A London Town Educator demonstrates how to wash butter. In the quiet early hours at Historic London Town and Gardens, one might have heard the soft lowing of cows and the rhythmic swish of milk hitting wooden pails. Dairy maids—young women entrusted with one of the most vital roles in colonial households—were up before dawn, tending to their chores. Cleanliness was paramount; every vessel used for milk and cream had to be scalded and scrubbed, even a hint of sourness could spoil an entire batch of butter or cheese.  Milking times were strictly observed. In spring and summer, the cattle were milked between five and six in the morning and again in the early evening. A good dairy maid understood her animals, often stroking them during milking to soothe them and collect the richer “strokings,” or last milk, which was prized for cheese-making. Routine was everything—not just for the cows, but for the quality of the final product.  Among the many dairy arts that were most likely practiced at London Town, making clotted cream—then called “clouted cream”—was both a culinary and domestic highlight. It began with fresh milk placed into a broad earthen pan and set over a very low fire for the entire day; making sure it never boiled. After sitting overnight to cool, a rich, thick cream would rise to the top, ready to be skimmed and enjoyed.  Dairy maids guarded their cream carefully, warned not to waste it on “liquorish persons”—those looking for free tastes—or give away butter and whey to gossiping neighbors. Butter was made on scheduled churning days, washed clean of buttermilk and salted for preservation. May was the best month to pot up butter for winter, when the mild air helped it keep longer.  From tending cattle to crafting clotted cream, the dairy maid’s work was demanding but essential. At Historic London Town and Gardens, we bring these Colonial Foodways to life and it reminds us how much skill and care went into every bite of buttered bread, every spoonful of cream—a taste of history right in your backyard.   Read the source information for this article written in 1670 by Hannah Woolley:   https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A66839.0001.001/1:7?rgn=div1;view=fulltext

Some of the first flowers at Historic London Town and Gardens. Ephemeral. Transitory. Short-lived. Fleeting. These words call to mind a puff of smoke lingering in the air before being carried away by a gentle breeze. For the gardeners among us, however, it refers to something entirely different -- the first breath of life in the garden, woken by the warming of the soil, gentle leaves followed by fleeting, but much lauded after early spring flowers.  The term “spring ephemeral” refers to the first flowers to emerge in the late winter to early spring. Generally, these are fall-planted bulbs that go in the ground dormant, establish a root system during the freezing temperatures, and then emerge as the temperatures begin to warm.  Among the most common of the spring ephemerals are crocus (some of the earliest blooming bulbs in our area), daffodils and tulips. These can be divided based on how late into the spring they bloom, allowing for quite a bit of flexibility and lasting color in a spring garden, especially for plants called ephemerals.  Historic London Town and Gardens showcases a large variety of spring-blooming ephemeral bulbs spread through our 10 acres of gardens. As the woody shrubs and trees are just beginning to leaf and flower, the gardens are covered in nodding daffodils, delicate crocus and squill, and the occasional swaying tulip. We hope you’ll come by and catch these fleeting blooms!  Join us for our exclusive Members-Only Garden Tours , held monthly at Historic London Town and Gardens, where we explore unique highlights of our horticulture collection. Not a member yet? Become one today  and don’t miss out on these special behind-the-scenes experiences!

