Historic Sotterley

05/30/2026

Have you visited our new Visitor Experience Center yet?

Take a sneak peek at some of the exciting upgrades, exhibits, and unique historical merchandise now available at Historic Sotterley.

From books and educational resources to locally inspired gifts and keepsakes, there's something for history lovers of all ages. Many of these specialty items are available in limited quantities and are already becoming visitor favorites.

✨ Explore history. 🛍️ Discover unique treasures. 🏛️ Experience the newest chapter of Historic Sotterley.

Plan your visit soon and see what's waiting for you inside!

05/28/2026

May–June 2026 — Historic Sotterley is proud to host this traveling exhibition on loan from Maryland Humanities. Exploring the history and evolution of freedom of the press, the exhibit traces this essential American right from its origins in the Maryland Colony to its vital role in modern democracy. Part of a larger statewide initiative, the exhibition encourages visitors to reflect on the importance of a free press in sustaining informed citizenship and self-government.

Historic Sotterley is honored to serve as the only Southern Maryland host site for this exhibition during the spring 2026 season. In addition to the traveling exhibit, visitors will experience expanded content highlighting the influence of the press on Historic Sotterley throughout its history.

The exhibit will be on display in the Visitor Experience Center and is open to the public Fridays through Sundays.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. 🇺🇸

At Historic Sotterley, a place shaped by generations of American history, Memorial Day reminds us of the sacrifices made in pursuit of freedom, unity, and hope for a better future.

As we gather with family and friends this holiday, may we also take a moment to reflect on those who never made it home and the enduring legacy they left behind.

We remember. We honor. We give thanks.

05/22/2026

We miss you.

It's been a year to the day since we lost our friend, Bob. He was a fixture and a friend in the Historic Sotterley gardens.
Last week, I was there helping install the annual cutting garden. The weather was beautiful and we had a team of about 10 hard working volunteers planting and w**ding. Not once, or twice, but several times over the next couple hours, as I worked, I overheard conversations about Bob on the wind. "I worked with Bob in the vegetable garden...", "Bob was the first person I met when I joined the Garden Guild...", "I remember a time when Bob....". Though wistful, these memories were also accompanied by laughter and smiles. Truly bittersweet.
Your memory lives on and so do the gardens.

05/21/2026

History is not standing still… it’s still being walked. 👣

More than two weeks ago, historian Anthony Cohen began an extraordinary 750-mile journey from Maryland to Canada retracing Harriet Tubman’s path along the Underground Railroad.

Thirty years after first making the walk in 1996, Cohen has once again taken to the road to honor Harriet Tubman’s legacy and educate communities across America about the courage, sacrifice, and determination tied to the pursuit of freedom.

His journey serves as a powerful reminder that these stories are not distant history—they continue to inspire generations today.

At , these stories hold deep meaning. During the War of 1812, 49 enslaved individuals from Sotterley self-emancipated through the British Navy in pursuit of freedom—part of a larger story of resistance and determination that shaped both our region and our nation.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, efforts like Cohen’s remind us that Black history is American history—and that preserving and sharing these stories matters.

Traveling alongside the walk is the 2,000-pound “Harriet Tubman Journey to Freedom” statue, helping communities reflect on the enduring legacy of Harriet Tubman and all who risked everything for liberty.

Their stories continue to move us forward.

05/20/2026

🌿 Love gardening, history, and beautiful spaces? Historic Sotterley’s Garden Guild is looking for volunteers! 🌿

For many visitors, walking through the Colonial Revival Gardens at feels like stepping back in time. From blooming flowers and winding paths to the peaceful beauty of the grounds, these gardens continue to inspire generations of visitors each year.

What many people may not realize is that this beauty is made possible by an extraordinary group of dedicated Garden Guild volunteers.

Throughout the year, volunteers help plant, trim, w**d, mow, and care for the gardens—preserving a space that reflects centuries of history and community care.

Originally dating back to the 18th century, Sotterley’s gardens have evolved through generations and today feature:
🌸 Colonial Revival flower gardens
🍇 A grape arbor with a stone bench
⛲ A beautiful Venetian well
🌿 Vegetable and herb gardens
☀️ A historic sundial
🌱 A charming Children’s Garden

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply enjoy being outdoors and giving back, we welcome you to become part of this special tradition.

👉 Join the Garden Guild and help preserve one of Southern Maryland’s most beautiful historic landscapes.

05/19/2026

Leadership. Service. Legacy. 🇺🇸

On May 20, 2026, Historic Sotterley welcomes retired Army Colonel Edna W. Cummings for an inspiring evening of storytelling, leadership, and history.

A Fayetteville, NC native and distinguished Army veteran, Col. Cummings served for 25 years in influential assignments including Georgetown University, the Pentagon, and NORAD/USNORTHCOM. Today, she continues her work as a nationally recognized advocate, speaker, and champion for preserving military and African American history.

Her memoir, A Soldier’s Life, chronicles her remarkable journey from Army brat to trailblazing leader while also honoring the legacy of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion — the Six Triple Eight — the groundbreaking all-Black women’s unit of World War II.

Col. Cummings also played a pivotal role in securing the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021, helping bring long-overdue recognition to these extraordinary women.

📚 Limited signed copies of her book will be available for in-person attendees.

Edna W. Cummings

✨ FREE Hybrid Event
🕡 Pre-reception with light refreshments begins at 6:30 PM
👉 Registration is required

Join us for an unforgettable evening honoring courage, perseverance, leadership, and legacy.

https://sotterley.org/event/sotterley-presents-people-perspectives-with-edna-cummings/

05/15/2026

𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙅𝙪𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙝

I’m telling this story from the perspective of someone who’s usually pretty stoic… but this one got me.

Covering the incredible Ms. Edith Younger Edmunds — an absolutely amazing century-young woman — was something truly special. Working with has already been a powerful experience, but Ms. Edith’s energy, wisdom, humor, and spirit hit differently.

(And yes… that’s “Ms. Edith.” Back in the day, we were taught to properly address our elders — title first, then first name. No exceptions.)

In the clip that follows, you’ll see just a glimpse of what she shared with us. Several of us were moved to tears. But this moment becomes even more powerful when you understand the history stitched into her life’s work.

🧵 During the darkness of slavery and the Underground Railroad, quilts were believed to carry hidden messages — patterns like Wagon Wheel, Flying Geese, and Log Cabin quietly guiding freedom seekers toward hope and safety.

Ms. Edith made her very first quilt at just seven years old with her twin sister Earle using a treadle sewing machine passed down through her family. Only later did she discover the deeper meaning behind many of those patterns — a quiet language of resilience, resistance, and liberation carried through generations.

One of Ms. Edith’s bucket-list dreams was to visit Historic Sotterley… and last year, she did just that. 🙌

Now, we are deeply honored to welcome her back as a featured guest during our Juneteenth celebration:
✨ “Threads of Freedom: Honoring Edith Younger Edmunds at 100.”

At 100 years old, Ms. Edith continues to inspire audiences through storytelling, artistry, and living history — reminding us that history is not just something we study… it is something we carry forward.

Mission accomplished, Ms. Edith. God bless you. ❤️