Working for the Big House - 11-1 PM: Learn how workers, both enslaved and free, did food preparation, laundry, and other domestic  chores at the Spinning Cottage.  A family come and go activity.
Life at the Slave Cabin - 1-3 PM: Visit the Slave Cabin to learn about the people who lived here in the 19th century.  A family come and go activity.

 
Thursday

Colonial Games on the Portico - 11-1 PM: Play games and have fun as children did centuries ago on the river side of the 1703 Plantation House. A come and go family activity.
Learning at the Schoolhouse - 1-3 PM: Come and join the class in this 19th century schoolroom and  learn like children did at Sotterley long ago. A come and go family activity.

 
Friday

Family Archaeology - 11-1 PM: Families join in together to learn about  the science of Archeology. Set up a grid, find and analyze artifacts. A come and go family activity. Follow the trail signs behind the Barn.
Life at the Slave Cabin - 1-3 PM:  Visit the Slave Cabin to learn about the people who lived here in the 19th century. A family come and go activity.
Guided Trail Walk - 2 PM: Meet your guide for a nature walk about Sotterley’s plant and animal life. Begins behind the Slave Cabin (45 Minutes).  A family activity.
 

Family Admission Prices  -  A FAMILY is up to two adults per household and their children under age 21.

$15-Includes all activities for ONE day of Spring Break at Sotterley for one family EXCEPT Living in the Big House tour.
$20-Includes all activities for ONE day of Spring Break at Sotterley for one family including Living in the Big House tour.  House tours are limited.
$65-Family Membership  -  Purchase a family membership for Spring Break! Includes all activities for FIVE days of Spring Break at Sotterley for one family including ONE Living in the Big House tour.  House tours are limited.  Also enjoy Family Membership privileges that includes admission and tours during the regular season May 1-Oct. 31 for two adults and any children under 21.
 

Monday, February 11, 2013

The Nook & Crannies of the 1703 Plantation House


MARCH
2nd Saturday Series Event:


“FROM THE GROUND UP”
Saturday, March 9, 2013
1:00 & 3:00 p.m.

Back by popular demand! From the basement to the attic of Sotterley’s 1703 Plantation House there are numerous nooks and crannies rarely seen by most people. Presented by Sotterley’s Restoration Manager John O'Rourke, this exclusive tour will reveal how the structure was built and what the various spaces tell us about the over 300 year history. Limited to 16 people per tour.
(Snow date 3/23/13).
 
 

Spring & Summer FUN for Kids!

 

 
SPRING BREAK at Sotterley!
March 25 ~ 29, 2013
10:30 a.m. ~ 4:00 p.m.
Family Friendly House Tours, Audio Grounds tours,
Special Children and Family interactive presentations. 
Stay tuned for all the details!
 
&


"CAMP SKIPPING STONE"   
SUMMER MINI CAMPS AT SOTTERLEY PLANTATION
How Kids Used to Play   
 
July 15 – 17, 2013 Grades 3 – 5
July 22 – 24, 2013 Grades 6 – 8
      July 29 – 31, 2013 Grades 3 – 5      

Children learn and play the old-fashioned way, with self-direction, imagination, creativity, and time flexibility. Activities are based on children's choices and interests, development of new skills, and site conditions, using a small group and very hands-on format. Groups are limited to 25 students. Tuition: $95. Tuition for children of Sotterley Members: $85.
Registration forms will be available online soon:
www.sotterley.org.


Saturday, February 9, 2013

Le Bon Bayou - Let the Good Times Roll!

This year's Gala in the Garden
theme has been announced:
 
Le Bon Bayou!

Mark You Calendar: Saturday, June 15th at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets will be available soon.

When you enter our gardens, you will swear you are in Louisiana ~ the canopy of Spanish moss, the shiny, sparkly, upbeat decor, the cuisine with a spicy kick, and the fun and funky zydeco beat! And make sure you have your checkbook on hand - our goal is to top our Live and Silent Auction items of previous years, which have been fabulous! And new this year: the MYSTERY RAFFLE!


Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler!
We hope you will join us this year!

Thursday, January 31, 2013

The Garden is Calling You!

