Two Sotterley Authors Receive Prestigious Awards

 

The St. Mary’s County Government presented the prestigious Heritage Preservation Project Awards to the authors of three books about Historic Sotterley Plantation entitled, Sotterley: Her People and Their Worlds, George Plater of Sotterley and Sotterley Plantation (Images of America) on Tuesday, May 19, 2015. These highly significant books enable readers to connect to our past and gain a better understanding of the people who lived and worked at  what is now a National Historic Landmark. The award recognizes the importance of Sotterley within the community as a resource to understand and teach this and future generations how the society, culture, and economy have evolved in this area over the last 300 years.
 

Author of Sotterley Plantation (Images of America) is Historic Sotterley Education Director, Jeanne Pirtle. This book is the culmination of three years research, observations, and collecting photographs to tell the stories of Sotterley Plantation from its 1703 beginning to present ~ a true tribute to the people of the past who lived and worked here.
 

Dave Brown, Secretary of the Historic Sotterley Board of Trustees, has authored two books. Sotterley: Her People and Their Worlds is the story of Sotterley Plantation which began shortly after the founding of Maryland and continued over the next three centuries. It rose from humble beginnings, prospered in the age of tobacco and slavery, endured The Great Depression, and survived three wars, only to stumble toward imminent ruin until a generous fate brought both restoration and a renewed relevance for our time. George Plater of Sotterley is the book which fleshes out a fair assessment of Plater’s personal character and significant political accomplishments. With little information available about the sixth Governor of Maryland in the Sotterley archives, Brown had his work cut out for him as he began a three year journey of research to breathe some life into a largely under-studied and under-appreciated Maryland Patriot, who was the owner of Sotterley Plantation from 1755 to 1792.

All three of these books are available for purchase

at the Sotterley Museum Shop

or online at:

www.sotterley.org.

Welcome to New Sotterley Board of Trustees Members!

Karen Holcomb has over 40 years of experience in senior leadership and management. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director for Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM), of which she was a founding member and credited with the inception of the program, retiring in 2014. Prior to LSM, Karen was a member of the Senior Executive Service and the Assistant Commander for Corporate Operations for the Naval Air Systems Command.

James Burke has been the Executive Vice President - Chief Risk Officer of Community Bank of the Chesapeake for the last decade. With a lengthy career in the banking and insurance industries, Mr. Burke brings to the board his experience in all areas of risk management including capital adequacy & planning, market risk and earnings, liquidity risks, credit risk, operations risk (including information technology), compliance, legal & regulatory risks and reputation risks.

Corporate Sponsor in the Spotlight!

Sotterley relies on our Corporate Partners for the highest level of dedication and commitment. It is through their many efforts that this National Historic Landmark is able to fulfill our mission and give back to the community.

Raley, Watts & O’Neill (RWO) is a long-time partner for Sotterley, and their multifaceted insurance company started locally in St. Mary’s County and has grown to serve the needs of clients through the Mid-Atlantic, the United States, and Internationally. Throughout this growth they remain dedicated to the principles upon which they were founded, and their commitment to bettering our community reflects their organization’s fundamental work ethos.

When Rick Tepel, who has been with RWO since 1994 and member of the Sotterley Board of Trustees, was asked what part of his work he enjoys the most, he said that it was, “The personal relationships you get to make with so many people.  Also, being able to be engaged and help such a diverse group of clients (so many different types of businesses) always keeps things interesting.”

Raley, Watts & O’Neill’s relationship with Sotterley began soon after Rick Tepel visited the site with his family. “It started when my family and I moved to Hollywood. It created a newfound awareness for me about what Sotterley is and what it means to our community. Plus, my next door neighbor was John Hanson Briscoe, so in spending time with him it made me want to get involved personally. With support from others at RWO, it became something that our entire company wants to help so that Sotterley will survive and succeed,” said Rick.

We thank Raley, Watts & O’Neill for continuing to be one of our valued Corporate Partners. For more information on Raley, Watts & O’Neill, visit rwoinsurance.com. To find out how your company can become a Sotterley Corporate Partner, please contact Nate Ryon at 301-373-2280 or development@sotterley.org

What's in the Box?

Last Chance!

Only a few spots left for this exclusive event!

 

Hands-on History ~ Lost Treasures!

Sunday, May 31, 2015 at 3:00 p.m.

 Open to Sotterley Members Only

FOUND! Open the box that was found in storage at a New York museum and find out its connection to Sotterley. Examine the history of its contents and help Sotterley create the exhibit that will unveil these collection pieces to the public. In this small group, hands-on format, Sotterley members will view and interact with the museum as an insider.

