Historic Sotterley will host a special 1776 Tea Party on Saturday, July 18, as part of Maryland’s observance of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The event at the St. Mary’s County plantation will combine traditional refreshments with a presentation on George Washington’s Spies, also known as the Culper Spy Ring, offering visitors a blend of colonial history and summer afternoon enjoyment.
The tea will take place in the site’s renovated historic barn from 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $50 for adults, $35 for students and $25 for children under 16. The price includes a guided tour of the property, which attendees can schedule for 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. that day. Early arrival is encouraged for those wanting to explore the exhibits and Colonial Revival gardens before the tea begins.
The menu will feature Sally Lunn cake, a traditional enriched bread said to have been a favorite of George Washington, along with two different teas and lemonade. A door prize drawing will add to the afternoon’s festivities. The event is designed as an elevated yet accessible way for families and history enthusiasts to mark the semiquincentennial in a setting deeply connected to Maryland’s colonial past.
Interpretive Programs Manager Katherine Humphries will present on the Culper Spy Ring, a civilian intelligence network that provided critical information to the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Operating primarily in the New York area, the ring included figures such as Robert Townsend and operated under Washington’s direction to gather intelligence on British movements. The presentation will highlight the ring’s methods and contributions to American independence.
Historic Sotterley, built in 1717, is one of Maryland’s oldest plantations and a National Historic Landmark. The site has long served as an educational resource, interpreting both colonial history and the experiences of enslaved people who lived and worked there. Its location on the Patuxent River makes it a natural venue for events that connect visitors to the Chesapeake Bay region’s role in early American history.
The July 18 tea party is part of a larger series of America 250 initiatives across Maryland State Parks and historic sites. Other events include a Liberty Tree planting at Janes Island State Park in Crisfield, foraging programs, bike parades and historical reenactments at locations such as Fort Frederick State Park. Many parks will also participate in year-round challenges like the Miles for Maryland hiking program and America in Miniature photographic scavenger hunt.
Reservations are recommended for the Sotterley tea party. Tickets and additional information are available through the site’s online reservation system. The event reflects Sotterley’s ongoing commitment to making history accessible while supporting tourism in St. Mary’s County.
For Southern Maryland residents, Sotterley offers a convenient opportunity to engage with the 250th anniversary celebration. The plantation’s focus on both European settlement and African American history provides a comprehensive view of the period leading to American independence. Events like this tea party help bridge historical education with community recreation, encouraging families to explore local heritage sites during the summer months.
The 250th anniversary of the United States offers a chance to reflect on the nation’s founding while connecting it to contemporary communities. Sotterley’s programming, including the tea party and spy ring presentation, uses tangible artifacts and storytelling to make that history relevant for modern audiences in the Chesapeake region.
