The Hammond-Harwood House museum collection of fine and decorative art, the exemplary architecture, and social history of the inhabitants, enslaved and free, are presented through tours and programs open to the public. Every year, the Hammond-Harwood House curates a new exhibition that highlights historical figures and events connected to the house.
In 1774 planter Matthias Hammond began working with architect William Buckland on plans for an elegant townhouse in Annapolis. The work was undertaken by crews of indentured artisans and enslaved men under Buckland’s direction. began working with architect William Buckland on plans for an elegant townhouse in Annapolis. The work was undertaken by crews of indentured artisans and enslaved men under Buckland’s direction. Hammond never lived at the house, remaining at his plantation in Gambrills, Maryland, and the mansion was home first to the Pinkney family and then the Lockerman family.
Through the Civil War and World War I, the house remained an enduring fixture in Maryland’s capital city, but the building’s future was uncertain after the death of last surviving Lockerman descendant, Hester Ann Harwood, in the 1924. St. John’s College purchased the site in 1926 and instituted a decorative arts program, the first of its kind in the country. The economic woes of the 1930s, however, forced the College to search for new owners. Finally, in 1940, the Hammond-Harwood House was purchased by the newly formed Hammond-Harwood House Association.
Through the Civil War and World War I, the house remained an enduring fixture in Maryland’s capital city. After the death of Hester Ann Harwood in the 1924, the building’s future was uncertain. St. John’s College purchased the site in 1926 and instituted a decorative arts program, the first of its kind in the country. The economic woes of the 1930s, however, forced the College to search for new owners. Finally, in 1940, the Hammond-Harwood House was purchased by the newly formed Hammond-Harwood House Association.
Credit: Overview from museum website