News

Annapolis, the capital city of Maryland, is located on the Severn River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay, making it a perfect place to get out on the water from spring through October. The boats come off the water at the end of October, but a fall visit will bring crisp weather and the invigoration of sailing with the wind in your face.Learn More »

Robert Clark has been a “glass-half-full” type of leader ever since he took over the reins in 2012 of Historic Annapolis, Inc. (HA). After double-timing its resources—namely, staff, volunteers, members, donors, and corporate partners and sponsors—the organization is now officially implementing its “Short-Term Strategic Plan” to take on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn More »

Historic treasures, it turns out, are not essential businesses.
 So, Historic Annapolis is turning to blogging as it nears the end of an April without tours of its landmark buildings, or the annual events that are normally a highlight of the spring.Learn More »

Historic Annapolis wants you to join in the fun on April Fool’s Day with a unique tour of the William Paca House. Led by our Curator of Collections, the tour will test your powers of observation and provide entertainment for the whole family.Learn More »

The City Dock Action Committee presented its final report Tuesday to the Annapolis City Council, offering new details on a project that would remake the downtown area and how supporters plan to pay the estimated $50 million price tag.Learn More »

On March 25th, Maryland turns 386. During Maryland Day Weekend of March 20-22, 2020 the Four Rivers Heritage area of Annapolis and southern Anne Arundel County put on dozens of events to celebrate that milestone. They fill the weekend with a wide range of fun family-friendly events that are free or just $1. There is a wide range of events that include climbing aboard a tall ship, nature hikes, historic home, farm and garden tours, museum exhibits, historical reenactments and tours of galleries and art center open houses.Learn More »

Lt. Kayla Barron never imagined she might one day become an astronaut, let alone be one of the first people to visit Mars, until she served on a submarine.

 But the Naval Academy graduate and NASA astronaut-in-training is part of a new generation of astronauts working to do just that. Barron and fellow NASA astronauts who graduated from the Naval Academy, Capt. Kenneth Reightler and Capt. Robert Curbeam, paneled a discussion Sunday on the history of NASA’s space program and its long relationship with their alma mater.Learn More »

Four Rivers: The Heritage Area of Annapolis, London Town & South County announces eight new mini-grant awards to local heritage-related nonprofit organizations as part of our FY20 mini-grant opportunity. Learn More »

Hey buddy, can you spare a dime? How about $50 million?
  That’s the projected price tag for an ambitious and attractive plan to save City Dock — the loose term describing the public areas along Dock Street, Compromise Street and Susan B. Cambell Park — from the ravages of sea-level rise on the Chesapeake Bay. Learn More »

Long-standing efforts to turn the Annapolis City Dock into a more park-like setting are inching forward — at last. A request for qualifications was sent out by the recently formed City Dock Action Committee and the nonprofit Historic Annapolis with a due date of Nov. 20. The request seeks to attract a team of investors, developers, architects and engineers to create an upscale and modern public green space on the waterfront. Learn More »

It’s that time of year again: The Annapolis by Candlelight tour.
  The 28th annual tour of the fine homes in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Annapolis celebrates the variety of homes and highlights the current owners’ stewardship. Learn More »

When Eileen Fogarty was selected to chair the City Dock Action Committee, she imagined a dozen or so people working to reimagine Annapolis’ downtown tourism and business center while protecting it against impending floodwaters.

  Over seven months, the committee, formed in conjunction with the city and Historic Annapolis, grew to nearly 100 volunteers from a range of backgrounds, including maritime workers, business owners, preservationists, resiliency experts, transportation officials, designers and more. Learn More »

After a year of planning and consideration with extensive input from the community, the Annapolis City Dock consensus plan will be announced on Tuesday. Learn More »

City Dock in Annapolis has been studied to death. About the only thing that everyone can agree upon is that a parking lot is not the best use. Learn More »

The National Park Service is giving Historic Annapolis more than $100,000 in the first year of a five-year partnership to finish a plan that would guide City Dock revitalization projects. Learn More »

When Mike Halbig and Jan Thorman bought their house at 32 Maryland Ave. in July 1979, they planned to raise a family and live a life typical of any Annapolitan.
  More than 40 years later, Halbig and Thorman are being recognized for their efforts to preserve their historic home which dates back to the late 19th century at Historic Annapolis’ Preservation Awards Tuesday night at the Annapolis Westin Hotel. Learn More »

For Annapolis to brace itself against the changing climate — and the storm surges, rising sea levels and temperature shifts that come with it — the city is going to shell out a lot of money. Learn More »

