HOLLYWOOD, Md. — Historic Sotterley will host a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in its restored Historic Barn event space to celebrate the important women in attendees’ lives.
The event features a special guest appearance by Maria Derisavi, Miss Maryland 2025 and the first Iranian American and St. Mary’s County resident to hold the title. Derisavi will share reflections from her year representing Maryland.
The afternoon menu includes delicate tea sandwiches, artful scones, a variety of sweets and an array of chocolates. Guests will enjoy three varieties of tea and lemonade. Each attendee receives a special door prize upon arrival.
Ticket price covers a curator’s choice “Women of Sotterley” guided tour led by Interpretive Programs Manager Katherine Humphries. The tour offers an intimate look at the lives and cultures of women who owned, lived and worked at the historic manor house over three centuries. Focus this weekend highlights figures such as Rebecca Bowles, second wife of Sotterley’s first owner, and Ruth Barber, one of the plantation’s last residents. Humphries, creator of the tour, will add special commentary on how these women shaped Sotterley’s history and future.
Historic Sotterley, a National Historic Landmark on the Patuxent River in St. Mary’s County, preserves more than 300 years of American history, including stories of free and enslaved individuals. The guided tours provide perspective on the diverse people connected to the site.
Ticket prices are 50 dollars for adults, 35 dollars for students and 25 dollars for children under 16. The event runs from 1:00 p.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m.
Location is 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD 20636. Reservations are required through go.sotterley.org/mothersdaytea.
Southern Maryland residents often seek meaningful ways to honor mothers and female role models during the holiday. This tea combines elegant refreshments, personal stories and living history at one of the region’s most significant historic sites. The barn venue offers a scenic, air-conditioned setting overlooking the grounds.
The event aligns with Sotterley’s year-round programming that connects visitors to Maryland’s colonial and early American past while highlighting women’s contributions. Past tours and programs have drawn local families, history enthusiasts and multi-generational groups.
Maria Derisavi’s participation adds a contemporary element. Crowned in June 2025, she represented Maryland at the Miss America competition and has shared her journey from immigration to state titleholder in community appearances.
Katherine Humphries brings professional expertise in museum education to the interpretive programs. Her tours emphasize inclusive storytelling that reflects the full spectrum of experiences at Sotterley.
Attendees can expect a relaxed atmosphere that blends afternoon tea traditions with educational content. The combination of food, conversation and a focused historic tour creates a memorable experience suitable for mothers, daughters, grandmothers and friends.
Southern Maryland’s rich historic landscape includes several preserved sites, but Sotterley stands out for its waterfront location and detailed interpretation of both free and enslaved histories. The Mother’s Day event provides an accessible entry point for families to engage with that heritage.
Space is limited, and organizers recommend early reservations. The event supports Historic Sotterley’s mission to preserve the property and educate the public through immersive experiences.
This spring 2026 gathering offers a refined way to mark Mother’s Day while supporting local history. Guests leave with new knowledge about Southern Maryland women who influenced the region across generations.