 

Because of the exclusivity of this tour,

we ask that you make advance reservations

by calling the office:

301-373-2280 

 

Admission: $20 per person

 

Tour is limited to 12 persons, ages 12 and up

 

Check- in at the Visitor Center.

Walking required, not wheelchair accessible.

This event will be held rain or shine.

Not a member! Not a problem! Become a member over the phone or by visiting http://www.sotterleyplantation.com/membership.htm

June at Sotterley!

Making History in June!

Final Week to purchase tickets to join us on "The Road to Morocco!

Click HERE!

 &
 

Speaker Series at Sotterley

Jennifer Pharr Davis

"The Extra Mile:  

Exploring the Limits of Endurance"

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

7:00 p.m. in the Barn

  

In 2011, six years after her first attempt, Jennifer Pharr Davis   became the overall record holder on the Appalachian Trail. By hiking 2,181 miles in 46 days - an average of 47 miles per day - she became the first female to ever set that mark. She will offer her riveting account of overcoming the odds as she set this outstanding record. She honestly relays the internal and external struggles of trying to maximize her miles and her potential. Her inspired tale of determination, endurance, and teamwork motivates all to do more than you ever thought possible. Her adventures have covered over 12,000 miles on six continents and have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR's Talk of the Nation, CNN Headline News, Fox and Friends, the CBS Early Show and the 700 Club. She has been named Blue Ridge Outdoors Person of the Year and a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. Her Appalachian Trail record was voted Ultrarunning Magazine's Female Performance of 2011. 

Just in time for National Trails Day on June 6th! Come and experience Sotterley's newly expanded trail system!

This event is FREE to the public. Advance reservations are required due to limited seating. Call 301-373-2280 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 to preserve, research, and interpret Sotterley Plantation's diverse cultures and environments and to serve the world as an educational, cultural, and community resource.

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Half Price Day for Dad!

Fathers will receive the Guided Tour of the 1703 Plantation House at Historic Sotterley Plantation for HALF PRICE on Father’s Day on Sunday, June 21, 2015 from noon to 4:00 p.m. We welcome you and your father to stroll the exquisite blooming gardens, walk the plantation grounds and nature trails, see the historic outbuildings including our original 1830’s Slave Cabin, or picnic out on the lawn while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Patuxent River. Top off the day with buying a memorable gift at the Museum Shop, located in our Visitor Center. It will be a day he will never forget! For more information on upcoming Sotterley Plantation events, please visit our website at www.sotterley.org.   

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Are you looking for something fun to do this summer that involves history and interacting with others? We have a perfect opportunity for you! Our Junior Docent Academy will be offered for ages 8 - 18 on June 22 and 23rd, 2015 where you will enhance your communication skills while sharing our rich history and exquisite site with visitors. Upon successful completion, you will become Junior Docents and ambassadors of Historic Sotterley Plantation!

Participants will receive a certificate and will be qualified to volunteer for Junior Docent duty in the summer months and for other volunteer opportunities throughout the year. This unique two-day training camp also qualifies as volunteer hours. 

Cost: $35 per participant

which includes a Sotterley Student membership

or

a $25 credit towards a Sotterley Family membership.

 Registration Form is available online: www.sotterley.org

Coming Up in July!

July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

FUN learning opportunities at Historic Sotterley Plantation are coming up every Friday during the month of July 2015! Join a costumed docent portraying a Sotterley person of the past while enjoying some kid-friendly activities!

July 3 (10:30 & 11:30):

Croquet & Games on the lawn!

July 10 (10:30 & 11:30):

Lessons in the Schoolhouse!

July 17 (10:30 & 11:30):

Gardening & Farming work and fun!

July 24 (10:30 & 11:30):

Skills of the trades!

July 31 (10:30 & 11:30):

Wool carding and spinning!

Admission $ at the Visitor Center.

Rain or shine events.

And don't forget to visit us every Saturday  

from 8 a.m. - noon  

for the Sotterley's Farmer's Market!

See you at Sotterley!

New! Small Fry Fridays!

July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2015

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

FUN learning opportunities at Historic Sotterley Plantation are coming up every Friday during the month of July 2015! Join a costumed docent portraying a Sotterley person of the past while enjoying some kid-friendly activities!

July 3 (10:30 & 11:30):

Croquet & Games on the lawn!

July 10:

Lessons in the Schoolhouse!

July 17:

Gardening & Farming work and fun!

July 24:

Skills of the trades!

July 31:

Wool carding and spinning!

Admission $ at the Visitor Center.

Rain or shine events.