As Black History Month draws to a close, we would like to take a moment to honor the ways in which Africans and African Americans have shaped London Town’s history. London Town’s own economic growth is directly tied in with the explosion of slavery in the region in the early 1700s. As a port town, London Town was the destination for those sold into slavery and forced onto ships at Sierra Leone, Angola, and Bermuda. As a tobacco port, slavery’s impact on the town was also present in goods grown, harvested and processed by unfree hands.   Throughout its history, London Town was shaped by the contributions of its African American residents, free and unfree. Its most influential white residents: merchants, tradespeople, tavern owners all enslaved others. The success and prosperity they enjoyed would not have been possibl e without the unseen and unlauded labor of these people. For example, a flax spinner named Beck who raised a family in London Town during the American Revolution, was held in bondage by the Fergusons, along with her partner and children. Her efforts processing flax into linen played an essential role in the success of the Ferguson family’s tailoring and staymaking business.  Eight people: Sall, Osborne, Bett, Harry, Sampson, Jem, Jacob, and Delilah were enslaved by William Brown, whose 1760s brick home and tavern remains is the only structure still standing from colonial London Town. Not much is known about them other than their names, but their industry  is what enabled Brown to maintain his businesses as a ferry master, tavern keeper, and carpenter and experience a rise in fortune that would never be shared with those who made it possible.   As the town died out and the brick house transitioned into Anne Arundel County Almshouse from 1823-1965, Black residents and Black labor continued to play a huge role in the site’s history. Besides the fact African Americans were residents through the mid-1900s, helping to maintain the space and making a mark on those who visited, Black labor was specifically sought out. In a physician’s report from 1830 it is recommended that “a healthy colored woman should be employed to cook and wash for such of the paupers as are unable to labor as well as to assist in nursing them when sick.” In an oral history, Dorothy Galloway, a Black domestic worker at Almshouse from the 1930s to the 1940s recounted that, “All my life was takin' care of old people and children. That's what I was born for, and I didn't want nobody mistreated. She [the Almshouse superintendent] said I was too nice to them. But I wanted to be nice to 'em.” A century later, the labor of Black women was still essential to the Almshouse’s daily operations.   When highlighting the impact that African American people had on London Town, it is important to recognize that much of this labor was stolen, in the profoundest sense. When it wasn’t, the jobs available to Black people on site were still often highly discriminatory. As we look back on our past, both at London Town and elsewhere, a balance must be stuck between honoring the work that made London Town what it was and recognizing the exploitation at the heart of these accomplishments.

Edgewater, MD (February 27, 2025)  – Historic London Town and Gardens is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristin DeMarco  as its Interim Executive Director . Having led the Private Events Division at Historic London Town and Gardens for almost four years, Kristin brings a wealth of experience in marketing, event management, and organizational leadership. Her deep understanding of London Town’s operations and commitment to its mission make her the ideal leader to guide the organization through this transition.  Kristin DeMarco, Interim Executive Director of Historic London Town and Gardens.   “I am honored to continue serving Historic London Town and Gardens at this pivotal moment in its history,” said DeMarco. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, board, and community to expand our impact, strengthen our financial sustainability, and set the stage for London Town’s next chapter.”    As Director of Private Events, Kristin has collaborated closely with every department and played a crucial role in securing more than $500,000 annually  through private events, helping to sustain and grow the organization. Under her leadership, London Town has become a premier destination for luxury weddings and private gatherings in Maryland.    “We are thrilled to have Kristin step into this leadership role,”  said Laura Martien, Chair of the Board of Trustees . “Her strategic vision, operational expertise, and passion for London Town will provide steady guidance as we move forward. We have full confidence in her ability to maintain momentum while we search for a permanent Executive Director.”    Kristin will serve as Interim Executive Director while the London Town Foundation’s Board of Directors conducts a comprehensive search for its next permanent leader.    For more information about Historic London Town and Gardens  visit www.historiclondontown.org .       ###        About Historic London Town Foundation     Historic London Town and Gardens is a 23-acre museum and public garden on the banks of the South River, minutes from Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay. Today, visitors can discover colonial history and heritage through its historic 1760 tavern turned almshouse, reconstructed colonial buildings, and a large interactive exhibit featuring artifacts unearthed onsite. Additionally, visitors can enjoy 10-acres of woodland and ornamental gardens, featuring beautiful collections of camellias, magnolias, azaleas, and other exotic and native plants. London Town also offers an array of public programs, including living history weekends, garden tours, history tours, and evening programs.

