Discover the 17th century . . .

 

Step back in time for an unforgettable experience on the site where Maryland began.  Historic St. Mary’s City is a delightful mix of living history encounters, hands-on activities, archaeology, and nature trails.

 

Costumed interpreters in recreated 17th-century settings encourage you to experience life during Maryland’s first years as they demonstrate 17th century skills and offer you the opportunity for hands-on activities. Listen to their stories of Maryland’s first capital and the people that immigrated from all parts of the world to make a fresh life for themselves.

 

Behind the scenes, researchers and historians are rediscovering the past using information gleaned from the museum’s decades of archaeological and historical research. The museum is a National Historic Landmark recognized as one of America’s best-preserved colonial archaeology sites.

 

Take a tour with our interactive Museum Map and learn about the exciting sites of our outdoor living history museum.  From the Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation, a working colonial farm, to the Maryland Dove, a replica square-rigged ship, you will find a variety of exciting experiences awaiting you.  Preview the St. John’s Site Museum where you can discover its preserved excavated foundation, artifacts from the site and learn how archaeologists and historians uncover the past.

 

Check out our Calendar  for special events scheduled from March through December offering unique opportunities to work alongside professional archaeologists, churn butter, watch a militia drill, or shoot a bow and arrow.

 

Explore the wild side of Historic St. Mary’s City on the varied hiking/walking trails available throughout the museum property.

 

You are invited to come face to face with the past at one of America’s most inspiring historical sites, set on 800 acres of beautiful tidewater landscape, and visit Historic St. Mary’s City.