HOLLYWOOD, Md. – Historic Sotterley, a cultural landmark in Southern Maryland, is undergoing a historic leadership transition in 2025. Gwendoline Bankins, former Vice President of the Board of Trustees, has assumed the role of President, becoming the first descendant of enslaved individuals at a Maryland historic site to hold this position. Concurrently, Nancy Easterling, who served as Executive Director for 16 years, announced her retirement after two decades of transformative leadership.
Bankins, who first visited Sotterley at age 10 at the invitation of her cousin Agnes Kane Callum, a trailblazing descendant board member, joined the Board of Trustees in 2019. She chaired the Preservation, Restoration, and Interpretation Committee and led the descendant-driven Day of Unity and Healing. Her commitment to transparently sharing the site’s complex history—encompassing plantation owners, enslaved individuals, and post-emancipation laborers—has fostered community healing and connection. Bankins’ presidency marks a milestone for Sotterley, reflecting its ongoing dedication to inclusive storytelling.
Easterling, who joined Sotterley’s staff in July 2005 and became Executive Director in February 2009, leaves a legacy of innovation. Under her leadership, Sotterley launched the Descendants’ Project in 2017 and the Common Ground initiative in 2018. These programs united descendants of plantation owners, enslaved people, and laborers to discuss shared history and promote understanding. Easterling also secured grants to preserve the site’s structures and landscapes, enhancing its educational mission. Her efforts to revive Sotterley’s farm sustainably provided a vital teaching tool and community resource.
“Education is integral to all endeavors at Historic Sotterley, and I have cherished the opportunity to contribute to the learning opportunities and experiences of the many students and visitors of all ages who have visited the site,” Easterling said. “I am deeply grateful for my time here and am particularly honored to witness the appointment of our new President of the Board, Ms. Gwendoline Bankins, who is the first descendant of the enslaved to step into this leadership role. This is a truly significant moment in time for Historic Sotterley, and what a privilege it has been to be here when it happened. I am certain great things will happen under Gwen’s tenure, and I will steadfastly remain her biggest champion now and in the future.”
The Board of Trustees is actively reviewing the organization’s structure and has formed a search committee to identify Easterling’s permanent successor. Easterling will continue working with Bankins and the board to ensure a seamless transition, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to the organization’s mission.
Historic Sotterley, located in Hollywood, Maryland, is a National Historic Landmark that preserves and interprets the history of its 18th- and 19th-century plantation. The site has evolved into a center for education and reconciliation, addressing the legacies of slavery and labor through community engagement. Bankins’ leadership builds on this foundation, promising continued progress in preserving the site’s history while fostering dialogue and healing.
The transition reflects Sotterley’s commitment to honoring its past while embracing a future that amplifies diverse voices. As Bankins steps into her historic role, the organization remains dedicated to its mission of education, preservation, and community unity.