Dancers during the 30-minute introductory lesson. On February 15th , Historic London Town and Gardens was transformed into a lively dance hall as over 80 guests  joined us for a night of English Country Dance ! In partnership with the Annapolis Trad Dance Society , we welcomed both beginners and seasoned dancers for an evening filled with music, dance, and a touch of Regency-era elegance.  The night began with a 30-minute introductory lesson , ensuring that everyone—whether new to the dance or a returning enthusiast—felt comfortable and confident. Then, for two and a half hours , our waterfront pavilion was alive with swirling steps as dancers moved to the live music of Becky Ross (violin), Janina O’Brien (piano), and Colleen Reed (flute) . The talented Ann Fallon  called each dance, guiding participants through the patterns of this timeless social tradition, which has its beginnings in the 16th Century.  One of the most beautiful aspects of English Country Dance  is its inclusivity— no partner or experience is required , just a willingness to join in the fun! Many attendees embraced the spirit of the evening by dressing in Regency-inspired attire , adding an extra layer of historical charm to the evening.  What Makes English Country Dance So Special?   English Country Dance is a community-driven social dance  that brings people together in a series of formations, moving gracefully to live music with the guidance of a caller. Dancers form couples, and those couples create sets, lining up in long rows from the stage down the length of the dance hall.   This unforgettable evening was made possible in part through generous funding from the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County . We are incredibly grateful to Annapolis Trad Dance and Music  for their partnership and to every dancer who stepped onto the floor and made the night so magical.  We loved every moment—and we can’t wait to do it again! Stay tuned for future dance events at Historic London Town and Gardens .  Check out a quick video of the event! LINK Thank you to the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County for their support of this program!

Winter is often associated with bare trees and dormant gardens, but did you know that some flowers thrive during the colder months? One such standout is the Hellebore, often called the “Christmas rose” (although it looks nothing like a rose!). Its delicate petals come in a variety of colors, from soft whites and pinks to deep purples, adding a splash of color and vitality to an otherwise dreary landscape.  Hellebores are versatile and low maintenance, growing well in shaded areas and requiring minimal care. Planting them on slopes or under large shrubs is an excellent choice. Our horticulture team loves their low maintenance needs, the evergreen foliage, the large droopy coarse leaves, and how easy it is for these flowers to spread by self-seeding. They also help hide any minor weeds or leaf litter you would find on a woodland garden bed. To top it all, their best resilient feature might be their tolerance to drought and disturbed sites.  One of the Hellebore varieties thriving on the slopes of the woodland gardens at London Town are Helleborus 'Red Lady.' 'Red Lady’ is one of several seed strain hybrid hellebores (known as the Lady series) developed by Gisela Schmiemann of Cologne, Germany. At London Town, we pair Hellebores with delicate ferns, bleedings hearts, and other dainty shade loving ephemerals.    These beautiful flowers are blooming throughout the 10-acres of woodland gardens at Historic London Town and Gardens starting in early February—come see them for yourself!  Scientific Name: Helleborus,  belonging to the buttercup family- Ranunculaceae.

At Historic London Town and Gardens, the vibrant blooms of camellias bring color and beauty to the landscape—even during the coldest months. But did you know that these winter blooms are part of a groundbreaking horticultural achievement?    The Vision of Dr. William Ackerman   In the early 1980s, Dr. William Ackerman of the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., set out to accomplish what many thought impossible: developing camellias that could survive and thrive in colder climates. Traditionally, camellias were known as spring-blooming plants, but Dr. Ackerman dreamed of creating varieties that would flourish through fall and winter in the Mid-Atlantic region.  London Town’s Role in Camellia History   Historic London Town and Gardens was chosen as a test site for these innovative camellias. The location along the ridge overlooking the South River provided the ultimate challenge—the camellias had to endure fierce winds, heavy rains, and freezing snow. This harsh environment became the proving ground for Ackerman’s work.    The Triumph of the Cold-Hardy Camellias   After years of dedication and experimentation, Dr. Ackerman succeeded in creating cold-hardy camellia varieties. These resilient plants continue to bloom at London Town to this day, offering a stunning display of color from late fall through winter. Among the varieties you can see in our gardens are:    • Winter’s Hope  • Winter’s Beauty  • White Empress  • New Pink Icicle  • London Town Snow (a unique variety found only here!)    These camellias are a living testament to Dr. Ackerman’s vision and a beautiful addition to London Town’s horticultural legacy.    Visit us this Winter   Experience the magic of winter blooms for yourself! Stroll along our Winter Walk to admire these remarkable camellias. For visitor details, check out  www.historiclondontown.org/visit .