 


A Call for Volunteers
for the
Sotterley Garden Guild

People come to Sotterley for many reasons, as we continually offer so much for the public to enjoy. The Colonial Revival Gardens add the WOW factor to our site! Did you know that the Sotterley Garden Guild nurtures and maintains the gardens on a volunteer basis? This group tirelessly makes Sotterley beautiful. Perhaps you would like to offer your time and talents by joining this incredible group? Great!
 
Join Us:
 
The Sotterley Garden Guild is in need of volunteers! The public is invited to attend the 2013 kick-off meeting on Saturday, February 16 at 9:00 a.m. in the Sotterley Customs Warehouse.
 
Many types of volunteers are needed to be part of this dedicated group at Sotterley Plantation. For those with a green thumb, working in the exquisite Colonial Revival Garden will be a perfect fit. This is also a terrific way for Master Gardeners to obtain additional required hours for certifications. Talented crafters are also needed to create items for purchase at various annual events. For the detailed oriented types with strong organizational skills, the Garden Guild could really use your help. Come and discover where your talents will flourish! 
 
If you are unable to attend this kick-off meeting but would like more information about becoming part of the Sotterley Garden Guild, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Kim Tune at 301-373-2280 or email: coordinator@sotterley.org.
 

Friday, January 25, 2013

Each Month, Something New

Our 2nd Saturday Series had a great start a few weeks ago.
Each month through May, we offer a new specialty tour event: 
 
February is Black History Month
"Slavery, Resistance, and Freedom"
 
March
"From the Ground Up"
 
April
"A Taste of History:
How African American Foods Influenced Our Modern Cuisine"
 
May is Women's History Month
"Women of Sotterley"


            

FEBRUARY


Saturday, February 9, 2013
1:00 & 3:00 p.m.
Slavery was a part of Sotterley’s history from the turn of the 18th century and lasted for over 160 years. Hear the voices and visit the places where African Americans lived and labored. Limited to 20 people per tour. Ages 13 & up. (Snow date 2/23/13)

MARCH


Saturday, March 9, 2013
1:00 & 3:00 p.m.
From the basement to the attic of Sotterley’s 1703 Plantation House there are numerous nooks and crannies rarely seen by most people. Presented by Sotterley’s Restoration Manager, this exclusive tour will reveal how the structure was built and what the various spaces tell us about the over 300 year history. Limited to 16 people per tour. (Snow date 3/23/13)

APRIL

 
Saturday, April 13, 2013
10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.
What did people eat during the 1700s? Come learn about the foods that were transported on slave ships during the 18th century and how they influenced not only colonial dishes but our modern day regional foods. Lecture and demonstration to be presented by the Director of Education of Historic London Town and Gardens. Limited to 60 people per session.

MAY


Saturday, May 11, 2013
1:00 & 3:00 p.m.
Discover the women of Sotterley. Whether it was the mistress of the house, the farm manager’s wife, the heiress, or the enslaved servants, the women of Sotterley were fascinating people who lived extraordinary lives. Limited to 20 people per tour.
 

Monday, January 21, 2013

A Taste of History - 2nd Saturday Event in April!

 
 

Saturday, April 13, 2013
10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
 
What did people eat during the 1700s? Come learn about the foods that were transported on slave ships during the 18th century and how they influenced not only colonial dishes but our modern day regional foods. Lecture and demonstration to be presented by the Director of Education of Historic London Town and Gardens. ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Space is limited to 60 people per session.
 

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

"From The Ground Up" with John O'Rourke


2nd Saturday Series
March Event
 
Saturday, March 9, 2013 
1:00 and 3:00 p.m.

ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
 


From the basement to the attic of Sotterley’s 1703 Plantation House there are numerous nooks and crannies rarely seen by most people. Presented by Sotterley’s Restoration Manager John O'Rourke, this exclusive tour will reveal how the structure was built and what the various spaces tell us about the over 300 year history. Limited to 16 people per tour. (Snow date 3/23/13)
 

Thursday, January 10, 2013

ADDITIONAL TOUR ADDED! Backstairs/Upstairs!


DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND,
WE HAVE ADDED
AN ADDITIONAL TOUR TIME FOR:

2nd Saturday Series at Sotterley
 

“Backstairs/Upstairs”
Saturday, January 12, 2013
11:00 a.m.

Come behind the scenes at Sotterley. Become an insider and enter places you won’t see on a regular tour on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at either 1:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. See the kitchen and travel up the back staircase to view private chambers and undisplayed collections. Learn what it takes to operate and support a museum. Limited to 16 people per tour. (Snow date 1/26/13)

Advance reservations only. $15 per person.
Ages 13 and up.
Outdoor walking required.
 



Monday, January 7, 2013

Purchase Tickets for All Five 2nd Saturday Series Events


NOW AVAILABLE:
You can purchase tickets
for all five of the exclusive presentions
for the 2013 2nd Saturday Series.
 
 
If you are interested in a specific tour,
click on the tour name to take you right to ticket derby.
 
 
Saturday, January 12, 2013  |  1:00 & 3:00 p.m.
Go behind the scenes at Sotterley. Become an insider and enter places you won’t see on a regular tour. See the kitchen and travel up the back staircase to view private chambers and undisplayed collections. Learn what it takes to operate and support a museum. Limited to 16 people per tour. (Snow date 1/26/13)

Saturday, February 9, 2013  |  1:00 & 3:00 p.m.
Slavery was a part of Sotterley’s history from the turn of the 18th century and lasted for over 160 years. Hear the voices and visit the places where African Americans lived and labored. Limited to 20 people per tour. Ages 13 & up. (Snow date 2/23/13)

Saturday, March 9, 2013  |  1:00 & 3:00 p.m.
From the basement to the attic of Sotterley’s 1703 Plantation House there are numerous nooks and crannies rarely seen by most people. Presented by Sotterley’s Restoration Manager, this exclusive tour will reveal how the structure was built and what the various spaces tell us about the over 300 year history. Limited to 16 people per tour. (Snow date 3/23/13)
 
A Taste of History: How African American Foods Influenced Our Modern Cuisine                       
Saturday, April 13, 2013  |  10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.
What did people eat during the 1700s? Come learn about the foods that were transported on slave ships during the 18th century and how they influenced not only colonial dishes but our modern day regional foods. Lecture and demonstration to be presented by the Director of Education of Historic London Town and Gardens. Limited to 60 people per session.
 
Women of Sotterley                                                                           
Saturday, May 11, 2013  |  1:00 & 3:00 p.m.                                                                             

Discover the women of Sotterley. Whether it was the mistress of the house, the farm manager’s wife, the heiress, or the enslaved servants, the women of Sotterley were fascinating people who lived extraordinary lives. Limited to 20 people per tour.

 
Advance reservations required, as space is limited.
$15 per person per tour.
Walking required.



 

Sunday, January 6, 2013

“Slavery, Resistance and Freedom”

2nd Saturday Series at Sotterley
“Slavery, Resistance and Freedom”
 
Saturday, February 9, 2013  |  1:00 & 3:00 p.m.
 
 

In honor of Black History Month, Sotterley Plantation is pleased to offer the second of five 2nd Saturday Series presentations entitled, “Slavery, Resistance and Freedom.” These specialty tours will run on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Slavery was a part of Sotterley’s history from the turn of the 18th century and lasted for over 160 years. Hear the voices and visit the places where African Americans lived and labored. (Snow date: 2/25/12)

Advance reservations only. $15 per person.
Limited to 20 people per session.
Ages 13 and up.
Outdoor walking required.
 
###

Friday, January 4, 2013

EXCLUSIVE TOUR: Backstairs/Upstairs


2nd Saturday Series at Sotterley
“Backstairs/Upstairs”
Saturday, January 12, 2013
1:00 & 3:00 p.m.

Come behind the scenes at Sotterley. Become an insider and enter places you won’t see on a regular tour on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at either 1:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. See the kitchen and travel up the back staircase to view private chambers and undisplayed collections. Learn what it takes to operate and support a museum. Limited to 16 people per tour. (Snow date 1/26/13)

Advance reservations only. $15 per person.
Ages 13 and up.
Outdoor walking required.
Purchase tickets online: www.sotterley.org.