Monday, January 30, 2012

Cast Off for the Caribbean!






Save the Date!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
6:30 p.m.


Cast yourself away on a fantasy of turquoise seas and sugary beaches!
Savor cool drinks and food kissed by island flavors.
Sway to the Mama Jama band’s Caribbean vibe in Sotterley’s lush gardens.
Live and Silent Auctions!


All proceeds from the Gala in the Garden - "Cast Off for the Caribbean!" directly benefit Sotterley's educational programming. For those individuals/companies who would like to sponsor this event, please see the above Participation Opportunities form (Too small to read? We will gladly send one to you! Email marketing@sotterley.org with your request). Please feel free to contact the Sotterley office: 301-373-2280 or 800-681-0850 for more information.


This is going to be BIG FUN, mon!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

"Downtown Diane" Features Sotterley!



During her recent visit to Sotterley, "Downtown Diane" featured us in her Wedding 411 article on destination weddings . Much thanks to her for including Sotterley! We wholeheartedly agree with her descriptive words ... gorgeous ... picturesque ... lovely.


A memorable event begins with a perfect setting.

Sotterley Plantation IS the perfect setting.


For site rental information, please visit our website or email events@sotterley.org.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Looking for Something Fun & New to Do This Year?









A Call for Volunteers
for the Sotterley Garden Guild

The Sotterley Garden Guild is in need of volunteers! The public is invited to attend the 2012 kick-off meeting on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. in Sotterley’s 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. Green thumbs are not required, however, and 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! For directions, please visit our website: www.sotterley.org.
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February, March & April - 2nd Saturday Series Events!






2ND SATURDAY SERIES - “TO LIVE ENSLAVED”
Saturday, February 11, 2012 1:00 p.m. & 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. Advanced reservations only. $15 per person. Limited to 20 people per session. Ages 13 & up. Outdoor walking required. Click here to purchase tickets online! (Snow date: 2/25/12)

2ND SATURDAY SERIES - “WOMEN OF SOTTERLEY”
Saturday, March 10, 2012 1:00 p.m. & 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. Advanced reservations only. $15 per person. Limited to 20 people per tour. Walking required. Click here to purchase tickets online!

2ND SATURDAY SERIES - “FROM THE GROUND UP”
Saturday, April 14, 2012 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. Advanced reservations only. $15 per person. Limited to 12 people per tour. Indoor and outdoor walking required. Click here to purchase tickets online!

Friday, January 20, 2012

"To Live Enslaved" - ticket ordering information







2nd Saturday Series at Sotterley - "To Live Enslaved"
Saturday, February 11, 2012
(snow date: 2/25/12)
Tours at 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm
Additional tour times may be added
Tour is approximately 90 minutes


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.

ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED - No reservations will be made at the door.
NO WALK-INS can be accommodated.

$15.00 per person online (For everyone – adults, seniors, & children. Parents please use your own discretion and be considerate of others in the tour group when making the decision for your child to participate on the tour.) This tour is recommended for ages 13 & up due to the content of some information.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time and proceed directly to the Warehouse to check in. Once you have checked in, please stay in the general area. The tour can not be made up if you are late.

Tours take place RAIN or SHINE! Visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and to wear foot gear suitable for the conditions.
Please call our office for any additional information at 301-373-2280.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

"To Live Enslaved" - Honoring Black History Month

2nd Saturday Series - “To Live Enslaved”
at Sotterley Plantation


In honor of Black History Month, Sotterley Plantation is pleased to offer the second of four presentations of the 2nd Saturday Series entitled, “To Live Enslaved.” These specialty tours will run on Saturday, February 11, 2012 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. Hear the stories of their resistance and their quest for freedom and learn how research helps us to uncover these important stories.

Advance reservations only. $15 per person. Limited to 20 people per session. Ages 13 and up. Outdoor walking required. Purchase tickets online: www.sotterley.org. (Snow date: 2/25/12)

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Our Official 2012 Calendar of Events!





Sotterley has much to offer this year - some of your old favorites and some NEW events to experience! We look forward to welcoming you on site, again and again.

