Calendar of Events

Annapolis wasn’t necessarily the most exciting place culturally in the middle of the 18th century, so a group of mostly Scottish immigrants decided to make things happen.  They formed a gentlemen’s club, held bi-monthly meetings for over ten years, and left us with a rich and often comical account of their goings-on.  Music (and also rum… Continue reading Virtual Lecture – Music of the “Ancient and Honorable Tuesday Club of Annapolis” (1745-1756)

Join us for a full day outing to experience Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello! We will travel by motorcoach to Charlottesville, VA, and enjoy a guided Highlights Tour of the first-floor spaces in Thomas Jefferson’s home, the West Lawn and South Wing. This experience also includes a boxed lunch, as well as access to the gardens, grounds,… Continue reading Visit Monticello with Historic Annapolis

Take a break from screen time and join the students of Broadneck High School’s Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society at Hogshead Trades Museum for a day of old-fashioned fun! Students will demonstrate children’s games that were popular in colonial times such as skittles and shut the box. Everyone has a chance to participate… Continue reading Colonial Games Day at Hogshead

Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime is a fun hour full of reading and activities in the William Paca Garden, a secret treasure in the Historic District of Annapolis. Each program is designed for little ones, 3-7 years, with a book reading, song, and craft/art project, plus time to explore the Paca Garden following the story hour. … Continue reading Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime: “Trees Make Perfect Pets: A Story About Nature, Plants, and Gardening For Kids” by Paul Czajak

Historic Annapolis and American Battlefield Trust invite you to participate in the 29th annual Park Day! Each year, thousands of volunteers come together at historic sites and battlefields across the nation to help keep our nation’s heritage not only preserved, but pristine. In Annapolis, Historic Annapolis welcomes volunteers to assist us with outdoor clean-up activities… Continue reading Park Day: Volunteer with HA

Join us for a special Spring workshop on the Paca House Terrace, presented in partnership with our friends at Homestead Gardens. This afternoon workshop will be presented by a Homestead Gardens expert who will share tips on growing and caring for culinary herbs.  Participants will then be guided in creating a Culinary Herb Garden planter… Continue reading Culinary Herb Workshop in Paca Garden

Join Nathan M. Richardson as Frederick Douglass for an in-depth look at the writings and oratory of Frederick Douglass. Experience this internationally-acclaimed first person interpretation. See the 19th century literary masters through the eyes of Frederick Douglass. Learn about the personal relationships, the letters between them and the influenced their writings and activism had in… Continue reading Virtual Lecture – Douglass Amongst Literary Giants

Meet living historian Daniel Sieh to explore the lives of Asians in the United States in the 1700’s and discover some of the under told stories of the American Revolution. Through documents, activities, and objects, Daniel shares how global trade connected the lives of sailors, soldiers, traders, and enslaved people from Asia as they navigated… Continue reading Asian Americans in the Revolutionary War

Join us as Scott Shane discusses his book, FLEE NORTH: A Forgotten Hero and the Fight for Freedom in Slavery’s Borderland.  Learn the astonishing story of Thomas Smallwood, born into slavery near Washington, who bought his freedom, became a shoemaker and began organizing mass escapes from slavery from Washington, Baltimore and the surrounding counties. With… Continue reading Book Talk: Flee North: A Forgotten Hero and the Fight for Freedom in Slavery’s Borderland with author Scott Shane

One of Maryland few Jewish Revolutionary War veterans, Elias Pollock was a successful businessman in Baltimore during the early 1800s until his son-in-law bankrupted him. Over the course of his life, Pollock took great pains to identify himself as a Jew at a time when doing so was a political act. The story of Jewish… Continue reading Virtual Lecture – Elias Pollock and the Forgotten Jews of Early Maryland

A tradition for over 50 years, the William Paca Garden Plant Sale provides the opportunity to take home a piece of history. HA volunteers personally raise over 8,000 plants – perennials, annuals, trees, vines, and vegetable starts – that represent the best of the old and the new. Newly certified as a Maryland’s Best Native… Continue reading William Paca Garden Plant Sale

A tradition for over 50 years, the William Paca Garden Plant Sale provides the opportunity to take home a piece of history. HA volunteers personally raise over 8,000 plants – perennials, annuals, trees, vines, and vegetable starts – that represent the best of the old and the new. Newly certified as a Maryland’s Best Native… Continue reading William Paca Garden Plant Sale

Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime is a fun hour full of reading and activities in the William Paca Garden, a secret treasure in the Historic District of Annapolis. Each program is designed for little ones, 3-7 years, with a book reading, song, and craft/art project, plus time to explore the Paca Garden following the story hour.… Continue reading Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime: “Mother’s Day, Here I Come!” by David Steinberg