Position is closed: Director of Horticulture Historic London Town and Gardens is seeking a passionate and experienced Director of Horticulture to lead our beautiful 10-acre woodland and ornamental gardens into their next chapter! If you have a love for Public Gardens, a vision for garden excellence, and a knack for leading teams, this might be the perfect role for you. Help us preserve, enhance, and share the beauty of our historic gardens with the community and beyond. Location: Edgewater, Maryland Position Details: Full-time Learn more about the role and apply here: https://www.historiclondontown.org/employment

Exciting Programs and Events Coming Your Way! Our Programs Team has been hard at work crafting an incredible schedule of activities, events, and programs that are perfect for you and your family. From engaging workshops to fun-filled community events, we’ve got something for everyone to enjoy! While registration isn’t open just yet, we’re thrilled to share the amazing line-up for the first half of the year. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates on how to secure your spot! Upcoming Events: 1/11/2025, Saturday  Member’s Only Tours of the Garden: Camellias  10:00am - 11:00am  Take a deep dive into the winter blooming Camellia collection with a knowledgeable member of our Horticulture team. Join us for a member’s only experience to celebrate one of our special collections and learn about our plants you cannot find anywhere else. 1/18/2025, Saturday What's the Tea: How tea is made; Part 1 of a 3-part series 11:00am - 12:00pm  We are spilling the tea on how tea is made. Join us for a couple cups of different teas and learn about the process behind turning the Camellia Sinensis into the warm comfort drinks we know and love. Then take a guided tour through our beautiful winter blooming Camellias with a warm drink. Cost: London Town Members, $14, Non-members $20. 2/1/2025, Saturday Reenactor Yard Sale 10:00am – 2:00pm Join us for our Reenactor Yard Sale, a multiple period yard sale of reproduction historic items ranging from shoes to hats, tents to trousers, cookware to dishes, and many items in between. Buyers are welcome to attend with a suggested donation of $5 each.   2/8/2025, Saturday  Member’s Only Tours of the Garden: Hellebores  10:00am - 11:00am  Join us for a look into some of our earliest spring blooming plants from Crocuses to Hellebores. A member of our Horticulture department will walk you through the ins and outs of these curious plants.   2/9/2025, Sunday  Valentine’s Day Tea Party: Kids Edition Morning session: 10:30 – Noon, Afternoon session: 2:00 pm – 3:30pm   Join us for a love-filled tea party filled with delicious treats and enchanting decorations to celebrate the sweethearts in your life. For adults, enjoy delicious hot tea and the kids will enjoy pink lemonade. Also included is our photo booth area to capture memories, flower bar to take home a small bouquet, and the craft station to create a personalized keepsake. Best for ages 5+. Cost: London Town members $35/person, Non-members $40/person. Join us for a Valentine's Day Tea Party (kids edition!)! 2/12/2025, Wednesday Homeschool Program: Colonial Trades Morning session: 10:00am-11:30am, Afternoon session: 1:00pm-2:30pm    What do you  want to do when you grow up? Become an apprentice for the day and try your hand at a few colonial jobs to discover what work was like in the eighteenth century. For children aged 6-12. Registration required in advance. Registration: London Town members $8, Non-Members $10.50. 2/12/2025, Wednesday Lecture: Create your Homegrown National Park   6:00pm – 7:30pm   Why should you care about planting native plants, removing invasives, and restoring habitat? Join Alison Milligan (Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional, Master Watershed Steward, Master Gardener, and Master Naturalist) as she guides us through the concept for Homegrown National Park, a national challenge to create diverse ecosystems in our yards, communities, farms, and surrounding lands by reducing lawn, planting native, and removing invasives. Cost: London Town Members are free, Non-Members, $10. 