The historic Woodlawn Manor House at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Spring is now open for public tours following the completion of four years of much-needed repairs by Montgomery Parks. The manor dates to the early 1800s and served as the home of the Palmer family, who owned and managed the farm for more than 100 years.
The Federal-style brick home was constructed in the early 1800s and was once home to William Palmer, a prominent Quaker physician whose family owned the property until 1919. In the late 1970s, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission purchased the property from the McKeever family and established Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park. Today, the Woodlawn Manor House and historic outbuildings reflect its previous owners and provide a glimpse of Montgomery County’s agricultural and complex 19th Century history.
Guided tours of the manor house take approximately 45 minutes and will be offered through November at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and at 1 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center on the day of the visit.
“Visitors will learn about Montgomery County’s agricultural history through the lives of the Palmer family, as well as the complex story of slavery intertwined with the family’s personal faith and connection to the community,” said Jennifer Legates, historic site manager and senior history specialist.
Groups of 15 or more can schedule private guided tours Tuesday-Saturday with at least two weeks advance reservations. Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park offers several guided group tour options which include the Woodlawn Manor House, the Woodlawn Museum (located inside the historic stone barn) and the Underground Railroad Experience Trail.
For more information, visit www.WoodlawnManor.org, call 301-929-5989 or send an email to MCP-Woodlawnprograms@MontgomeryParks.org
