Permit #1083 Riverdale, MD
Montpelier
PAID
PRESORTED First Class U.S. Postage
N AT I O N A L H I S T O R I C L A N D M A R K
A Little Bit of History
M
MANSION / HISTORIC SITE
MONTPELIER’S CONSTRUCTION BEGAN IN 1781 by Ann Ridgely and Major Thomas Snowden, both members of prominent Maryland families. Two firebacks in the house inscribed “TSA 1783”
indicate the owners and probable completion year of the central block of the house. Seventy acres, the main house, and summer house remain of what once was a plantation with land holdings of approximately 9,000 acres. Inventories and census records indicate enslaved Africans provided the labor as field hands and skilled craftsmen at the plantation and the Patuxent Ironworks. The Snowdens’ reputation for genteel hospitality and the proximity of their home to the main road to northern cities made Montpelier host to famous individuals such as George and Martha Washington,
pelier Mont , and r o f e oks onlin / ia, bo orabil parks.com m e m g p it ! Vis & more out Parks Ab ation / Recre e. e-stor
and Abigail Adams.
reflect the occupation of Nicholas Snowden, who inherited the house and owned it until his death in 1831. Now a National Historic Landmark, Montpelier is one of the finest examples of 18th c. Georgian architecture in the state. Large trees The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. PPC PR PA 12/16
INFORMATION: 301-377-7817 TTY 301-699-2544
and boxwood grace the landscape.
GIFT SHOP: Thurs–Tue, 11 am–3 pm. Visit our online shop!
RENTALS: The mansion is available for small gatherings, luncheons and meetings.
TOURS: A modest admission fee is charged. Partially accessible. Guided Tours: Monthly (except December), 2nd Sat & 4th Sun, 1 & 2:30 pm Self-Guided Tours: Year-round, Thurs–Tue, 11 am– 3 pm. Group Tours: Reservations required for groups of 10 or more.
OFFICE HOURS: Thurs –Tue, 9 am – 5 pm (closed Wednesday and major holidays except where noted)
DIRECTIONS: From the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (Rt 295), exit at Rt 197. Turn west onto Rt 197 (toward Laurel) and continue 1/4 mile to Muirkirk Rd. Turn left, then make the first right into Montpelier.
LOCATION: Muirkirk Rd., just off Rt. 197, 1/4 mile west of the BaltimoreWashington Parkway. Also located on the grounds is the Montpelier Arts Center.
Montpelier Mansion
9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, Maryland 20708
Shop
Montpelier remained in the Snowden family until 1890. The house was restored in the 1980s to
Volunteer!
Also located on the grounds is the Montpelier Arts Center, a multi-faceted
NEW!
its r i p S & s Gift Series! .
details side for
See in
From giving tours to office work and gardening, to
facility, offering a wide range of arts
being a tea hostess or assisting with hands-on-history
programming, along with artists’ stu-
programs, there are different opportunities. Contribute,
dios. Go to arts.pgparks.com for a full
learn, make new friends, and have fun! Please e-mail
listing of activities and hours of opera-
montpeliermansion@pgparks.com if you are interested.
tion or call 301-377-7800. THE FRIENDS OF MONTPELIER, a volunteer organization, works with M-NCPPC staff to preserve the site’s history. Members
Low Res
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2017
assist in presenting programs throughout the year. Among its members are descendants of past owners. To learn about
history.pgparks.com
membership benefits and to join, visit friendsofmontpelier.org. To friend the Member of Chesapeake Woodturners demonstrates lathe for visitors.
Friends go to www.facebook.com/ friendsofmontpelier.
Explore Montpelier’s Historic Landscape Granite statue adorns outdoor seating area behind Carriage House.
Teas! There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea. – H e n r y J a m e s
Explore the garden and tell time by the sun.
A
fternoon tea at Montpelier includes fine finger sandwiches, scrumptious cakes and pastries, buttery scones, and your choice of two quality loose leaf teas.
Tour & Gift Shop Entrance Tour the house. Historical Kitchen Exhibit–Enslaved Workers
FEE: $29 per person; $25 for members of Friends of Montpelier Price includes self-guided tour of the house and gratuity. Tax not included. Reservations and payment required by the Wednesday before the tea. Chocolate Lovers’ Tea Saturday, February 18, 11 am & 1:30 pm
Montpelier Arts Center
Women’s History Month Tea: Beatrice Potter for Grown-Ups Saturday, March 25, 1:30 pm
See the Summer House
Festival Tea April 29 (call or visit pgparks.com/Festivals for details) Mothers’ Day Tea Saturday, May 13, 1:30 pm Montpelier Gift Shop is open during tours and special events, or shop online at pgparks.com, click on About Parks & Recreation, then e-store
Walk in the woods MAP COURTESY OF CARISSA DEMORE
Tea with the Dearly Departed Saturday, October 21 5 pm Beyond Needleart Tea Saturday, November 11, 1:30 pm Holiday Teas Saturday, December 9, 12 noon & 3 pm Sunday, December 10, 12 noon & 3 pm