Fighting and Praying in Colonial Native America presented by Dr. Richard Bell   What did Native peoples do when confronted by European settlement in North America? The changing balance of power between Native Americans and European colonists is one of the biggest stories of the 17th century. That tense and constantly shifting relationship provided the context… Continue reading Virtual Lecture – Fighting and Praying in Colonial Native America with Dr. Richard Bell

Come out and shop til you drop with us in downtown Annapolis! Start your shopping spree at the Museum of Historic Annapolis, where you can enjoy a Pacatini and some nibbles, then head out into town where our retail partners will have special discounts for our Paca Girlfriends. Pick up your dress and accessories for… Continue reading Paca Girlfriends Shopping Night

Rise and Shine with Yoga in the Paca Garden! Join us for this special yoga series with Cathy Shaw. This 50-minute Vinyasa yoga style class is designed for all levels and includes sequences such as sun salutations, standing and seated postures, back bending and a strong focus on the power of breath awareness. Suitable for… Continue reading Yoga in the Garden II

May is preservation month! Join us for a guided walking tour of Brewer Hill Cemetery. Learn the origins of this historic African American burial site. Hear stories of those interred here including military veterans, activists and local luminaries. Learn about current preservation and documentation projects at the Cemetery today and how you can get involved!… Continue reading Brewer Hill Cemetery Tour with Historic Annapolis

Drop in and visit the William Paca Garden, a charming respite in the heart of bustling Annapolis. On this day, you’ll encounter the colonial gentry of Annapolis enjoying a garden party at the Summer House, portrayed by the Annapolis Living Historians. Interact with these finely-dressed friends of William & Mary Paca as they delight in… Continue reading Garden Party with the Pacas

Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime is a fun hour full of reading and activities in the William Paca Garden, a secret treasure in the Historic District of Annapolis. Each program is designed for little ones, 3-7 years, with a book reading, song, and craft/art project, plus time to explore the Paca Garden following the story hour. … Continue reading Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime: “The Bug Collector” by Alex Griffiths

Jefferson Holland will share some of his favorite places to explore in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County with notes from his book, “ Walk around Arundel: 52 places to hike with your dog (and other best friends)” – a collection of essays from his popular column in the Annapolis Capital. Food and drink suggestion: crab… Continue reading Virtual Lecture – Walk Around Arundel: 52 Places to Hike with Your Dog(and other best friends) with Jefferson Holland

Join us in the Paca Garden as Maryland Opera celebrates the season with arias and ensembles from Grand Opera, Operetta, and Broadway/The Great American Songbook.  Hear your favorites sung by renowned singers in a beautiful setting where it is “Summertime and the living is easy”! Doors open at 2:30 pm come early and enjoy the… Continue reading The Sounds of Summer with Maryland Opera

Why did so many 17th century Americans believe that witches walked among them? How could they balance their faith in reason with a belief system that encouraged them to see wondrous signs of God’s love and the Devil’s temptations all around them? How did they respond when they believed the devil’s servants were stalking their own… Continue reading Virtual Lecture – Witch-Hunting in Colonial America – presented by Dr. Richard Bell

Join us for the 17th annual Paca Girlfriends Party! Wander the picturesque William Paca Garden as you enjoy a glass of bubbly and indulge in culinary creations prepared by the area’s premier chefs. Shop in our festive marketplace, meet and greet with local designers, and connect with a wide network of influential women. This popular… Continue reading Paca Girlfriends Party

Loyalist Ladies of Annapolis – the King is ever our Sovereign! Stop by Hogshead Milliner’s Shop and meet Mrs. Calvert and Mrs.Dulaney. The year is 1775, and these refined women would never publicly express their loyalist opinions, but you might be able to hear their actual sentiments after the merchant steps out of the shop… Continue reading Loyalist Ladies of Annapolis

Rise and Shine with Yoga in the Paca Garden! Join us for this special yoga series with Cathy Shaw. This 50-minute Vinyasa yoga style class is designed for all levels and includes sequences such as sun salutations, standing and seated postures, back bending and a strong focus on the power of breath awareness. Suitable for… Continue reading Yoga in the Garden III

Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime is a fun hour full of reading and activities in the William Paca Garden, a secret treasure in the Historic District of Annapolis. Each program is designed for little ones, 3-7 years, with a book reading, song, and craft/art project, plus time to explore the Paca Garden following the story hour.… Continue reading Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime Summer Series – “My Family Plays Music” by Judy Cox and Elbrite Brown

Meet the Civil War First Maryland Volunteer Infantry Regiment on Pinkney Street! Learn about their recruiting efforts in August and September of 1862 to replace troops lost at the battle of Front Royal, as well as reintegrate the prisoners to be exchanged and paroled at Camp Parole. Cost is FREE with Suggested Donation of $5… Continue reading Civil War First Maryland Volunteer Infantry Regiment: Living History on Pinkney Street