Renovations at Maryland Hall, a new garden complex at Historic London Town and Gardens and several new museum exhibits were awarded almost half a million dollars in state grants last week. Learn More »

As the blazing sun beat down on Annapolis’ streets and historic storefronts, Dr. Tim Chapin spelled out the not-so-distant future of transportation for a city deeply invested in remembering its past. Learn More »

Efforts to rethink the future of City Dock in Annapolis continue Tuesday night with a talk by a Florida academic on the potential impact of self-driving vehicles on the urban landscape. Learn More »

Historic Annapolis joins more than 50 other Smithsonian Institution-affiliated museums across the country in celebrating the 50th anniversary of humanities historic first steps on the moon by screening the Smithsonian Channel's new documentary, “The Day We Walked on The Moon,” on Saturday, July 20, 2019, 6:30 p.m. in the theater at The Colonial Players of Annapolis located at 108 East Street in Annapolis. Learn More »

Well before the crowds emerged in Annapolis for parades, festivities and fireworks, there were signs of life and the holiday — and the promise of America — in Annapolis on the Fourth of July. Learn More »

Annapolis, Md., is filled with historic houses, many of which have survived from the 1700s. But most are brick homes, designed to endure. The Sands House is from the 1700s, too, but it was constructed of wood, a more perishable material. Yet it has lasted just as long as its brick brethren and is believed to be the oldest frame house in the Chesapeake region. Learn More »

Efforts to restore the James Brice House in Annapolis are underway, as contractors work to return the historic home’s roof to its 1774 condition. Learn More »

Former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley helped frame the effort to rethink City Dock before a packed house at Maryland Hall as work continued on the broad discussions to fashion the city waterfront’s future. Learn More »

My name, the Sands House, comes from John Sands, the owner who bought me in the early 1770s. He wasn’t my original occupant, but the name sticks because members of his family lived here for seven generations—all the way to 2015! That’s when Annapolis preservationists took over. Learn More »

The Eastern Shore and Annapolis are both great options for summer day trips. This article in the Washingtonian spotlights a number of great places to see, things to do, and places to eat. There are even suggestions for places to stay if you want to make a weekend out of it.  Learn More »

The City of Annapolis, in partnership with Maryland Hall, will be launching a speaker series, “Reimagining City Dock.” The first speaker on May 20 will be former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, who will discuss “Visionary Leadership, Transformation and Resilience.” The event is free, but tickets (through the Maryland Hall website) are required. Learn More »

As nearly 200 residents gathered to discuss the future of City Dock, Mayor Gavin Buckley announced a speaker series, kicked off by a talk from former Charleston, South Carolina, Mayor Joe Riley. Learn More »

Historic Annapolis and the City of Annapolis invite you to join us from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center for a community-wide discussion about the future of City Dock. Learn More »

The William Paca Garden will hold its annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12, 2019. This is the chance to take home a piece of history and watch it bloom in your garden.  You can find shrubs and trees from this historic garden and seedlings grown in the greenhouse.  Garden staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and recommend just what you need for your growing conditions. Learn More »

Anne Arundel County will receive about $12.5 million in capital funding to improve nonprofit headquarters, mitigate flooding and upgrade school athletic facilities after lawmakers finalized the Maryland budget last week. Learn More »

Father Andrew White and his fellow travelers planted a cross on St. Clement’s Island in what is now St. Mary’s County 375 years ago after a harrowing voyage from England aboard the Ark and Dove. Now we celebrate Maryland Day to mark that occasion.
  Learn More »

Mayor Gavin Buckley on Wednesday said a meeting with the governor’s office proved “pretty positive” for a potential deal to hand over a waterfront landmark to the city.

If the state sells the Capt. William H. Burtis house to the city, it would give Annapolis control over the current home of the National Sailing Hall of Fame and an essential piece in the revitalization of City Dock. Gov. Larry Hogan’s administration will have to authorize the sale, which could include restrictions on use.

Buckley spoke at a Wednesday night meeting of the City Dock action committee, tasked with taking the findings of the Urban Land Institute’s recent study and creating short and long-term action the city can take. The action committee comprises Buckley, Alderwoman Elly Tierney, chair Eileen Fogarty, Historic Annapolis board member Bill Kardash, Historic Annapolis president Robert Clark and Historic Annapolis staff Karen Theimer Brown and Ron Jarashow. Learn More »

Wednesday night, the Annapolis City Dock Action Committee will kick off a months-long effort to answer the ancient riddle of Annapolis. Learn More »

Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley threw his support behind a study from the Urban Land Institute, released Tuesday.

