Our Upcoming Civil War Living History Event

Partnership with Maryland Historical Society

Civil War Living History Event
May 26th at 1:00 p.m.

When the Maryland Historical Society contacted Sotterley Plantation to be a partner site for their Civil War living history project, we quickly agreed. The Maryland Historical Society was applying for a grant from the Maryland Humanities Council, and the living history they would create with this project would then go on the road and be held at different sites all over the state of Maryland. Sotterley is always excited to find new ways in which we can help make history come alive for our site’s visitors, and we were thrilled when the Historical Society received their grant and we could take part in this project.

On Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 1:00 pm meet two historic Marylander Civil War heroes portrayed by the Maryland Historical Society Players who bring history alive and make it relevant for today’s audiences. Clara Barton was known as the “Angel of the Battlefield” and was founder of the American Red Cross. Learn how one woman’s courage and generosity commanded the respect of every soldier. Also meet Christian Fleetwood, a Baltimore-born free black man who as a Union soldier willingly risked his life during the Civil War and became one of the first African-American’s to receive the Medal of Honor for bravery. Both performing artists, Britt Olsen-Ecker and Roderick Howard II, will bring to life the stories of these extraordinary individuals. They will also present a short talk highlighting Civil War era objects that appear in the Maryland Historical Society’s exhibit Divided Voices: Civil War in Maryland and will lead a discussion with the audience. The exhibit is open through 2015.

This free program is made possible by the Maryland Historical Society through the Maryland Humanities Council’s generous grant program. Call 301-373-2280 to reserve your seat, as space is limited!

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Photo:
Britt Olsen-Ecker as Clara Barton. Photo courtesy of KEN STANEK

This program was made possible with a grant from the Maryland Humanities Council.

Paul Jennings Came Alive for Us

Last Friday night, our annual Speaker Series kicked-off with an amazing presentation by Elizabeth Dowling Taylor, author of the New York Times Bestseller, A Slave in the White House: Paul Jennings and the Madisons. We are grateful that Elizabeth accepted our invitation ... and to all who attended!

Paul Jennings came alive for us. 

A three year labor of love, requiring much commitment and research (right down to the details of the weather on specific days in history), Dowling Taylor introduced us to:

~ Paul Jennings, the longtime slave of the Madisons

~ Paul Jennings as a man pursuing his freedom - once having freedom at his fingertips then taken away, resulting in more years of slavery.

~ Paul Jennings as the free man trying to help enslaved people to freedom

~ Paul Jennings the author - having written the first autobiography by a person who had lived in the White House

Dowling Taylor also shared about meeting a descendant of Paul Jennings and learning more intimate details about this man's life, death, and burial. Her journey with Jennings has taken her far and wide, honoring the life and legacy of this courageous and determined man - to the White House under the current administration and most recently, to Sotterley Plantation.

We have a limited number of signed copies of A Slave in the White House: Paul Jennings and the Madisons available for purchase at the Sotterley Museum Shop.

Because of the ongoing generosity of The Boeing Company, dedicated to promoting education and the arts within the Southern Maryland community, the Speaker Series at Sotterley is free to the public. Please visit www.sotterley.org for complete information about our upcoming Speaker Series events for 2012!

"The Choice" - War of 1812 Living History

Sotterley Plantation’s War of 1812 Living History “The Choice” will be part of the three year national bicentennial commemoration of this war in our region. “The Choice” will take place on June 9th, July 14th, and August 11th, with showings of the performance at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on each event date.

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?

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. Now that the script and costuming had been 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.

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.

Loud Applause for the Garden Guild!

The Sotterley Garden Guild held the 14th Annual Plant Sale and Free Plant Exchange this past weekend and it was a tremendous success! Much thanks to the Garden Guild for making this happen, and to each and every one of the visitors who attended the event and purchased plants.

The Garden Guild does an incredible amount of work for this site.