2ND SATURDAY SERIES “BACKSTAIRS/UPSTAIRS”
Saturday, January 14, 2012 1:00 & 3:00 p.m.

New! 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. Purchase tickets online: www.sotterley.org. (Snow date 1/28/12)

2ND SATURDAY SERIES “TO LIVE ENSLAVED”
Saturday, February 11, 2012 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. Advance reservations only. $15 per person. Limited to 20 people per tour. Ages 13 & up. Outdoor walking required. Purchase tickets online: www.sotterley.org. (Snow date 2/25/12)

2ND SATURDAY SERIES “WOMEN OF SOTTERLEY”
Saturday, March 10, 2012 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. Advance reservations only. $15 per person. Limited to 20 people per tour. Walking required. Purchase tickets online: www.sotterley.org.

SOTTERLEY’S LEGENDS & LORE
Friday, March 16, 2012 6:00 & 8:00 p.m.

With a whole NEW twist! There is nothing like a good yarn, and Sotterley, with three centuries of people living on this site, has many exciting and entertaining stories that have been passed on over the years. Ghosts? Well of course! “Way back when” stories and recent experiences from those close to Sotterley will be shared. Storytelling at its finest, this presentation will bring out the storyteller in you! Advance reservations only. $15 per person. Limited to 20 people per tour. Walking required. Purchase tickets online: www.sotterley.org.

2ND SATURDAY SERIES “FROM THE GROUND UP”
Saturday, April 14, 2012 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. Advance reservations only. $15 per person. Limited to 16 people per tour. Walking required. Purchase tickets online: www.sotterley.org.

PLANT SALE & FREE PLANT EXCHANGE
Saturday, April 28, 2012 9:00 a.m. ~ 2:00 p.m.
Plant Sale: 9:00 a.m.
Plant Exchange: 10:00 a.m.

Buy or exchange your way to a beautiful garden!
The Sotterley Garden Guild’s Plant Sale will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The nurturing volunteers of the guild are responsible for the care and maintenance of Sotterley’s exquisite Colonial Revival Garden. All proceeds will support Sotterley and the upkeep of its gardens and grounds. The Free Plant Exchange will run from 10:00 a.m. to Noon. Bring your plants and exchange for other annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, shrubs, trees, bulbs and seeds!

GARDENING WORKSHOPS
New! Whether your green thumb is well pruned or just beginning to bud, Sotterley’s Garden Workshops are for you. Gardening experts will present four informative workshops on an array of gardening topics to ensure you have the know how to create your own beautiful blooms. Non-Members: $20 per session or all 4 sessions for $60 Members: $18 per session or all 4 sessions for $50. Visit our website for details.

THE WAR OF 1812: LIVING HISTORY EVENT I
Saturday, June 9, 2012 multiple presentations
FREE to the public Advance Reservations Required

New: “The Choice” - Sotterley Plantation will present a living history event entitled, The Choice. Written by Dale Jones, this interactive experience will take the audience on a journey from the perspective of the enslaved at Sotterley during that summer of 1814.
The story of Sotterley Plantation during the War of 1812 is a human story. There were no great skirmishes, naval battles or major monuments burning. The British used an even greater weapon: they offered freedom to slaves. Not just men, but women and children as well. Sotterley and other plantations in the region suffered great financial loss, but the long term impact was the loss of their labor force. Sotterley’s story is one of decision, struggle, resistance and courage of enslaved African-Americans who saw an opportunity, faced the unknown, and took their chances to gain their freedom.
For additional details, visit our website at www.sotterley.org.

GALA IN THE GARDEN
Saturday, June 16, 2012
5:30 p.m. VIPs Pre-Gala Reception on the Portico
6:30 p.m. Gala in the Garden

Fresh river breezes, cool libations, delectable morsels, palate pleasers, fabulous live and silent auction items, special guests, and amazing music in the Colonial Revival Garden. Advance reservations required. Purchase tickets online: www.sotterley.org.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION CONCERT
Sunday, July 1, 2012 1:00 p.m. ~ 4:00 p.m.