The report, a result of two days of interviews with residents, lawmakers and business owners, suggests Annapolis should preserve the existing “envelope” of buildings near City Dock, but move forward with development that would honor the city’s working-class maritime history and attract visitors to the waterfront. Learn More »

Whatever you think of the Annapolis penchant for hiring consultants and think tanks, there is no doubt that Tuesday’s big reveal of the Urban Land Institute Technical Panel could be a bellwether moment. Learn More »

As of January 31, 2019, the Historic Annapolis Museum and Store located at 99 Main Street will be closing temporarily to create a new and inviting space for its upcoming permanent exhibit on the history of Annapolis. The Museum will remain closed until the new exhibit opens in 2020. The Store will be relocating to its former home at 77 Main Street and re-open in early February 2019. Learn More »

WeddingWire, Inc., a leading global online wedding marketplace, annually celebrates the top wedding professionals on WeddingWire across more than 20 service categories, from venues and caterers to florists and photographers. These distinguished vendors exhibit superior professionalism, responsiveness, service, and quality when interacting with the five million monthly consumers who turn to WeddingWire to help ease their wedding planning services. Learn More »

Anne Arundel County delegates and senators are carrying at least $2 million in local bond bill requests to the Maryland General Assembly. The bills — which have to approved by the delegation and ultimately the General Assembly — provide funding for local groups and charities. The requests are separate from Gov. Larry Hogan’s capital budget. Learn More »

Annapolis is, by United States standards, a very “olde towne.” It was founded in 1650 before becoming the state capital in 1695. Along the way, many human beings including dock workers and politicians, business owners and craftsmen, immigrants and artisans, have all altered and added to this city’s appearance and appeal. Understanding the significance of those precious years of contribution and protecting the integrity of the historic fabric of Annapolis has been the job of Historic Annapolis through their Historic Markers Program since 1967. Other preservationist organizations perform similar (and sometimes overlapping) services and oversight, but HA is the source from which the plaques, or historic markers are produced and distributed. Learn More »

The initial findings of the Annapolis ULI TAP held on October 23 and 24 were presented to the public at the Annapolis City Council Chambers at 6:00 pm on October 24.  Learn More »

A public engagement session was held at 5:30 pm on October 23 in the Annapolis City Council Chambers as part of the Annapolis ULI TAP held on October 23 and 24.  Learn More »

Historic Annapolis is partnering with the city of Annapolis to host an Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss the future of City Dock.  We invite you to share your thoughts with the panel at a one-hour community forum at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Annapolis City Hall council chambers. 

The successful redevelopment for City Dock is contingent upon significant public input. The purpose of this community forum is to hear from residents, business owners, and property owners about what you value about City Dock. Your input will help make City Dock a more engaging, vibrant part of the historic district. Learn More »

Next week, through the generous support of the Historic Annapolis Foundation and its partners, the Urban Land Institute will convene a Technical Assistance Panel of experts from the fields of architecture, economic development, urban development, transportation and preservation to analyze the future of Annapolis City Dock.

The city of Annapolis looks forward to hearing the results of this effort that also includes dozens of stakeholders from the Annapolis community. Learn More »

Annapolis residents are encouraged to publicly comment during an Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel (ULI TAP) analysis of redevelopment opportunities and preservation pressures facing the historic Annapolis City Dock.  This ULI TAP, a gathering of national experts in the fields of architecture, economic development, urban development, transportation, and preservation, will host a one-hour community input session next Tuesday, October 23, at 5:30 pm at the Annapolis City Hall Council Chambers.  Residents, along with representatives from business, government, development, design and environmental sectors, are welcome to attend this listening session.  Reservations are not required. Learn More »

Find the perfect place to wed in Maryland’s capital city with these gorgeous Annapolis wedding venues. Host the perfect Annapolis wedding at any of these stunning wedding venues in the town’s Historic District. If you’re attracted to Annapolis wedding venues, you probably have an affinity for either history (both Maryland and United States) or the Chesapeake Bay. Or, maybe not. There are about a million things to love about wedding venues in Annapolis, MD, no matter what type of wedding theme you’re prepping. Learn More »

One hundred years ago, a carpenter finished the final post of the staircase in the brand new foursquare on Franklin Street. Before the newel cap was secured, the carpenter placed house plans in the stair post’s hollow center.