2/15/2025, Saturday English Country Dance comes to London Town Lesson 6:30pm, dance 7:00pm-9:00pm  We’ve teamed up with Annapolis Trad Dance Society to bring an evening of English Country Dance (community/social dance) to the waterfront pavilion at Historic London Town and Gardens. English Country Dance brings a whole room of people together and includes live music and a caller who directs the dancers on the movements. This is a special type of social dance that one can attend without a partner. The dancers form couples, and the couples form sets of two couples in long lines starting from the stage and going down the length of the dance hall. No experience or partner required. London Town Members, $12. Non-Members $15. Students, $5. 2/22/2025, Saturday  What’s the Tea: History of Tea in London Town; Part 2 of a 3-part series  11:00am - 12:00pm  We are spilling the tea on the history of tea in London Town. Join us for a cup of tea and learn about tea in colonial London Town and the surrounding area. Then take a guided tour through our beautiful winter blooming Camellias with a warm cup of tea. Cost: London Town Members, $14, Non-members $20. 3/8/2024, Saturday  Members only Celebration of collections: Magnolias  10:00am - 11:00am Spring has sprung in the gardens! Come view our beautiful spring Magnolia collection. Learn about these ancient flowering trees through a member’s exclusive guided tour with a knowledgeable member of our Horticulture Department. London Town Members only event. 3/12/2025, Wednesday Homeschool Program: Spring Garden  Morning session, for children 6-12: 10:00am-11:30am  Afternoon session, for Children 6-12: 1:00pm-2:30 pm  or Middle school Afternoon Session, for children 11-14: 1:00pm-2:30pm    Come spend a day learning about the “how to” behind gardening. Explore the methods and science behind planning your space, checking the health of the dirt, and what you can plant to help the environment. Cost: London Town Members, $8. Non-members, $10.50.   3/15/2025, Saturday  What’s the tea: Make your own tea “Tea Party”; Part 3 of a 3-part series  11:00am - 12:00pm  Join us for the last ‘What’s The Tea’ as we spill the tea on making your own hand-crafted blend. Create four different blends using historical tea and herbs.  Enjoy one of your creations while walking through our spring blooming camellias and take the other three home to enjoy later. Cost: London Town Members, $14. Non-members $20. 3/19/2025, Wednesday The Garden Ramble: Sip & Stroll 5:00pm – 7:30pm Wander through our 10-acre gardens, enjoy festive drinks, and revel in live music stations scattered throughout the grounds. Discover the beauty of our blooming camellia collection while sipping on themed cocktails. 5pm – 6pm, ramble through the gardens and enjoy live music at various stations. 6:15pm – 7:00pm, gather inside our heated waterfront pavilion for a showcase performance by an Irish Arts Trio Band. 21+ event.  Cost: London Town Members, $25. Non-Members, $35.   3/21/2025 - 3/23/2025, Friday - Sunday Maryland Day Weekend 10:00am – 4:00pm  Join us for a three-day admission free weekend to celebrate reopening the site for the season with a full roster of tours, family friendly activities, and living history programs. Whether you come to play in our beautiful spring gardens, talk with 18th-century interpreters in and around our historic buildings, or engage in hands-on learning, don’t miss out on this once-in-a-year opportunity. Free admission, no pre-registration required. 3/29/2025, Saturday  Planning a Spring Kitchen Garden 101 Workshop  11:00am - 12:30pm   Interested in starting your own kitchen garden this spring? Don’t know where to start? Join us for a beginner friendly workshop where, step by step, we will walk through starting your own garden. You will also have early access to the Heirloom Vegetables and Herbs grown in our greenhouse before the Heirloom Vegetable and Herb sale. Cost: London Town Members, $20. Non-Members, $25. 