Come discover the 17th century . . .

At Historic St. Mary's City , colorful costumed interpreters in recreated 17th-century settings tell the stories of Maryland's first years, when St. Mary's was the colony's capital. Outdoor exhibits (click here to see a map of the site) include the reconstructed State House of 1676, Smith's Ordinary, and the Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation, a working colonial farm. At the Woodland Indian Hamlet, visitors discover how Maryland's native population interacted with English colonists. Sailors' stories of the tobacco trade and immigration resound across the deck of the Maryland Dove, a replica square-rigged ship. The Maryland Dove occassionally travels to other ports. Watch HSMC's home page for notice that she is away and not available to tour.

Hands-on activities are offered at most sites. Special events scheduled on weekends from March through December offer visitors unique opportunities to work alongside professional archaeologists, churn butter, watch a militia drill, or shoot a bow and arrow. Living history exhibits at Historic St. Mary's City are open seasonally, from the middle of March through November.

Behind the scenes, researchers and historians are rediscovering the past using information gleaned from the museum's decades of archaeological and historical research. Archaeological sites under excavation are visible across the landscape - the museum is the heart of a National Historic Landmark recognized as one of America's best-preserved colonial archaeology sites. At the St. John's Site Museum, visitors discover how archaeologists and historians uncover the past. The the excavated foundation of the place where Maryland's first legislators sometimes met is preserved in the museum and artifacts from the site are on display.

Visitors are welcome to enjoy the grounds, which include interpretive and Bayscape gardens and interpretive signage while the living history sites are closed in the winter. There is an admission fee charged in season, with reduced rates for seniors, children, and students. School and group tours are available by reservation. If you plan to spend the night during the week, consider staying at the beautiful Brome-Howard Inn, which is located on the museum grounds, and taking advantage of our Historical Picnic Package.

You are invited to come face to face with the past in one of America's most beautiful historical sites, Historic St. Mary's City.