Generations later, my family will move to this house, and we are lucky enough to discover the plans. Throughout our renovation, this first blueprint served as a reminder of the original design, even as additions and updates brought my family’s home into the 21st century. Learn More »

For today’s guest, heading back to the eighteenth century is a daily occurrence and a requirement. Karen Theimer Brown is the vice-president of preservation at Historic Annapolis, a non-profit organization tasked with protecting, preserving and interpreting the history of Maryland’s capital city. Founded in 1649, Annapolis remains one of the most authentic and intact colonial towns in all of America. For Karen and her colleagues at Historic Annapolis, it’s a full-time job to protect that authenticity from rising tides and pressure to grow. Grab your Old Bay and get your crab mallet ready. We’re headed to Naptown to talk preservation’s past and future. Learn More »

In late June, the National Trust for Historic Preservation designated City Dock one of the “11 Most Endangered Historic Places” in America. A rezoning proposal that could relax height/bulk restrictions and compromise viewsheds gave preservationists great concern and thus prompted the designation.

At the event announcing the designation, Mayor Gavin Buckley stated: “We all want the same thing … we all want a better downtown." He then made a commitment to "reimagine City Dock together”, stating, “I’m here to preserve the City of Annapolis.” Learn More »

They say that the only two things in life that are guaranteed are death and taxes. Well, maybe those and controversy over what to do with the Annapolis City Dock. Learn More »

Nestled in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, Annapolis is defined by the water surrounding it, and the history it shaped. Grab an ice cream cone and join the parade of boats and people strutting through Ego Alley, the Annapolis Harbor area. Learn More »

Three years ago we published a series of stories on the future of downtown Annapolis that has proven to be strangely prescient. Learn More »

As we worked on this issue, we learned that The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently named Annapolis City Dock area as one of the eleven most endangered, one-of-a kind historic places in America. Instead of our usual Publishers’ Letter, we are sharing with Annapolis Home readers the concerns the Trust and other historic organizations have raised. Learn More »

In an architect’s rendering of a re-imagined City Dock, trees flanked by pedestrian walkways dot the Annapolis downtown. A waterfront park hosts public monuments. There are no cars.

Of course, that’s because the rendering is from 1937.

In 2018, Annapolis is trying again. Learn More »

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Said the voice of patriotism: “Fie on travel abroad. See America first.”

So, months back, I picked the red, white and blue heart of our country for my July Fourth holiday — Annapolis.  Learn More »

The Washington, D.C., area has a long and rich history in America, but are the remnants of that history in danger? Learn More »

After an early morning Independence Day naturalization ceremony at William Paca House in Annapolis, 30 people from across the globe no longer yearn to breathe free. Learn More »

It was Annapolis first and only waterfront hotel built in the 1960s that set the tone for the City Dock we see today. A new generation decries the dullness of parking lots in what some declare should be a more dynamic, lively visitor destination.  Learn More »

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The redevelopment of the Annapolis City Dock has become something of a contentious issue.

The mayor has proposed changing the zoning of the waterfront, which historic preservation groups oppose.

  Learn More »

Citing Mayor Gavin Buckley’s rezoning proposal for City Dock, the National Trust for Preservation put Annapolis’ Historic District and City Dock on its annual 11 most threatened historic sites list on Tuesday. Learn More »

Mayor Gavin Buckley’s City Dock rezoning legislation has spurred the National Trust for Historic Preservation to name the Annapolis historic site as one of the top 11 “Most Endangered Historic Places.” Learn More »

ANNAPOLIS, Md., June 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Local financial planning firm CovingtonAlsina was a lead sponsor at last night's 10^th annual Paca Girlfriends Party, which took place at the William Paca House and Garden in Annapolis. The event, which supports Historical Annapolis' mission and public outreach, also served as the unveiling of ConvingtonAlsina's new female-facing brand, with the organization placing itself "At the Intersection of Women & Wealth." Learn More »

Three years ago we rounded off a series called Visions of Annapolis with an editorial saying the city “devotes about 56 percent of City Dock to parking, with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly open space making up just 17 percent ...”

“City residents,” we argued, “will have to realize they are throwing away a resource — and potential magnet for non-bar-going visitors — in order to hang on to one of the most scenic parking lots in America.” Learn More »

In discussions about City Dock and potential development, a subject comes up over and over.

Annapolis’ Historic Landmark designation and whether it’s in danger. Learn More »

Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley, undeterred after his initial legislation wasn’t seconded and couldn’t be introduced, plans to reintroduce a measure to rezone City Dock in hopes of ushering in a revitalized downtown — and a controversial hotel. Learn More »

Mayor Gavin Buckley’s legislation to rezone and further development City Dock failed Monday night after two and a half hours of heated public testimony.