Begin your 4th of July morning with an inspirational Naturalization Ceremony on the outdoor terrace of the William Paca House and Garden, when people from communities around the globe become our nation’s newest citizens in a ceremony conducted by officials from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The Naturalization Ceremony is free and open to the… Continue reading Naturalization Ceremony

The day will begin with an inspiring Naturalization Ceremony at 9 am – more information about that event here. Then, join Historic Annapolis for a 4th of July Celebration at the William Paca House & Garden, Hogshead Trades Museum, Waterfront Warehouse and the Museum of Historic Annapolis! Explore our historic sites as they are brought to… Continue reading Celebrate the Fourth of July with Historic Annapolis

“The Great Awakening” presented by Dr. Richard Bell   The Great Awakening was a major revitalization of Christian faith and practice that swept through the American colonies in the 1700s. It marks the moment at which new faiths began to compete with Puritanism, Anglicanism, and Quakerism for the hearts and minds of American colonists. But… Continue reading Virtual Lecture – The Great Awakening presented by Dr. Richard Bell

Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime is a fun hour full of reading and activities in the William Paca Garden, a secret treasure in the Historic District of Annapolis. Each program is designed for little ones, 3-7 years, with a book reading, song, and craft/art project, plus time to explore the Paca Garden following the story hour.… Continue reading Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime Summer Series – “The Pout-Pout Fish” by Deborah Diesen

The Balance of Power in Colonial Native America  Native Americans did not disappear from colonial history in the 18th century. On the contrary, throughout the 1700s, Native Americans exerted decisive influence on the American colonies encroaching all around them. But how, why, and at what cost? How did Native people navigate the rapid changes to… Continue reading Virtual Lecture – The Balance of Power in Colonial Native America with Dr. Richard Bell

Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime is a fun hour full of reading and activities in the William Paca Garden, a secret treasure in the Historic District of Annapolis. Each program is designed for little ones, 3-7 years, with a book reading, song, and craft/art project, plus time to explore the Paca Garden following the story hour.… Continue reading Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime Summer Series – “Plants Feed Me” by Lizzy Rockwell

The first Africans had been brought to Virginia as slaves in 1619 but it wasn’t until the 1670s that slavery began to dominate parts of the American economy. That process continued apace in the 18th century transforming every aspect of most southern colonies, from Virginia to South Carolina and Georgia. How did American law transform to… Continue reading Virtual Lecture – Southern Slavery in Colonial America presented by Dr. Richard Bell

Join us on the Paca Terrace and meet furniture maker Bob Van Dyke. Visitors will learn about Federal period furniture with a focus on Annapolis cabinet maker, John Shaw. Bob will demonstrate some of the techniques used to create basic inlays. As Director of the Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking and a Contributing Editor for… Continue reading Federal Furniture Demonstration with Bob Van Dyke

Presented by Daniel J. Sieh The United States, or “Gold Mountain” as it was known in Asia, was often seen as a very distant but promising destination for many in the East looking for opportunity. New research puts the beginnings of Asian immigration much earlier than expected, with some even making their way to the American Revolution… Continue reading Virtual Lecture – : “In Pursuit of Gold Mountain”: Asian Immigration and History in the United States

Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime is a fun hour full of reading and activities in the William Paca Garden, a secret treasure in the Historic District of Annapolis. Each program is designed for little ones, 3-7 years, with a book reading, song, and craft/art project, plus time to explore the Paca Garden following the story hour.… Continue reading Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime Summer Series – “How to Read to a Grandma or Grandpa” by Jean Reagan

Storyteller Jefferson Holland presents a delightful program of original tall tales and songs inspired by the people and places of the Bay, from the Native Americans who feasted on oysters along her shores to the modern-day sailors who ply her waters. Food/drink suggestion: Chesapeake oyster stew with Fordham Copperhead Ale The Historic Annapolis 2025 Virtual… Continue reading Virtual Lecture – Despicable Pirates, 3,000-Year-Old Oyster Shells & Cannibal Crabs! Tall Tales of Annapolis & the Chesapeake Bay

North Slavery in Colonial America  We tend to think of slavery as a labor system that was confined to the American South. But it turns out that that’s not the full story. Slavery was also a fact of life in many northern colonies before the American Revolution. Northern slavery was never as widespread or as… Continue reading Virtual Lecture – North Slavery in Colonial America with Dr. Richard Bell

The American colonies were full of strangers—new arrivals born far away. Among the white population, those colonies teemed with immigrants from all across western Europe and elsewhere. Why did they come? Where did they settle? How did they live? To answer these questions, we’ll examine the demographic makeup of the British colonies in 1700 and… Continue reading Virtual Lecture – Strangers in the Realm: Immigration to Colonial America with Dr. Richard Bell