Special Events

Fine Furniture, Public Patronage, and “carrying out the designs of the legislature”: Cabinetmaking in Early National Annapolis

Sasha Lourie is the Curator of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property., and a scholar of John Shaw and Annapolis furniture. Mr. Lourie’s research has focused on Annapolis furniture, John Shaw and others working in his circle, and the artisan experience in city during the late eighteenth and early-nineteenth centuries. A graduate of Kenyon College, Mr. Lourie attended the Attingham Summer School in 2003, and received his MA in American Studies from the University of Maryland in 2004. His master’s thesis, “‘Have Honestly and Fairly Laboured for Money’: William and Washington Tuck and Annapolis Cabinetmaking, 1795-1838” focused on two furniture-makers working in Maryland’s capital city during the early national period. His article, “‘To Superintend the Necessary Repairs’: The Careers and Work of William and Washington Tuck” appears in the 2006 edition of American Furniture published by the Chipstone Foundation.

Mr. Lourie’s two-part lecture will combine a survey of new research on cabinetmaking in Annapolis with a detailed examination of the John Shaw furnishings on display at the Hammond-Harwood House. In the first part of his lecture, Mr. Lourie will explore the careers and work of Annapolis cabinetmakers, including John Shaw, Archibald Chisholm, and brothers William and Washington Tuck, to analyze the production of furniture in Maryland’s capital city and the importance of public patronage. This introductory lecture will be followed by an opportunity to scrutinize objects produced in Annapolis, including some of the museum’s most-recent accessions, and to develop an understanding of specific characteristics and features of furniture produced by John Shaw and his contemporaries. To learn more about John Shaw, click here.

Call 410-263-4683 x 13 for more information x12 for reservations. Reservations are encouraged as room is limited. Cost is $20 for HHH members and $25 for non-members.

If you have never been to Holly Hill then you are in for a real treat. The claim of being one of the oldest houses in Maryland is no idle boast. The original part of the house dates to 1698 and the last phase of construction was completed in 1733. Considering that within the Chesapeake region there are only 7 documented 17th century structures, this makes Holly Hill an extreme rarity. Holly Hill is still a working farm with horse pastures, woodland and a magnificent garden surrounding the house. In May, when we will be there, the splendid perennial garden will be at its peak and its fragrance will be captivating. Holly Hill is an extremely private place so just being there for our Garden Party is an opportunity not to be missed.

The Secret Garden Tour sponsored by the historic Hammond-Harwood House will be held Saturday, May 31, 2008 from 1 – 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 1, 2008, from 1-6 p.m.

The ninth annual Secret Garden Tour is proud to be an Annapolis Charter 300 event. Gardens; circa 1800 and earlier, will celebrate this honor by featuring gardens of homes in Annapolis’ Historic District built before 1800. Throughout the City, garden enthusiasts will enter the intimate and charming outdoor spaces of these early residences. They will see for themselves why Annapolis is recognized for its 18^th c architecture including outdoor spaces. The gardens of Maryland’s four signers of the Declaration of Independence featured on this tour exemplify the “Golden Age” of Annapolis. Between the 18^th c. mansions & vernacular homes on this tour, the gardens range from formal, old boxwood to informal perennial; from a truly secret retreat to a quiet park on a busy street. The gardens are an interesting mix of sun and shade with an array of plants, statuary, and ponds created in many different urban spaces. Each garden is unique and demonstrates the personality and needs of the individual garden owners. The tour gives attendees the chance to gather information for their personal use in their own gardens. It also provides the opportunity to discover and examine some of the wonderful treasures of Annapolis that have only been glimpsed when walking by. To add to the enjoyment of the day, musicians will be playing and artists will be painting in selected gardens. Refreshments will be provided by local pastry shops and the kitchens of our volunteers.

Parking is within easy walking distance from the Hillman Garage on Main Street and the Gott’s Court and Knighton garages on Calvert and West Streets respectively.

Reservations can be made by check, cash, Visa or MasterCard through the Hammond-Harwood House, 19 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401. For more information phone Jeanne Langdon at 410/263-4683 x 15 or e-mail officemanager@hammondharwoodhouse.org. After March 1, tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at; www.hammondharwoodhouse.org. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the tour for $30 at the Charles Carroll House located on Duke of Gloucester Street behind St. Mary's Church. For images of the 2006 Secret Garden Tour, click here: New Page 2

To buy tickets online using our secure partner click the link below:

Pumpkin Walk
This event draws hundreds of children who can all enjoy old-fashioned festivities like apple-bobbing, face-painting, story-telling, and even a musically accompanied costume parade down Cumberland Court and Maryland Avenue. October 24th, 2008, 4:00 -6:00 p.m. $5.00-children and $8.00 for adults. No rain date. Call 410-263-4683 ext. 13 for more information or ext.15 to R.S.V.P.

Colonial Dog Show . . . Click here to learn about "Dogs in History"
The fifth annual Colonial Dog Show will be returning this year after a banner inauguration in 2003. The idea for the event arose from the proliferation of dogs featured in colonial and English painting from the 18th and 19th centuries. The event will feature a parade of dogs that were common during that era, dog treats and sale items, crafts, and an S.P.C.A. booth. November 1st, 2008, 12-3 p.m. $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for children.. 410-263-4683 ext. 12 for information. Parking is available at the Hillman Garage on Main Street.

Hammond-Harwood House by Candlelight...Preview Party
This festive night features a tour of the candle-lit 18th century historic house decorated with Christmas greens. Entertainment, fine food, drink, and the sale of freshly made greens will also be in full swing. December 10th, 2008, 6-8 p.m. $15.00 per person. Reservations at 410-263-4683 ext. 13.

Greens Show and Sale
This annual 18th century Greens Show and Sale at the historic Hammond-Harwood House features the sale of fresh holiday decorations, home-made refreshments, and tours of the period rooms in their holiday splendor. December 10th-14th, 2008, 10:00-4:00 p.m. Free admission for sale of greens only. The museum will be open for tours TBA in Dec. 12pm-4:00pm. $8.00 Admission for adults, $5.00 for children. Call 410-263-4683 ext. 13 for information.

Would you like to volunteer at one of these events?
If you are interested in publicity, photography, giving tours, special events, or numerous other activities, the Hammond Harwood House is just the place for you! Please contact Jeanne Langdon at jlangdon@hammondharwoodhouse.org for information about volunteer opportunities!!!!!