The City Council did not second a motion to vote on the legislation, which would have rezoned areas in the 2013 City Dock Master Plan. Because the second motion failed, the legislation failed. Learn More »

Mayor Gavin Buckley, ahead of a City Council meeting dealing with controversial Historic District rezoning, announced on Monday he will replace the longtime chairwoman of the Annapolis Historic Preservation Commission. Learn More »

The Brice House and the accompanying record of James Brice’s accounts leave tantalizing clues about his bid to rise through the elite society of Annapolis, Maryland, late in the colonial era. Learn More »

On March 10, 1767, Annapolis, Maryland, native James Brice—just 20 years of age at the time—opened a leather-bound book and made a careful annotation recording the purchase of 16,600 shingles. For seven of the 34 years contained in his ledger, Brice meticulously documented the construction of his elegant house on the corner of Prince George and East streets. Learn More »

Annapolis is an incredibly walkable city. The architecture beautifully melds the centuries along the Chesapeake Bay. On both of our visits, we meandered in and out of alleyways always discovering a new treasure. Learn More »

Plans for a downtown Annapolis boutique hotel have drawn public concern from the stewards of more than a dozen of the city’s historic buildings. Representatives for Historic Annapolis, a nonprofit preservation and history group, expressed their worry with how the project, which proposes a hotel and underground parking garage, might affect the historic character of Annapolis. Learn More »

Historic Annapolis supports re-development along the waterfront, but not if it sacrifices the historic context and setting that defines City Dock.

Recent proposals for a new hotel and parking garage at City Dock have the potential to negatively impact the characteristic views that so strongly appeal to residents and visitors, on and off the water. Thankfully, the City of Annapolis has a very effective tool for protecting the viewshed and overdevelopment of City Dock — the Height and Bulk Ordinance. Learn More »

Well, better late than never, right?

Maryland Day falls on March 25. That’s the date on which we recognize the founding of the Maryland colony on St. Clement’s Island in today’s St. Mary’s County in 1634.

But, it will be this weekend that local historic sites and groups mark the arrival of the colonists’ ships Ark and Dove on these shores with a boatload of activities and events — all free or just $1. Learn More »

A waterfront hotel with underground parking is at the center of a plan to revamp City Dock revealed Thursday by Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley. Learn More »

A great public museum is a complicated place. The Nooks and Crannies Tour at the Historic Annapolis William Paca House reminds us that the Paca House is both a great public museum and a complicated place. This tour quite literally looks behind closed doors and into the cupboards of the grand historic house. Learn More »

The William Paca House and the Historic Annapolis Museum Store will open its doors free of charge on Saturday, September 23, 2017 as part of Smithsonian magazine’s thirteenth annual Museum Day Live!  For this initiative participating museums across the United States emulate the spirit of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, DC  based facilities, which offer free admission every day, and open their doors for free to those who download a Museum Day Live! ticket. Learn More »

Just wanted to write a little update on the past week since it's been busier than normal for me! First things first- croquet. It was raining all day (for the first time in years) so I wasn't sure what the turnout would be. We had a drink at Galway then headed over. My phone promptly died so I didn't take any pictures. So sad. I wore a kelly green lace dress (a cross between this one and this one, though not QUITE as fancy) but kept my trench on the whole time- it was so cold. Regardless, I really enjoyed the day and thought the rain and umbrellas (and champagne) added to the ambiance. It felt very "English countryside" this year. St John's won 3-2 and we stayed til the bitter end to witness the game-winning play.  For croquet pictures, check out Glenn Miller's album here, or Sarah Culver's album from years past. The next day, there was an Earth Day Festival on Maryland Avenue. I worked at least 10 festivals while we had our shop so it was so nice to just be a normal person this time around.  I ran into lots of old friends, met two new business owners on the Avenue (Bear of Bear's Honeypot and Lisa of Barefoot Dwelling), and stayed for the flamenco dancing and cute teens in School of Rock. All in all, a very downtown weekend.  In addition, I just accepted a new job, resigned from my old job, and have started lifting weights and running, so it's been hectic trying to balance all that. I really want a routine again.  Then this morning, I got an impromptu tour of the Paca House from Pandora Hess, the curator of their collections.  Paca House (rhymes with "Take-a"- pronunciation gleaned from its use in a gentleman's poem from the 1700's) is right down the street from me, but I've never been inside.  I share mutual friends with Pandora- I mainly reached out to find out about events, and ended up getting a long private tour. No complaints. She studied art history at Oxford, has a British accent, and knows EVERYTHING about historic Annapolis. I love it Learn More »

April 14 marks the 250th anniversary of the start of construction on what is now called the James Brice House at the juncture of 42 East and Prince George streets in Historic Annapolis. As the foundation walls were being laid, a chunky stone with the words "The Beginning" was cemented into a corner of the basement. Learn More »

