Friday, August 31, 2012

Back to Business Next Week



Happy Friday-before-Labor Day to all!

Our informative, interesting, and entertaining social media campaign will be on hold until Saturday, September 8th, 2012. What?! You didn't realize that we have entire social media campaign? Upon my return from vacation, it's back to the business of blogging, posting, commenting, tweeting, and pinning. And who knows what other social media avenues will come to be in the future ...

Stay connected across-the-board:

Blog: www.sotterleyplantation.blogspot.com (you're here now)

Gratefully,
Eileen, Marketing Manager




And don't forget about our upcoming Speaker Series event:



2012 Speaker Series at Sotterley
Edward C. Papenfuse, Ph.D.
“The War of 1812 at Sotterley and Southern Maryland”
Sunday, September 9 at 3:00 p.m. in the Barn

Sotterley Plantation is proud to partner with The Boeing Company in announcing the upcoming 2012 Speaker Series presentation entitled “The War of 1812 at Sotterley and Southern Maryland” by Edward C. Papenfuse, Ph.D.

Dr. Papenfuse has held the positions of Maryland State Archivist and Commissioner of Land Patents since 1975. As director of the extensive activities of the Maryland State Archives in Annapolis, he is responsible for the Archives’ vast collection of government and private materials and dealing with the materials that the Archives has made available online to the public, especially regarding research on Maryland slaves who fled to the British forces during the War of 1812. He is the author of numerous articles and books, has developed an approach to providing reference services and teaching courses on the Internet, played a major role in the design of the present Archives building, initiated the creation of the award-winning Maryland State Archives website, and teaches courses at the University of Maryland College Park, the University of Maryland Law School, and the Johns Hopkins University.

This event is FREE to the public. Advance reservations are required due to limited seating. Call 301-373-2280 to make your reservation during regular business hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Because of the generous grant and continued support from The Boeing Company, Sotterley Plantation is able to offer this important community outreach, fulfilling its mission of serving as an educational resource and cultural venue while it seeks to preserve, interpret and research the plantation’s diverse cultures and environments through its history.


Wednesday, August 29, 2012

The Color & Light Society at the Riverside WineFest!









Color and Light Society Art Exhibition
at the
TENTH Annual Riverside WineFest
at Sotterley

October 6th and 7th from Noon – 6 p.m.

Sotterley Plantation is pleased to announce the inclusion of the Color and Light Society art exhibition to take place at the TENTH Annual Riverside WineFest on October 6th and 7th in the historic Barn. This group of incredibly talented artists will be on hand to provide art demonstrations and acquaint the public with art education, as they exhibit their original oil, watercolor, pastel, colored pencil, textile paintings, prints, and cards.

The Color and Light Society is a non profit organization of Southern Maryland artists. Recognizing the need for emerging artists to have the opportunity to exhibit their creations, the Color and Light Society was formed. Members became determined to give back to the community. In addition to exhibiting their original art works, they have expanded their focus to include art education, art appreciation, more interaction with the community and volunteering for community service venues including the Calvert Marine Museum, Artsfest at Annmarie Garden, Boardwalk Shows at the Solomons Pavilion on Solomons Island, and the Riverside WineFest at Sotterley.

For more information about the TENTH Annual Riverside WineFest, click here! We hope you will join us!

WineFest LIVE MUSIC Line-up!








GREAT LIVE MUSIC
line-up for the
TENTH Annual
Riverside WineFest at Sotterley!


Saturday, October 6th

12:00-3:00 - The Pax Rats

3:00 - 6:00 - Groove Span

 

Sunday, October 7th

12:00 - 3:00 - David and Joe Norris

 3:00 - 6:00 - Gary Rue and the Dance Hall Ghost



Monday, August 27, 2012

GHOSTS of Sotterley 2012 - Spookier Than Ever!






“1918: Influenza, War, and Restless Spirits”
October 19, 20, 25, 26 & 27, 2012


Experiences begin at 7:00 p.m. and run every 10 minutes
ADVANCE Reservations Required – No Walk-ins


This year’s production will take guests back in time to the year 1918. While restoring Sotterley Plantation to its former glory, owner, Herbert Satterlee disturbs more than the bricks and mortar as the country is in the midst of a flu pandemic and the remains of the Great War. Prepare to encounter both the earthly inhabitants of the time and those not of this earth on this historical and spooky walking tour!