4/5/2025, Saturday   (rain date 4/12/2025)  Garden Egg Hunt   10:30am - 11:30am   Start a new spring tradition with London Town and join us for a Garden Egg Hunt. Search for candies and prizes in our enchanting Dell and enjoy your spoils with a spring themed craft after the hunt. Participation included with admission. 4/9/2025, Wednesday  Homeschool Program: Colonial Medicine  Morning session: 10:00am - 11:30am  Afternoon session: 1:00pm - 2:30pm  Step into the shoes of 18th century physicians and healers as we explore the gardens for 18th-century cures and learn all about how colonial people treated illnesses and injuries in an era before modern hospitals or even germ theory! For children aged 6-12. Registration: London Town Members, $8. Non-members, $10.50. 4/12/2025, Saturday Members only tours of the garden: Ephemerals 10:00am-11:00am Join us in admiring the flowers that herald the arrival of spring in London Town’s Garden. Smell the daffodils while taking a member's exclusive guided tour with a knowledgeable member of our Horticulture Department. 4/17/2025, Thursday Colonial Cocktails: Creamy Concoctions 6:30pm – 7:30pm More than just Irish Coffee, come learn about dairy’s place in 18th-century alcohol. We’ll be having syllabub, a Colonial Cocktails classic, and trying something new with a milk punch! 21+ event. Cost: London Town Members, $25. Non-members, $33.   4/19/2025, Saturday Heirloom Vegetable and Herb Plant Sale London Town Members 9:30am – 1:00pm, Public 10:00am – 1:00pm Start your spring garden with colonial plants and herbs grown on site. All proceeds from the sale of the veggies go to supporting the development and expansion of the demonstration garden, helping us connect the history of London Town and gardening together! Free to shop at the plant sale. 4/19/2025, Saturday (rain date 4/20)  Plein Air Open House  10:00am – 4:00pm Admission is free for all Plein Air artists who come to paint on April 19th. Be a part of the event and join amazing local Plein Air artists who come to capture the beauty of our historic William Brown House, acres of ornamental and woodland gardens, blooming camellias, stunning overlooks, and panoramic views of the South River. Participating Plein Air painters receive free admission. Spectators and other site visitors, please pay admission.   4/26/2025 - 4/27/2025, Saturday and Sunday A Tree Birthday Party & Environmental Resource Fair  10:00am - 3:00pm    For Earth Month, we are throwing a party! Join us as we celebrate our oldest tree on site that has witnessed all 250+ years of United States history. Enjoy garden and tree themed crafts, scavenger hunt, games, other exciting activities and, of course, birthday cake! It will be a celebration that you and our unofficial Witness Tree will remember. Included with admission to the site. Free with admission. 5/9/2025, Friday London Town in Bloom: A Garden Gala 6:00pm - 10:00pm Join us for a delicious dinner, an open bar, silent and live auction, and sip + stroll through the gardens to help fund history and nature programs to thousands of visitors, and to help preserve the history and the gardens of Historic London Town and Gardens. London Town Member tickets are $175 per person or $325 per couple. Non-Member tickets are $200 person or $350 per couple. 5/10/2025, Saturday  Members Only Tours of the Garden: Azaleas, Rhododendron 10:00am - 11:00am The gardens are exploding with color during this bloom of Rhododendrons and Azaleas! Join us for a member’s only tour, with a member of our Horticulture team, to learn more about some of our most colorful collections on site. Find out more at 5/11/2025, Sunday Mums & Mimosas: Workshop Morning Session: 10:30am – 11:30am Afternoon Session: 1:30pm – 2:30pm This Mother's Day, why buy your mom a bouquet when you can make one together? In this hour-long class, you'll enjoy two classic mimosas and learn how to create beautiful arrangements for bouquets, centerpieces, and more. While enjoying time with mom (or your bestie!), you'll each craft a gorgeous centerpiece to take home. Ages 21+. London Town Members: $35. Non-Members: $45.   