Come and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of music on the Portico, while taking in the breathtaking view of the Patuxent River! Listen to the patriotic musical renditions of the Chesapeake Orchestra Brass Quintet led by Maestro Jeffrey Silberschlag of St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Brown Bag and Silent Auctions, Food and Drink for Purchase. Admission $10 per car. Free for Members and those with a current Military ID.

SUMMER MINI CAMPS
“SOTTERLEY COLONIAL FARM”
July 9 - 11, 2012 Grades 3 - 5
July 16 - 18, 2012 Grades 6 - 8
July 23 - 25, 2012 Grades 3 - 5
Small group format, teamwork, problem solving, nature hiking, hands-on sensory activities, Sotterley’s history as a farming community. Groups are limited to 25 students. Tuition: $95. Tuition for children of Sotterley Members: $85. Registration forms available online: www.sotterley.org.

THE WAR OF 1812: LIVING HISTORY EVENT II
Saturday, July 14, 2012 multiple presentations
FREE to the public Advance Reservations Required
New:
“The Choice” - Sotterley Plantation will present a living history event entitled, The Choice. Written by Dale Jones, this interactive experience will take the audience on a journey from the perspective of the enslaved at Sotterley during that summer of 1814.
The story of Sotterley Plantation during the War of 1812 is a human story. There were no great skirmishes, naval battles or major monuments burning. The British used an even greater weapon: they offered freedom to slaves. Not just men, but women and children as well. Sotterley and other plantations in the region suffered great financial loss, but the long term impact was the loss of their labor force. Sotterley’s story is one of decision, struggle, resistance and courage of enslaved African-Americans who saw an opportunity, faced the unknown, and took their chances to gain their freedom.
For additional details, visit our website at www.sotterley.org.

THE WAR OF 1812: LIVING HISTORY EVENT III
Saturday, August 11, 2012 multiple presentations
FREE to the public Advance Reservations Required

New: “The Choice” - Sotterley Plantation will present a living history event entitled, The Choice. Written by Dale Jones, this interactive experience will take the audience on a journey from the perspective of the enslaved at Sotterley during that summer of 1814.
The story of Sotterley Plantation during the War of 1812 is a human story. There were no great skirmishes, naval battles or major monuments burning. The British used an even greater weapon: they offered freedom to slaves. Not just men, but women and children as well. Sotterley and other plantations in the region suffered great financial loss, but the long term impact was the loss of their labor force. Sotterley’s story is one of decision, struggle, resistance and courage of enslaved African-Americans who saw an opportunity, faced the unknown, and took their chances to gain their freedom.
For additional details, visit our website at www.sotterley.org.

SOTTERLEY BARN BASH!
Saturday, August 25, 2012
5:00 p.m. gates open 6:00 p.m. music begins
New:
Join us for a fun family-friendly night of live music and dancing featuring “Country Memories.” The goal of this 10 year old So. Maryland band, with a mighty following, is to bring back all of your country memories, featuring the traditional sound of the old country classics with one of the best steel guitar players in the area. Enjoy songs made famous by Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynne and many other country legends. Admission at the gate.

RIVERSIDE WINEFEST AT SOTTERLEY
October 6 & 7, 2012 Noon ~ 6:00 p.m.
Celebrating the Best of Maryland in the Breathtaking Setting of this National Historic Landmark! Over 20 Wineries last year! Live Music, Free Mini Tours of the 1703 Plantation House and Slave Cabin, Artisans, Demonstrations, Exhibits, Children’s Activities, and Fine Foods for Purchase. Various admission prices. Discount tickets available online ONLY through Friday, September 28th: www.sotterley.org.

GHOSTS OF SOTTERLEY
October 19, 20, 25, 26 & 27, 2012
Experiences begin 7:00 p.m. and run every 10 minutes
They’re baaaaaaack … all new for 2012! A spooky dramatic production and walking tour around the Sotterley grounds! $15 per person. Advance reservations required. Purchase tickets online: www.sotterley.org.

