St. Mary's County Maryland Visitor Guide 2025 - Magazine - Page 20
PAG E T I T L E
A Legacy of Liberty
HISTORIC ST. MARY’S CITY
B
e transported into the 1600s at Historic St. Mary’s City,
an outdoor living history museum built on the site of
Maryland’s first capital city. Uncover layers of history, from
the cultures of indigenous peoples, European colonists, and
African Americans, to architecture and religious freedom.
With seasonally unique, hands-on experiences and exciting
insights into history uncovered by archaeologists, you will
learn something new every time you visit.
Chat with friendly interpreters and
participate in demonstrations that echo
17th-century life. Hear the story of Dinah
Nuthead, the first licensed female printer
of the thirteen colonies, and create a
contract on a printing press.
Explore the Woodland Indian Hamlet
and learn about the Yaocomaco people
who lived along the river long before the
colonists arrived.
Visit St. John’s Site Museum for a
fascinating look into an excavated site
and view artifacts unearthed over the
past fifty years.
Slip into the world of a 17th-century
middle-class farmer at Godiah Spray
Tobacco Plantation. Visit pigs, chickens,
and cows on the farm or help staff
members as they demonstrate daily
activities, including hearth cooking,
gardening, and woodworking.
Head to the water and step on board the
impressive Maryland Dove, a full-size
replica of the European trading ship that
landed here in 1634. Learn about the
early technology used by sailors and
see the difference between the sailor’s
bunks and the master’s cabin.
The first colonial settlers in
Maryland were a mix of Protestants
and Catholics seeking respite from
religious persecution in England.
The Brick Chapel at St. Mary’s City,
built on the same grounds as
the original structure, represents
the first Catholic Church where
people could freely worship.
Underground
Discoveries
Archaeologists uncovered the
location of the original 1634
St. Mary's Fort in 2020. The
excavation site is open on weekdays
during public visitation hours—chat
with archaeologists as they work!
Framing the Past
Can you count how many unfinished
wooden structures dot the museum’s
landscape? These ghost frames
stand where colonial structures once
existed to give visitors a feel for the
layout of the once-bustling capital
city. Keep an eye out for frames with
chimneys that represent homes.
Interested in a guided tour?
The museum offers special
tours curated for various
age groups and interests.
VisitStMarysMD.com
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