5/15/2025, Thursday Colonial Cocktails: Seafaring Punches  6:30pm - 7:30pm   In honor of Naval Commissioning Week, come and try Tortuga Island Punch and Admiral Russel’s Punch, two cocktails designed to get sailors through their rough days on the high seas. 21+ event. Cost: London Town Members, $25. Non-members, $33. 5/14/2025, Wednesday Homeschool Program: Monarch Mania Morning session: 10:00am-11:30am  Afternoon session: 1:00pm-2:30 pm   Monarch butterflies are some of our most vibrant wildlife but they’re in trouble! This month, we’ll learn all about these beautiful creatures and how we can protect them and their habitat. For children aged 6-12, Registration: London Town Member, $8. Non-Members, $10.50. Recurring Events Weekends starting March 22nd Living History Weekends 10:00am - 4:00pm Join us for special living history themed weekends. Your family will enjoy engaging with our costumed interpreters and while they demonstrate 18th-century activities from hearth cooking, to dying fabric, to spinning yarn. All activities are included with admission, no pre-registration required.   This is just a sneak peek, so get ready for an unforgettable year of connection, learning, and fun. We can’t wait to see you there! Stay tuned for registration details and updates at www.historiclondontown.org/events .

Recently we celebrated our partner, the United States Marine Corps Historical Company, for receiving the Heritage Partnership Award from the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area  for the wonderful service they provide to us and many others throughout our region and our country. Read our nomination: For the past 10 years, the US Marine Corps Historical Company  has been partnering with Historic London Town and Gardens to hold Revolutionary London Town, a multi-day event to explore what "independence" meant for the people of London Town in 1776. Each year, event participants have a chance to meet a colonial Marine or militia member, enjoy crafts and games, and talk with costumed historic interpreters to learn about life on the brink of revolution. United States Marine Corps Historical Company brings 5 to 15 people, depending on the year, at zero cost to the organization. In the Chesapeake Crossroads area, they also partner with the Naval Academy to tell the Marine Corp history. But their service does not stop there. Almost every weekend, they go to a different historic site throughout Maryland and throughout the country to provide specialized programming. They work to help smaller nonprofits, just like London Town Foundation, to bring a self-contained and self-funded program to the site. Without their support to bring this high level of programming and multiple volunteers who are trained in the history of the Continental Marines, London Town would not be able to bring such high-quality programming to our site. “We know it would be out of reach for most small non-profits,” said Thomas Williams of the United States Marine Corps Historical Company. “And it’s our mission to develop and conduct outreach to the general public about the history of the Marines.” Mr. Williams is the only full-time person in their shop, and he coordinates hundreds of events, trainings, and outreach programs each year. United States Marine Corps Historical Company also serves as technical advisors to help develop museum level reproductions of clothing, and on movie sets (Flags of our Fathers). On behalf of London Town Foundation, we wholeheartedly nominate the United States Marine Corps Historical Company for the Heritage Partnership Award.