Anyone who has visited and walked through the Colonial Revival Garden, has experienced the fruits of their dedication. Nurturers of nature, they lovingly put forth much effort, sweat, and care in making Sotterley an exquisitely beautiful place. If the reader has not yet had this experience, we welcome you to come and visit soon. It's a lovely time of year in the garden :)

The Garden Guild also plays a major part in Sotterley's two December events: Family Plantation Christmas and Sotterley Holiday Candlelight. For months in advance, they use items from the garden to create gorgeous wreaths, swags, kissing balls, ornaments, birdhouses, and more ... for purchase. The proceeds not only cover the costs of maintaining the garden, but are also used for special projects around the plantation.

Interested  is becoming part of the Sotterley Garden Guild?
Whether you are an experienced gardener or someone who would like to learn more about gardening, we welcome your help. We meet on Wednesdays and Saturdays ~ rain or shine ~ from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Volunteers may participate as their schedules permit. Gardening tools are provided. For information about the Garden Guild and our activities, please contact Kim Tune, Sotterley Membership/Volunteer Coordinator by email: coordinator@sotterley.org or phone: 301-373-2280.

Cast Off for the Caribbean!

Gala in the Garden ~ “Cast Off for the Caribbean”

Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.

An event like no other, the Gala in the Garden – “Cast Off for the Caribbean” will take place at Sotterley Plantation on Saturday, June 16th at 6:30 p.m. The Mama Jama band’s Caribbean vibe will draw you to the Colonial Revival Garden, where Canard’s Catering will be serving foods kissed by island flavors! The tent will be brimming with magnificent live and silent auction items and refreshing cool drinks, as you cast yourself away on a fantasy of turquoise seas and sugary beaches.

ADVANCED RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Tickets available online at www.sotterley.org (as of May 1st) or call 301-373-2280. The $100 per person admission supports Sotterley’s important educational programming.
Something New: A list of auction items will be available on our website prior to the event: http://www.sotterley.org/.
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Gardening Workshop #3 - Edible Landscaping

Jennifer Horton: Edible Landscaping
Saturday, May 19th - 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Interested in growing veggies and herbs, but intimidated by the thought of breaking new ground? No need to dig a new bed or border! Jennifer Horton, Master Gardener Coordinator for the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Office for St. Mary’s County, will discuss incorporating edibles into existing landscape beds. Participants will learn how to analyze their site, as well as select and maintain the right plants to insure a beautiful and TASTY garden this season.

As a University of Maryland Extension-St. Mary’s employee and a Master Gardener, Jennifer Horton is committed to getting research-based horticultural information to home gardeners. She coordinates the UME-St. Mary’s Master Gardener program and oversees 85 Certified Master Gardeners as they volunteer in St. Mary’s County, providing education and support to various sites. She also supports the statewide UME-Master Gardener initiative of “Grow It, Eat It” which aims to help Marylanders produce their own affordable and healthy food using sustainable practices. Her passion is to teach about vegetables, herbs, mini-gardens, tree keys, and seasonal garden tips.

Advance reservations required. Please call 301-373-2280 or 800-681-0850 to make your reservation, as space is limited. Pricing for this event: Non-members: $15 per person; Members: $12 per person.
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Gardening Workshop #2 - GREEN Gardening!

Linda Crandall:
Green Gardening - Saving the World One Yard at a Time
Saturday, May 12th – 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Going Green is more than just a passing trend; making more eco-friendly choices has become a vital part of our everyday lives. Linda Crandall, St. Mary’s County Master Gardener and Bay-Wise Coordinator, will offer sound suggestions on bringing planet preserving techniques and practices to gardening. From selecting the right plants and materials to disposing of yard waste, simple steps make a difference.

Come and learn some tips and strategies for ways to have a beautiful yard without having a negative impact on the world around you. Everyone will leave knowing how to garden smarter, no matter what size of yard they have, while at the same time helping our local environment and promoting better water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.

Ms. Crandall is also a wonderful cook who loves preparing meals using the fresh vegetables and herbs that grow in the little potager right outside her kitchen door. Linda has lived here in St. Mary's County for more than 25 years, and along with her work as a Master Gardener, she also volunteers locally at Annmarie Garden.

Advance reservations required. Please call 301-373-2280 or 800-681-0850 to make your reservation, as space is limited. Pricing for this event: Non-members: $15 per person; Members: $12 per person.
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