It’s pretty rare when someone can pull their career into their volunteer work. However, for Judi Herrmann, President and Creative Director of Herrmann Advertising, Branding, and Technology,  the two do just that. Herrmann started her company 37 years ago and has been volunteering with Historic Annapolis for over 20 Learn More »

“Hold that boat!” One thing I’ve learned as a new stay-at-home mom is to make the most of life between my baby’s naps and mealtimes. That’s why I ran past the yachts and sailboats anchored along “Ego Alley” in Annapolis, Md., to flag down the Harbor Queen before its last daily departure at 4 p.m Learn More »

Captain Santa is coming to town! With a cheerful spirit, Cruises on the Bay℠ by Watermark® announces Jolly Express Cruises for the 2016 holiday season. Miss Anne will be decked out in her reindeer best with a bright red nose and antlers offering 45-minute Spa Creek sleigh rides in December. A cruise on the Jolly Express is a most festive – and Annapolitan – way to celebrate the holidays! Jolly passengers enjoy hot cocoa, holiday music and lots of holiday cheer on a cozy and spirited 45-minute cruise of beautiful Spa Creek in Annapolis. As part of the Jolly Express tradition and in the spirit of holiday giving, ten percent of ticket proceeds will be donated to Historic Annapolis, Inc. Learn More »

Multipurpose furniture wasn't a recent invention. Cabinet maker and furniture craftsman John Shaw (1745 – 1829), who had a workshop and residence at 21 State Circle, Annapolis, created meticulously built designs which graced many a townhouse and manor in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Learn More »

The Four Rivers Heritage Area held its Fifteenth Anniversary Celebration and Thirteenth Annual Heritage Awards on Thursday, November 10, 2016, in the Blue Heron Room at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis.  Learn More »

What began as a way to raise funds for the Historic Annapolis Foundation's programs a quarter century ago has become a cherished autumn tradition. For one Friday and Saturday evening each fall since 1991, the streets of Annapolis' historic district are lit up by people streaming through the neighborhoods, flashlights in one hand and a guide or map in the other. Then as now, they are participants in the annual Annapolis by Candlelight Tour, a rare, once-a-year opportunity to visit and view the interiors of historic buildings, many privately owned. Learn More »

Beth Dolezal, a native of New London, Connecticut, never dreamed she'd be living within eight miles of another place named "London" — London Town in Edgewater. One summer in the late 1980s in Washington, D.C., Beth and a friend decided to have an adventure. Attempting to visit the Eastern Shore on a beach weekend, they got stuck in backed-up Bay Bridge traffic on Route 50 around exit 24. "Let's go look at some houses in Annapolis, instead," Beth suggested.   Learn More »

The James Brice House was seventy-six years old when Charles Dickens sat down and wrote his holiday classic A Christmas Carol. This December, for the third year in a row, Historic Annapolis will host Mark Hildebrand and friends as they bring the words and characters to life through a dramatic reading of the beloved tale.               Learn More »

There's smooth sailing for you and your grandchildren when you visit Annapolis, Maryland. With plenty of water views and water sports, this county seat of Anne Arundel County is an invitation to fun. Annapolis is called the Sailing Capital of the World, no surprise considering that it's situated on the Chesapeake Bay. It's less than an hour from Baltimore and Washington, D. C. Learn More »

The Historic Annapolis foundation will receive a $150,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to support its "A History of Annapolis in 99 Objects" exhibit. Learn More »

September is Bourbon Heritage Month! As a bourbon drinker, this is an exciting month for me! In recent years, I’ve enjoyed getting to know more about the drinks I enjoy – their history, how their made and the best ways to drink them. Annapolis has become a great town for a great cocktail. Restaurants and bars likeTsunami, Level and Metropolitan have crafted perfect cocktails for the bourbon drinker Learn More »

 On June 15, hundreds of women gathered in the William Paca House and Garden to socialize, shop, enjoy the beauty of the restored garden and, of course, drink a Pacatini or two at the eighth annual Paca Girlfriends' Party. Many women were overheard saying, "Wow! It gets bigger and better every year." Learn More »

Architect and collector David Thompson will explore the history of architectural and engineering drawing of the 18th and early 19th centuries in a lecture at the James Brice House Thursday evening. Learn More »

Historic Annapolis is excited to present a new 90-minute guided walking tour of Annapolis focusing on the life of William Paca and his fellow Annapolis revolutionaries Learn More »

