Adult Tours
A standard tour typically takes between two and four hours and may include visits to the Visitor Center and Exhibit Hall, living history sites, and The Shop at Farthing’s Ordinary. Tours can be tailored to meet your group’s needs. Group rates are also available for special events. A healthy amount of walking is necessary to see all exhibit areas, so wear comfortable shoes!
Tour Themes
We offer three specific subject tour themes or will work with you to customize a tour toward your group’s specific interests.
State and Church (approximately 2 hours)
Q. Which English colony was the first to experiment with religious toleration? If you answered “Rhode Island” or “Pennsylvania,” guess again! Discover some remarkable facts about Maryland’s founding as you explore the re-created colonial settlement. Visit the State House, the Brick Chapel, Town Center, and the gift shop.
Rediscovering the Past (approximately 3.5 hours)
Tour the Visitor Center, St. John’s Archaeology Museum, Town Center, and the Brick Chapel with an eye towards discovering how historians and archaeologists piece together stories of the past. Finish your tour at the Gift Shop.
Historic Highlights (approximately 3.5 hours)
Explore HSMC’s four living history areas (the Plantation, the Maryland Dove, Town Center, and the Woodland Indian Hamlet) and the Gift Shop. Meet costumed interpreters, tour re-created colonial structures, and try activities that were part of the 17th century.
Tour Reservations
Historic St. Mary’s City is open for scheduled group tours from mid-March through the last week in November. The exhibits are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
You may reserve online or our staff is available to take your reservation Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Contact us at 240-895-4980 or email Groups@HSMCdigsHistory.org for available tour dates and times. Please have the following information ready when scheduling a tour:
- Desired date and time of visit
- Number of guests
- Name of individual making the reservation
- Name of group leader if different from above
- Name of group, address, zip code, telephone number
- Any special accommodations that your group needs
Historic St. Mary’s City accepts cash, check, and credit card (Discover, MasterCard, or Visa) for payment of tours. Checks should be payable to “Historic St. Mary’s City.” An accurate count of participants is required upon check-in.
Guided Tour Information
There must be a minimum of 10 people to schedule a tour. The guided tour fee for adult groups is $13.00 per person. Group leaders and bus drivers receive complimentary admission. Please print and turn in completed Arrival Form for Guided Groups upon check-in.
Self-Guided Tours
We recommend that you register for a guided program in order to get the most out of your visit; however, if you prefer, you may elect to participate on a self-guided basis.
The self-guided tour fee for adult groups is $8.00 per person. A minimum of 10 paid visitors is required to receive the self-guided rate. Group leaders and bus drivers receive complimentary admission. Please print and turn in completed Arrival Form for Self-Guided Groups upon check-in.
Weather
Tours proceed rain or shine and much of the tour takes place outdoors. Hot and humid weather in mid-summer is a factor to be considered in planning a comfortable visit. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Please be aware that extreme weather conditions may necessitate the closing of the Maryland Dove.
Cancellations
If you must cancel, please call the Group Tours Office as soon as possible. We will make every effort to schedule a new date for your visit.
The Shop at Farthing’s Ordinary
The Shop at Farthing’s Ordinary has an assortment of snacks, souvenirs, books, and decorative items for sale. Don’t forget to factor in time during your tour to visit the Shop.
Accessibility
Historic St. Mary’s City seeks to provide programs for individuals of all abilities. With prior knowledge, we will work with you to accommodate those with special needs. Special assistants to the disabled are admitted free. For information about accessibility, please call the Education Office.
Dining
Outdoor picnic tables are available for your use on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups are also welcome to bring blankets and picnic on the lawn hear the picnic tables. Indoor picnic facilities are not available, so please plan accordingly.
Groups have several options for dining at or near the museum.
- An extensive buffet is available at the adjacent Student Center at St. Mary’s College of Maryland during much of the season.
- The Shop at Farthing’s Ordinary has an assortment of snacks and drinks.
- Groups may bring bag lunches and take advantage of our picnic areas.
If you have any questions please email Groups@HSMCdigsHistory.org or call 240-895-4980.