Saturday, October 5th 8:00am - 9:00am: Members Only 9:00am - 1:00pm: Open to the public   The Plant Sale is an important fundraiser for Historic London Town and Gardens. All proceeds go to supporting the 10+ acres of woodland and ornamental gardens which include some of best collections of magnolia, camellias, and azaleas in the region. You will find plants for sale that you can find in our gardens and all plants are hardy to zone 7a and 7b and do well in heavy clay/sand mix.    FREE TO ATTEND! Members & Volunteers get 10% off ​ What will you find at the sale? Woodland garden layers, succulent plants and some natives. All plants are hardy to zone 7a and 7b and do well in heavy clay/ sand mix. Plants that are represented in our gardens and are thriving in various habitats at London Town, including: woodland gardens (filtered shade), rock berm (full sun), rain gardens, and ornamental gardens. Our stock comes from reputed vendors and is hand-picked. Most importantly, all plants are of high botanical and aesthetic value. Part of our plant material is lifted and transplanted directly form the gardens, including seeds, lavender/other dry flower stocks. Seasonal items will include Fall bulbs, mums, pine- cone bags, and nature themed mini-garden kit materials.  ​ Here's a sample of our plant sale stock: Willow Oak Fringe tree River Birch American Beech Sweet Bay Magnolia Oak Leaf hydrangea Button bush Winter Berry Holly Red Chokeberry Blue Star Autumn Fern Blue Star Swamp Milkweed Blue Wild Indigo Yellow Wild Indigo White Turtlehead Pink Turtlehead Wild Petunia Bob Hope Camellia  Camellia 'B. H Peacock Camellia  Winter's Snowman Camellia  April Dawn Camellia  Eternal Fragrance Daphne Winter Daphne Daphne 'Magenta' Illicium 'Pink starts' Elizabeth Magnolia  Butterfly Magnolia Tall Stewartia Mums and more! ​​​ The plant sale will be held near the Visitor's Center at Historic London Town & Gardens, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. ​ See the video of our plant sale too: Link to Facebook Post .

Natural dyes, spinning wheels, and tape looms. Recently, living history interpreters demonstrated how they spin, dye, and weave their way through the transformation of fibers into fabrics at Historic London Town and Gardens. In case you missed it, we wanted to share the wonderful information they provided while on site. Outside the reconstructed Tenement house, we had three types of dye being used to make a rainbow of colors on various fabrics. First, madder plant roots were boiled in a large cauldron over a low burning fire. Madder plants are native to the Middle East and Northern Africa, but can be easily grown in the Mid Atlantic. Natural fibers, such as wool and linen, were steeped in the cauldron to create various shades of red. A combination of additives or extra dyes could be used to get colors like peachy-mauve, pink, or even dark purple. Another cauldron was filled with yellow dye made from Osage Orange. Osage Orange is a native plant to North America. It was so popular that in the colonial period, the dye and the dyed fabric were being exported from the colonies back to Europe. The third pot was filled with a dye made from the Indigofera plant, otherwise known as “indigo”. Indigo was sourced from tropical regions in the colonial period. Dying with indigo is intriguing: the fabric doesn’t turn blue until it is exposed to oxygen. When the fabric is first removed from the dye pot, it looks yellow but rapidly changes color to blue. To get a very dark blue, the fabric needs to be repeatedly dipped in the dye bath and exposed to oxygen. Inside the Tenement building, our living history volunteer was seated at the table and showed how to operate a Tape Loom. In the 18th Century, this type of loom was used to weave narrow bands of cloth – called “tapes.”  Tapes were used for straps, trim, ties, etc… Women in the 18th century used tapes for a multitude of reasons. For example, the thin tapes of fabric were used to close their aprons, tie on their petticoats, and to hold little things at their waist so they could access them easily. To operate the Tape Loom which is the size of a small toaster oven, she demonstrated how she passed the shuttle through the thread (called the shed), creating a basic checkered design (check out this Instagram video!). Inside the historic William Brown House, our living history volunteer demonstrated how to use a type of spinning wheel called a Castle Wheel. During the afternoon, she pedaled the Castle Wheel to twist her yarn onto a bobbin. She estimated one full bobbin would take a person approximately four hours to fill. Thank you to all of our living history interpreters who volunteered their time to demonstrate the fiber arts to all of our visitors. If you would like to see more demonstrations like this, we hope to have them on display during our Women’s Work Weekend in August and again in the Fall. If you would like to receive updates on upcoming events, please sign-up for our eblast: HERE.