Annapolis residents will have a chance to walk in the footsteps of revolutionary William Paca this fall. Historic Annapolis, a nonprofit that preserves historic places and objects throughout the city, is offering a new 90-minuted walking tour that focuses on the lives of Paca and other local revolutionaries, according to a news release. The tour will highlight Paca's evolution from a young lawyer to a signer of the Declaration of Independence and Maryland governor. Learn More »

From 18th-century ruling pens to modern-day computer modeling, the history of architectural tools has evolved greatly over time. Join Historic Annapolis for a lecture by David Thompson and learn the history of some of these tools. Learn More »

Annapolitans live, work and play in old places every day. From the Colonial Annapolis Historic District to City Dock to the modest buildings of Butler's Row, these places set the stage for peoples' lives. But why do these old places matter? This year, Annapolis is hosting a series of lectures to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. I was privileged to speak about a series of essays I wrote on why old places matter. (They can be found at forum.savingplaces.org/blogs.) While I have always been an unabashed advocate for keeping and reusing old places, as I wrote these essays, I found to my surprise that old places are actually more important to people than I — and many preservationists — generally recognize. Here's why. Learn More »

Herrmann Advertising | Branding | Technology was honored with five wins in this year’s International Academy of Visual Arts’ Communicator Awards. The Annapolis agency’s work for Cardinal Financial Corporation, Kramer Levin, Historic Annapolis and the Howard County Health Department, along with Herrmann’s own website redesign, competed with more than 6,000 entries from across the U.S. and the world. Learn More »

For Ash Mikhia, U.S. citizenship has been a long time coming. Since he immigrated from Iran at age 12, he had wanted to become an American. He joined the Navy in the '90s, but was discharged later because of his asthma. When he got a job at the World Bank in 1998, he hoped to begin the citizenship process — but the bank was only looking for international employees. Now, after retiring from The World Bank, Mikhia is a U.S. citizen. "This was the right time. And the most exciting thing is to do it in Annapolis, near the Naval Academy," the Rockville resident said. "This country gave me opportunity." On Monday, he was one of 24 people who became citizens at the house of an Annapolis resident who signed the Declaration of Independence 240 years ago. In addition to the naturalization ceremony at the William Paca House and Garden Monday, more than 7,000 people became U.S. citizens between June 30 to July 4. Learn More »

Now an annual tradition, more than three dozen area residents who emigrated to Maryland from around the world officially become U.S. citizens in the 10th annual naturalization ceremony to be held on the rear terrace of the historic William Paca House and Garden, 186 Prince George St., at 10 a.m. on the Fourth of July. Admission is free. Learn More »

Historic Annapolis is hosting its annual Fourth of July event at the William Paca House this July 4th. Each year, the event draws both locals and tourists to celebrate the birth of our nation at the home of William Paca, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a three-term Governor of Maryland. It is a unique opportunity for visitors to witness a Naturalization Ceremony, tour the Paca House, and celebrate the Fourth in the heart of Annapolis. Learn More »

TSG Baltimore & Annapolis makes an appearance at The Paca Girlfriends Annual Spring Fundraiser for Historic Annapolis.  Learn More »

Historic Annapolis has partnered with the Smithsonian Institution, giving the local nonprofit access to the organization's 35 million historic artifacts. The Annapolis nonprofit is now a part of the Smithsonian Affiliations program and will have the opportunity to borrow items from the Smithsonian museums, as well as organize educational collaborations and traveling exhibitions, said Carrie Kiewitt, spokeswoman for Historic Annapolis. The organization is one of six affiliates in Maryland and one of 200 in the country. "The things they bring to the table are endless," Kiewitt said. "It has great benefits for our members." Learn More »

Last night, the gardens at the William Paca House were full of color!  Not only were the flowers in bloom, but hundreds of women from the Annapolis area flooded the terraced lawn for a good cause–to raise funds for Historic Annapolis. It was the Paca Girlfriends Party going stronger than ever for the 8th year Learn More »

After a successful launch on Maryland Day, Architrex makes its debut on Annapolis Tours℠ by Watermark®’s public tour schedule in June! When the Maryland Day tour ended with an enthusiastic round of applause from guests, it was clear the new architecture tour should be made available to the public on a regular basis. Celebrate and learn about the city’s most notable and celebrated examples of 17th and 18th Century architecture with “ArchiTrex,” a new tour by Annapolis Tours by Watermark and Historic Annapolis. The tour was developed in partnership with Watermark, Historic Annapolis, Craig Martin of Spire Architecture and Leslie Xavier. Watermark will offer the 2-hour walking tour to the public on the second and fourth Saturday of the month, June through September. Learn More »

