Youth Tours
Historic St. Mary’s City can help your youth group, camp, or scout group plan their tour here at the museum!
Scout Groups
We can help you plan a tour to fit the needs of your group, including working on requirements for various badges. Please call our group tours office to schedule a tour for your scout group!
Recreation and Parks Groups or Clubs
Children of all ages will have a fun and educational experience! Help run a printing press, play ring toss, or visit farm animals. The tour experience will be tailored to your group’s needs.
Tour Reservations
Historic St. Mary’s City is open for scheduled group tours from mid-March through the last week in November. Guided tours must be reserved in advance; available on a first-come, first served basis. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance. Please email Groups@HSMCdigsHistory.org or call 240-895-4980 for available tour dates and times.
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. 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 15 people to schedule a tour. The guided tour fee for youth groups is $7.00 per youth. One adult per 10 students visit free; all others pay the regular admission of $10.00. Group leaders and bus drivers receive complimentary admission. Please print and turn in completed Arrival Form for Youth Guided Tours upon check-in.
NEW FOR 2020: Small Group Tours (Maryland Highlights)
There must be a minimum of 8 people to schedule a tour, and a maximum of 10, to ensure a healthy and educational experience for all. The guided tour fee for youth groups is $7.00 per youth. Adults accompanying the group pay the regular admission of $10.00. Tours are offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m., or from 10:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m. Payment in full is required at time of registration.
Those wishing to schedule a tour should expect to follow state health guidelines, including mask wearing and social distancing.
Historic St. Mary’s City is also offering a new option for families with older students. The Exploring the Past tour is a two-hour tour specifically designed for high school students which meets U.S. and A.P. U.S. History Maryland Standards.
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 youth groups is $5.50 per student. One adult per 10 youth visit free; all others pay regular admission of $10.00. A minimum of 15 paid youth 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 Youth Self-Guided Tours 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.
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.
- 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.