The ever-so-talented and important Sotterley friend, Dawna Diaz has been actively involved in all aspects of the Ghosts of Sotterley for the past 10 years. She returns as Director, Producer and Make-up Artist for this year’s production. She hasn’t been off site for long, as she recently finished directing our War of 1812 living history events entitled, “The Choice – Risking Your Life for Freedom.” When not directing or performing on a stage, she can be found mediating or working her day job on base at Atlantic Test Range.

Dedicated volunteer and local celebrity, James LePore returns as the Playwright and Assistant Director of the Ghosts of Sotterley for the fourth year. He is a working actor with an impressive resume, a DJ on internet radio (www.phoenixintermedia.com), and is the Host of The Buzz on TV’s Metrocast Channel 10.

Advance reservations are required. Tickets are $15 per person and may be purchased online - CLICK HERE! Group rates are available by calling our office 301-373-2280. May not be suitable for young children. Dress appropriately for this spooky outdoor walking tour / production.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

FOUR Events - Buy Your Tickets!





GREAT NEWS!

We have added another event to Ticket Derby - Sotterley's Legends & Lore! So now you have one stop shopping for FOUR incredible Sotterley events.


Hope to see you this Fall & Winter at Sotterley!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Three BIG Events - Tickets On Sale NOW!



THREE incredible events - one stop shopping!
You can purchase your tickets online now for the
Riverside WineFest at Sotterley (discounted)
Ghosts of Sotterley
and
Sotterley Holiday Candlelight!

Purchase your tickets online through

We hope to see you at all of our events!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

WineFest Deadlines Are Fast-Approaching!



The TENTH Annual Riverside WineFest at Sotterley is coming up fast! We have two major deadlines for Advertisers and Sponsors.

On Friday, September 7th, all Ads and payments are due so we can get to print on time. Gratefully, Heritage Printing & Graphics, a WineFest Major Event Sponsor, will be printing our 8 1/2"  x  11" full-color WineFest Program again this year!

On Friday, September 14th, we request that all Sponsorship commitments are made and please provide us with your high res logo. Once again, the WineFest Event Patron, Hilltop Signs and Graphics, will be printing up our highly visible Sponsor Banners for the event!

Please Note: Discounts on Ads for Sponsors!

Your support of this National Historic Landmark matters, as this is our largest fundraising event of the year. Proceeds from the Riverside WineFest directly support our important educational programming and our continual restoration efforts. If you are interested in becoming a WineFest Advertiser, Sponsor, or both, please contact: marketing@sotterley.org or call 301-373-2280 during regular business hours.

Monday, August 20, 2012

African American Civil War Memorial & Museum Founder at Sotterley



2012 Speaker Series at Sotterley
Frank Smith, Ph.D.
“African American Civil War Memorial & Museum”
Sunday, September 30
3:00 p.m. in the Barn

Sotterley Plantation is proud to partner with The Boeing Company in announcing the upcoming 2012 Speaker Series presentation entitled “African American Civil War Memorial and Museum” by Frank Smith, Ph.D. Fulfilling a lifelong dream to honor African Americans who fought for freedom as United States Colored Troops during the Civil War, he is the founder and president of this significant Washington, D.C., memorial and museum.

The United States Colored Troops made up over 10 percent of the Union or Northern Army even though they were prohibited from joining until July 1862, 15 months into the war. They comprised 25 percent of the Union Navy. Yet, only one percent of the Northern population was African American. Clearly overrepresented in the military, African Americans played a decisive role in the Civil War. African Americans fought in every major campaign and battle during the last two years of the war earning 25 Medals of Honor. Abraham Lincoln, recognizing their contributions, declared, “Without the military help of the black freedmen, the war against the South could not have been won.”

This event is FREE to the public. Advance reservations are required due to limited seating. Call 301-373-2280 during regular business hours to make your reservation.

Because of the generous grant and continued support from The Boeing Company, Sotterley Plantation is able to offer this important community outreach, fulfilling its mission of serving as an educational resource and cultural venue while it seeks to preserve, interpret and research the plantation’s diverse cultures and environments through its history.

###

Friday, August 17, 2012

FINAL Two Dates for OPEN Auditions!

Call for Actors
for
Ghosts of Sotterley
&
Sotterley Holiday Candlelight









Sotterley Plantation is pleased to announce open auditions for this year’s Ghosts of Sotterley - “1918: Influenza, War, and Restless Spirits” and Sotterley Holiday Candlelight - “From This Day Forward.”

