Celebrate the Yuletide with us this weekend!

On Saturday, December 3 from 2 pm - 6 pm, we'll welcome the Yuletide with music, merriment, and living history at the William Paca House and Garden and Hogshead - and you're invited! Join us for a Colonial Yuletide Celebration.

At the William Paca House and Garden:
Meet William and Mary Paca and their friends (portrayed by the Annapolis Living Historians) who will bring the Paca House to life!
Be entertained by Bedlam Colonial Music as you explore the beautiful, bedecked halls
Delight in special presentations about holiday sweets and treats and create special crafts with your family

At Hogshead:
Discover how colonial townfolk celebrated the holiday
Hear the news of the day from Anne Catharine Green, printer and publisher to the colonies
Enjoy sweet treats, a sampling of cider, and more special holiday music

Don't miss this fun afternoon of joyous celebration. Don't forget - this event is free for HA members! Not a member? Become one here!

Learn More and Register

Don't Miss Out - Hand-Painted Ornaments!

Don't forget to pick up a 2022 hand-painted ornament for your collection - they are nearly gone! "The Ornament Scribe" has created beautiful, exclusive ornaments for us once again this year. Each ornament costs $44, including tax, a gift box, and ribbon! Available only while supplies last, no discounts apply.

Bonus: meet the artist, Sarah Schabow, at our Colonial Yuletide Celebration this Saturday! Register now!

You can either purchase ornaments in-person at the William Paca House and Garden or the Museum of Historic Annapolis during open hours, or order online and pick up in-person at the William Paca House and Garden.

Order Online

Museum of Historic Annapolis
99 Main Street | 410.990.4754

Holiday Hours:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday: 10 am - 2 pm

All HA properties will be closed on December 24 and 25.
William Paca House & Garden
186 Prince George Street | 410.990.4543

Holiday Hours:
Friday, Saturday, & Monday: 10 am - 4 pm
Special Pick-up Hours on
Saturday, December 3: 10 am - 6 pm

Job Announcement!

Historic Annapolis is seeking candidates for the position of Community Programs Specialist. This important role will develop and implement new and innovative public programs and activities at HA sites. This is a part-time position.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Lucy Mikhailova by Thursday, December 15 at [email protected]. Check out the full job description on our website!

Employment Opportunities

**NEW TOUR**
Holiday Spirit Tour: Yuletide Traditions at the William Paca House
Fridays, December 2, 9 and 16
Saturdays, December 10 and 17
Mondays, December 12, 19, and 26

Holiday Paca Dining Room

Celebrate the season and join our new holiday tour of the William Paca House!

Bring family and friends to enjoy the elegant decorations, learn about 18th century Maryland holiday traditions, and stories of Christmases past. The guided, one-hour candlelit tour highlights how the Paca household prepared for their holiday guests. The historic home is ready to greet you with music, garlands, a sweet treat, and a take-home recipe!

Advance registration recommended; space is limited.

Times:
4 pm on December 2, 9, 16 and 17
11 am on December 10, 12, 19 and 26
Visit the Calendar of Events to book your preferred date!
Location: William Paca House and Garden, 186 Prince George Street
Cost: $15 General Admission; $10 for HA Members, Volunteers, and Military; $7 Children (3-17); Free for Children 2 and under

Visit the Calendar of Events

Interested in scheduling this tour as a private event for your group of 10 or more? It is perfect for your large family, staff development activity, or a special friends outing. Contact Janet Hall, Visitor Services Manager, at [email protected].

Colonial Yuletide Celebration
Saturday, December 3

You are cordially invited to celebrate a colonial holiday with Historic Annapolis! Bring the entire family to welcome yuletide at the William Paca House and Hogshead. It’s the year 1772, and you'll experience the holiday traditions, music, and stories of Christmases past.

Be entertained by our special guests, the Annapolis Living Historians, who will bring the Paca House and Garden to life. Enjoy the musical stylings of Bedlam Colonial Music, and create special holiday crafts. Meet the merry townspeople of Annapolis at Hogshead and sample a colonial sweet and cider!

Spend a fun afternoon with us at this joyous celebration! Your admission includes both sites, and you may begin your celebration at either location.

Advance registration strongly recommended; walk-ups will be accommodated as space permits.
Time: 2 pm - 6 pm (timed entry on the hour)
Location: William Paca House and Garden, 186 Prince George Street; Hogshead, 43 Pinkney Street
Cost: FREE for HA Members and Volunteers; $12 General Admission; $7 Child (ages 3-17, free for 2 and under)
Register

Mr. Paca's Garden Storytime
Tuesday, December 6

Join us on select Tuesday mornings for storytime and fun activities in the William Paca Garden. Each program is designed for little ones (3-7 years) with a book reading, song, craft/art project, and free time in the garden.

This Week's Books: Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama by Selina Alko and My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz

Join us for two exciting stories about two young girls and how they celebrate the winter holidays. In Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama, Sadie looks forward to the golden gelt sparkling under the Christmas tree and hanging candy canes on the eight menorah branches, while in My First Kwanzaa, another young girl looks forward to dressing up in African clothing and lighting the seven candles in the kinara. Come find out what all three holidays have in common and make decorative take-home crafts to celebrate all three holidays!

Advance registration recommended; space is limited.
Time: Program, 10 - 11 am; Garden Time, 11 - 11:30 am
Location: William Paca House and Garden, 186 Prince George Street
Cost: $10 per Child and $5 per Adult for General Admission; $8 per Child and Free for Adults for HA Members and Active Military; $5 per Child and Free for Adults for Family Circle Members

Register

Hands-On History Day at the Museum of Historic Annapolis
Sunday, December 11 

Visit the Museum of Historic Annapolis on the second Sunday of every month for Hands-On History Days. Drop in any time between 10 am and 2 pm for special family activities - a new theme each month means you and your family will want to visit again and again! Activities are included with Museum admission, which is 1/2 price on second Sundays.

In December, join us for Recollections of World War II.

Explore the Museum and talk with living historians and people from our community who lived through WWII.
Be like "Rosie the Riveter" and help build a boat out of modeling clay.
Make a medal similar to those received by WWII soldiers.
View WWII special mementos during our Curator's Corner.
Read stories about WWII with your family in our Anne Arundel County Public Library Book Nook.

The special Curator's Corner experience will be offered at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.

Advance registration recommended.

Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Location: Museum of Historic Annapolis, 99 Main Street
Cost: $5 General Admission; $2.50 Children (ages 6-17, free for 5 and under); Free for HA Members and SNAP/WIC recipients
Register

Visit our Calendar of Events for more upcoming programs!

'Tis the Season for ... The Jolly Express! 

Annapolis's favorite holiday activity makes its return for the 2022 holiday season. Starting November 25, Watermark's Miss Anne will be adorned with reindeer spirit for an intimate 45-minute "sleigh ride" including hot cocoa, holiday music, and good cheer. Captain Santa is at the helm during this festive evening cruise on Spa Creek.

Bring your own cozy blanket to keep you warm. This is the perfect opportunity to start a family holiday tradition.

In the spirit of the season, a portion of proceeds will be donated to Historic Annapolis!

Learn More and Book