War of 1812 Living History Events

Sotterley has set dates for our War of 1812 Living History, “The Choice - Risking Your Life for Freedom” written by Dale Jones of Making History Connections and to be directed by Dawna Diaz. The events will kick-off the three-year national bicentennial commemoration of this war. “The Choice” will take place on June 9th, July 14th, and August 11th, with several showings of the performance on each event date: 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

In FY2011, Sotterley was awarded grants from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, the Maryland Humanities Council, and the Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium to create a living history script from Sotterley’s unique story of the War of 1812, as well as the costuming and props needed for the production. When the script and costuming were completed it was time to begin production, and Old Line Bank stepped forward to generously sponsor the production phase of this project.

Due to the support from these three organizations, Sotterley will now be able to share a unique story with a perspective rarely told about the War of 1812. The war with the British brought hardship to the plantation but a chance at freedom for the enslaved. At the living history presentations you will meet the people who lived and labored at Sotterley during the summer of 1814. Come to one of our events and be a part of the drama as slaves must make a difficult and daring choice. What will you decide?