The final two date for Open Auditions:


Tuesday, August 21st 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 25th 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.



Ghosts of Sotterley roles available for the following:

3 Females age 10-15
1 Female age 16-20
2 Females age 20-35
1 Female age 45-55
6 Females and age in good physical condition to be tour guides (guide is a speaking part)
3 Males age 12-15
11 Males age 20-35
1 Male age 30-55
2 Males age 30-55 (Non Speaking)
1 Male age 55-65
Important Production Dates:

Tuesday, August 28th - First General Meeting.
Beginning August 30th - Rehearsals scheduled for Tuesdays & Thursdays.
Oct 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27th – Show Dates.


Sotterley Holiday Candlelight roles available for the following:


1 African American Female age 20-30
1 Caucasian Female age 8-12
4 Caucasian Females age 16-22
3 Caucasian Females age 24-34
1 Caucasian Females age 35-45
1 Caucasian Female age 48-58
1 African American Male age 20-25
1 African American Male age 35-45
3 Caucasian Males age 38-48
2 Caucasian Males age 50-65

Important Production Dates:

Last week of October TBA – First General Meeting.
November 3-17, TBA - Rehearsals one week night and one weekend afternoon per week.
November 26, 6-9 p.m. (full cast) - Tech Rehearsal.
November 28, 6-9 p.m. (full cast) - Dress Rehearsal.
November 29, 30 and December 1, 6-9 p.m. - Show Dates.

Also needed: Lighting, and Costume assistance!

For more information, please contact Event Manager. Linda Tucker Jones by phone: 301-373-2280 or email: events@sotterley.org.


Monday, August 13, 2012

"The CHOICE" - Our Thank You


Much thanks to all who attended the final 2012 showing of our War of 1812 Living History Event "THE CHOICE - Risking Your Life for Freedom" last Saturday.

This memorable living history event was written by Playwright Dale Jones of Making History Connections. Known for helping museums and historic sites offer meaningful programs and experiences that connect with visitors, he was able to create a dramatic production which perfectly conveyed the realities of Sotterley as a plantation during that tumultuous time period. His widely known work includes scores of museum theatre productions, including Scenes from 1837 at Conner Prairie and Old Sturbridge Village, interactive American Girl Doll plays for the Pleasant Company, and The Value of Life, for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. As Director of Interpretation, Baltimore City Life Museums, he produced museum theatre, living history and hands-on programs for over 200,000 visitors. He created hands-on walking tours for the Discovery Channel Store in Washington DC., and recently designed the living history interpretations for AASLH’s living history research project. We are grateful for the connection made with Dale Jones!

A huge thanks to an important Sotterley friend - Dawna Diaz, who directed "The Choice." Bringing a wealth of knowledge, talent, and an incredible level of dedication to our site, we applaud our long-time friend, Dawna. She is one of the people who has helped tremendously to change the face of Sotterley. As an outstandingly multi-talented volunteer, she has been involved in all aspects of the popular “Ghosts of Sotterley” for the past nine years. When not directing or performing on a stage, she can be found mediating or working her day job on base at Atlantic Test Range.

Helping to make this an authentic experience, we thank Leon Wiebers, award-winning costume designer. He has designed for operas, musicals, and theatre performances for the San Francisco Opera Center, English National Opera, Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, Getty Museum, California Music Circus, Portland Center Stage, and Seneca Theatre. He holds a faculty position at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, is a member of USA 829, and was recently awarded a Fulbright Research Grant to South Korea for the 2012-13 academic year.

Five amazing actors made "The Choice" come alive! Stephen Rumpf as John Rousby Plater; Shannon Ivanchev as Elizabeth Plater; Shemika Berry as Elcie; Jay Hunter as Peregrine Young; Eric Zabiegalski as Commodore Brown. The fear, conflict, anger, resolution - all of it - was palpable. To have this caliber of talent was, without a doubt, a significant part of the success of this living history event. The rave reviews have been coming from so many people who saw your performance. Applause, applause to all!

In FY2011, Sotterley was awarded grants from the Maryland Heritage Area 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 organizations, Sotterley was able to tell our unique story about the War of 1812 and offer this event free to the public. Your Support Matters!!!

Missed the event that everyone is talking about? Or you made it, were completely wow-ed by it, and you really want to see it again? Great news: Our 2013 performance date has been set for Saturday, May 25th, 2013 to run at 10 & 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. Save the 2013 date!




