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.