All times and locations are subject to change.

Call the NPS Visitors' Center before the event to verify: 410-823-1309 X-251.

Every 2nd Sunday: Children's Tour of the Mansion - Take a 30-minute tour designed especially for kids, and have a look at the life of both Ridgely and slave children at the Hampton estate. Tours offered as requested around 2 pm. Children are also invited to participate in the Junior Ranger Program, where they can complete activities during their visit and earn a certificate and Junior Ranger badge!

Although historically identified as “Manly Arts,” all are welcome to learn about and participate in exercises and demonstrations of swordsmanship, boxing, and other of skills which were used by men and women to “come home alive” in the 19th Century. Visitors will be able to view an array of historical weapons and practice period correct techniques in a safe controlled atmosphere. Nineteenth century America was not less dangerous than today. But its dangers were different in several ways. Threats to life, limb and property were typically “up-close and personal”, help was farther away and slower to respond. But people in general were more prepared to act decisively to defend themselves from danger on the field of battle, the field of honor or on the way home from the corner market. The need to be aware and be prepared for a dangerous encounter cut across all class, race, and gender lines. We can learn a lot about our ancestors whether rich man, poor man, beggar man, or thief by considering how they prepared for the kinds of dangers they expected to encounter. Martial arts for defense and sport were closely tied to the Ridgely family – especially in the early years. Charles Ridgely, the builder of Hampton, and his nephew, the Governor of Maryland, were well-known for prize fighting with fist and cudgel. Subsequent generations served in cavalry units and were necessarily familiar with the use of sabers and other swords. Guest instructors will be Steve Huff and Mark P. Donnelly, two internationally recognized teachers and historians of Western Martial Arts. They will be assisted by Park Ranger Victor Markland and members of the Mid-Atlantic Society for Historical Swordsmanship.

Crisp cool air, changing leaves, the smell of a cooking fire, and the scent of freshly pressed apples help us leave summer behind, welcome fall, and prepare for the long winter ahead. This year take a trip to Hampton and experience first hand the joys of the summer harvest. On Sunday, October 17 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. volunteers and staff at Hampton invite visitors to learn more about the work required to prepare for the winter.

Hampton once had an abundance of apple trees and in the fall workers and the Ridgely family participated in the process of pressing apples for cider; come and take a crank on the apple press. Apples were also picked for canning and drying. Rangers Laura and Kirby will demonstrate canning and drying techniques and discuss the many different types of food preservation employed on an estate such as Hampton.

A fun filled afternoon for the family- come ready to help as we always need extra hands to pick corn. Our volunteer blacksmith will be on site demonstrating nail and hook making. For more information call 410-823-1309 x 251.