WINE, MUSIC, ART, TOURS, and more!









The TENTH Annual
Riverside WineFest at Sotterley!

October 6 & 7, 2012
Noon until 6 pm both days


Sotterley Plantation will celebrate the best of Maryland in the breathtaking setting of this National Historic Landmark at Riverside WineFest at Sotterley 2012. For two days, guests will have the chance to taste the offerings from over two dozen Maryland wineries. Enjoy award-winning wines, scrumptious food and treats, hand-crafted wares from regional artisans, and free children’s activities. The fabulous live music line-up will include a tremendous variety of music, including performances by The Pax Rats, Groove Span, David & Joe Norris, and Gary Rue & the Dance Hall Ghost. For those who have always wanted to learn about wine making and wine testing, enjoy informative demonstrations and exhibits. FREE Garden Tours and “Mini Tours” of the 1703 Plantation House will be available to guests. In the historic Barn, artists from The Color & Light Society will be creating, displaying, and selling their treasures. As an added bonus, Southern Maryland Radio celebs will be here both days – Saturday: T-Bone & Heather of Star 98.3 FM; Sunday: Ripley from 97.7 FM The Rocket.


For Discount Tickets - BUY Online! www.sotterley.org
prior to Friday, September 28th

Tickets may be purchased in advance for a discounted price of $20 prior to September 28th; $25 at the gate; $15 for designated drivers; $5 for children ages 6 – 20; free for children under six years old. Tickets for Sotterley Members are $18 available by phone only. For more information, visit www.sotterley.org or call 301-373-2280 or 800-681-0850.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Your Support of WineFest Matters!






A Call for Sponsors and Advertisers!
The TENTH Annual Riverside WineFest at Sotterley
October 6 & 7 ~ Noon until 6pm both days

The Tenth Annual Riverside WineFest at Sotterley is coming up on Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7th and we have many exciting opportunities for companies and individuals to join us as sponsors and advertisers for the event. The generous support of many people ensures a successful event, enabling Sotterley to continue significant preservation and educational efforts and keeps Sotterley open to the public – year after year. Not only is this excellent exposure to a large and diverse audience of thousands, but it benefits our important mission of preserving, researching and interpreting the Plantation’s diverse cultures and environments, and to serve as a public education and cultural resource.

To be included in the Riverside WineFest at Sotterley 2012 marketing materials as a sponsor, program advertiser, or both, we ask for commitments (and artwork) by Friday, September 4th, 2012. For more information, please contact Eileen Miller, Marketing Manager at marketing@sotterley.org or 301-373-2280.

The Riverside WineFest at Sotterley celebrates the best of Maryland wineries in the breathtaking setting of this National Historic Landmark. Combining fun and education, guests come to the place where wine flows freely, live music is jamming, kids are making crafts and playing Colonial games, informative demonstrations and exhibits on wine making and tasting are offered, artists are selling their exquisite creations, food is scrumptious, and the 1703 Plantation House Mini Tours and the Colonial Revival Garden Tours are FREE.

Your Support Matters!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Final 2012 Performance of "THE CHOICE"







The final 2012 showing of our War of 1812 Living History Event "THE CHOICE - Risking Your Life for Freedom" will be held this Saturday, August 11th. The first two performance times are full, but we do have availability at 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.


Groups of visitors are invited into the Drawing Room of the 1703 Plantation House, where the drama unfolds. British war ships have sailed up the Patuxent River; neighboring farms are being torched to the ground. Sotterley owners John Rousby Plater and his wife Elizabeth have cleared out the household furnishings, desperately trying to figure out their next move. Guests will experience another scene in the 1830’s Slave Cabin, where enslaved house servant, Peregrine bolts into the Slave Cabin, trying to convince Elcie to make the run toward freedom. British naval officer, Commodore Brown arrives on the scene, not only promising freedom to the plantation’s 64 enslaved people, but also presenting a severe ultimatum to the Sotterley owners.

Would you risk your life for FREEDOM?

In FY2011, Sotterley was awarded grants from the Maryland Heritage Area 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 is now able to share a unique story with a perspective rarely told about the War of 1812.

This event is FREE to the public, but space is limited. Advanced reservations can be made by calling the Sotterley office at 301-373-2280. Walk-ins welcome on a first come, first served basis.