SOTTERLEY’S LEGENDS & LORE
Friday, November 9, 2012 6:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

With a whole NEW twist! There is nothing like a good yarn, and Sotterley, with three centuries of people living on this site, has many exciting and entertaining stories that have been passed on over the years. Ghosts? Well of course! “Way back when” stories and recent experiences from those close to Sotterley will be shared. Storytelling at its finest, this presentation will bring out the storyteller in you! Advance reservations only. $15 per person. Limited to 20 people per tour. Walking required. Purchase tickets online: www.sotterley.org.

Members’ Night of Sotterley Holiday Candlelight
“From This Day Forward”
November 29, 2012 6:30 p.m. and run every 10 minutes
Another benefit of membership! Come and make merry with delicious foods, spirits, and song on Opening Night of our Holiday Candlelight performances. Indoor and outdoor walking required. Call for reservations 301-373-2280.

SOTTERLEY HOLIDAY CANDLELIGHT
“From This Day Forward”
November 30 & December 1
6:30 p.m. and run every 10 minutes

In this living history production set within the 1703 Plantation House, visitors will encounter Sotterley’s past Christmas seasons and the families who lived and worked here. Share love, laughter and sometimes bittersweet memories at home on the plantation. Live Seasonal Music and Light Refreshments. $15 per person. Advance reservations required. Purchase tickets online: www.sotterley.org.

Family Plantation Christmas
December 8, 2012 10:00 a.m. ~ 4:00 p.m.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … at Sotterley! Visit Santa, Horse-drawn Carriage Rides, Children’s Crafts & Activities, Santa’s Secret Shop, Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, Carol Sing, Twelve Days of Christmas Holiday Hunt, Petting Zoo, Greens & Gifts Sale, Craft Vendors, Live Seasonal Music, and more. Admission $5 at the gate.
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The 2012 Speaker Series at Sotterley Plantation schedule will be available on our website within the next few weeks. The Speaker series is sponsored by a generous grant from The Boeing Company. Committed to community support and service the Boeing Company has been dedicated to promoting education and the arts within the Southern Maryland community. This generous grant enables Sotterley to hold the Speaker Series, an important community outreach, free of charge to the general public.

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Other GREAT information:

Audio & Guided Plantation House Tours
and Audio Grounds Tours
May 1 - October 31
Tuesday through Saturday:
Site open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Last tour at 3:00 pm
Sunday:
Site open Noon - 4:00 pm. Last tour at 3:00 pm
Price: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 ages 6-12,
free for children 5 and under.

Self-Guided Grounds Tours
Available year-round except specified holidays.*
Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday Noon - 4:00 pm
Price: $3 per person grounds fee,
free for children 5 and under.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

NEW!!! 2nd Saturday Series at Sotterley!



2nd Saturday Series at Sotterley

Sotterley Plantation is pleased to announce the beginning of something new in 2012 - the 2nd Saturday Series. The first four months of the year, the public will have the opportunity to experience four distinct aspects of this plantation’s past, present, and plans for the future.

2ND SATURDAY SERIES - “BACKSTAIRS/UPSTAIRS”
Saturday, January 14, 2012 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Go behind the scenes at Sotterley. Become an insider and enter places you won’t see on a regular tour. Enter the kitchen, upstairs in the Plantation House, view collections. Advanced reservations only. $15 per person. Limited to 16 people per tour. Indoor and outdoor walking required. Call for reservations: 301-373-2280 (Snow date: 1/28/12)

2ND SATURDAY SERIES - “TO LIVE ENSLAVED”
Saturday, February 11, 2012 1:00 p.m. & 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. Advanced reservations only. $15 per person. Limited to 20 people per session. Ages 13 & up. Outdoor walking required. Call for reservations: 301-373-2280 (Snow date: 2/25/12)

2ND SATURDAY SERIES - “WOMEN OF SOTTERLEY”
Saturday, March 10, 2012 1:00 p.m. & 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. Advanced reservations only. $15 per person. Limited to 20 people per tour. Walking required. Call for reservations: 301-373-2280

2ND SATURDAY SERIES “FROM THE GROUND UP”
Saturday, April 14, 2012 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. Advanced reservations only. $15 per person. Limited to 16 people per tour. Indoor and outdoor walking required. Call for reservations: 301-373-2280

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