For a city of only eight square miles—one of them water—Annapolis has a remarkable mix of the historic, the quaint, and the majestic. Learn More »

Mayor Michael Pantelides and the Annapolis Heritage Commission will recognize four "Living Landmarks" Thursday as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations for the National Historic Preservation Act. Learn More »

After more than 30 years, the William Paca Garden plant sale continues to raise enough money to keep one of the more picturesque Annapolis landmarks looking as good as new.   The annual sale raises close to $20,000 every year during Mother's Day weekend — money that goes to maintaining the 2-acre Colonial garden outside the home of William Paca, one of Maryland's four signers of the Declaration of Independence and the state's third governor.   Learn More »

Residents and visitors to Annapolis (all four million of you a year), look around. Do you like what you see—the historical touchstones and the charming vibe of a colonial cityscape overflowing with a rich architectural heritage? Does a sense of relief or gratitude claim your attention and are you amazed if only for a moment at how this Old World appeal has been preserved amidst the hustle and bustle of 21st Century America? It wasn’t always this way you know. But for the indomitable will of one woman much, if not most, of this would have been lost decades ago to the wrecking ball and/or the ruin that follows in the shadow of neglect the way night follows day Learn More »

New Historic Annapolis initiative aims to tell the storied history of the city through 99 chosen objects
Get ready, Annapolis. Your history is about to be told like never before.

This time next year Historic Annapolis plans to unveil a large scale exhibit that tells “A History of Annapolis in 99 Objects.” Set to open at several sites around Annapolis, it promises to be every bit as challenging to produce, and as fascinating to observe, as its title implies. Learn More »

Dressed in replica Colonial garb, Diane Rey snapped a selfie.   "I'll put this away," she said of her smart phone. "It's not very 18^th century."   Tucking her phone into her pocket, she entered Back Creek Books on Main Street and got into character.   "Hear ye, good citizen of Annapolis. My name is Anne Catherine Green, I am wife of Jonas Green, printer of this city and I must say that present circumstances compel me to command your attention as our very liberties are at stake," she said.

A block south of the campus of St. John's College, and two blocks west of the Naval Academy's Gate 3, two venerable buildings sit catty-corner to each other, across a busy intersection. They both seem too big to have been a colonial residence. Correct. One is a former opera house. The other appears to have been a church. And, it was. You're about to get a peek inside. Learn More »

October 13, 2015 - Today state, county, and city leaders, joined by U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent VADM Ted Carter and Commandant of Midshipman Colonel Stephen Liszewski, gathered for a breakfast celebrating the 240th birthday of the U.S. Navy (October 13, 1775), the 170th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Naval Academy (October 10, 1845), and the 240th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps (November 10, 1775). Among the morning's speakers was Robert C. Clark, President and CEO of Historic Annapolis.   Learn More »

Robert Hardy spent 20 hours designing posters for the Historic Annapolis Foundation. He didn't use Adobe, Microsoft Word or a computer. He used an antique printing press. "To think what they did with those very limited tools…," he said in the basement of Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts.   Hardy hand made the 40 posters with a technique similar ones used to print the Maryland Gazette as publisher Jonas Green protested the Stamp Act — a turning point in American history that many believe set the Colonies on the road to revolution. To mark the 250th anniversary of Green's protest, Historic Annapolis has organized Sons of Liberty Week, complete with historical reenactments, lectures and a walking tour from Oct. 19 through Oct. 25. The newspaper is still published by Capital Gazette Communications, making it one of the oldest newspapers in the country. Learn More »

The city's historic district could welcome a new outdoor theater as early as 2017 Learn More »

Fires blazed. Refugees took to the streets.  Washington, D.C. was in a state of panic.  Rumors swirled that the Brits were on a mission to capture President James Madison.   So Madison and his first lady fled the city.  
A little town in Maryland becase their safe haven.  It's a part of history that most people don't know, but Mark Hildebrand does - he filmed a documentary about it.  Brookville: Capital for a Day is the storey of the only time in history that a president was on the run and was sheltered by Quakeers   Learn More »

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Loni Moyer accepted a "preservation pioneer" award on behalf of her father, the late Annapolis Mayor Roger "Pip" Moyer, during a historic preservation gathering Tuesday afternoon. Learn More »

History is not merely something on paper. It's also the story told by our human-created environment, from the roads we drive on to the neighborhoods we live in to the buildings where we conduct most of our lives to the objects we handle. Learn More »

Like Uncle Sam circa 1917 "I want you for the U.S. Army" posters, Historic Annapolis is in search of a few good men and women. Learn More »