Mission Statement
The Society is a non-profit
organization dedicated to increasing public interest in the
heritage of Port Tobacco and Southern Maryland. The Society
was established in 1948 and its efforts continue to be
accomplished through the collection and preservation of
related historical documents and artifacts. Ongoing
research will be conducted into the customs and skills of
town settlers and past residents. Early buildings and
sections of the town will be restored or reconstructed for
appropriate uses including: exhibiting materials,
educational use and appropriate civic events.
Activities
The education and special events programs at Port Tobacco
provide citizens and visitors a glimpse of Charles County
history and its significance locally, regionally and
nationally. The Port Tobacco Courthouse is also one of the
few historic sites in Charles County that are available for
special event rental.
Accomplishments in
2007
Over the last year, the SRPT has undertaken the
restoration of Burch
House,
supported a comprehensive archaeological survey of the
historic district, hosted an Archaeological
Society of Maryland Volunteer Weekend and held a very
successful Christmas Open House. The Port Tobacco
Courthouse is also the site of the annual
Civista Wine
Festival.
Goals for
2008
Over the next year the SRPT hopes to complete the
Restoration of Burch House (grant funded), to develop
interpretive signage throughout the village (grant funded),
and to continue to support the Port Tobacco
Archaeological Project. In addition, Port Tobacco will be
the site of several special events (details to be posted
soon). We hope to build on this success by increasing
membership and participation in the organization.
Membership
Annual dues are $10
for an individual, $15 for a couple and can be sent
to:
Society for the Restoration of Port Tobacco
PO Box 302
Port Tobacco, MD 20677
Volunteers
Volunteers help to staff the
Port Tobacco Courthouse, providing tours to visitors and
assisting with research. If you are interested in becoming
a volunteer, please contact us.
Museum
The Museum,
while going through constant re-arrangement and addition,
depicts the early years of Port Tobacco and Charles County.
Pictures and brief descriptions of homes show the
architectural trends from the 1600s through the
1800s. Pictures also show the village of Port Tobacco
from about 1895 through 1935; from shortly after
the fire in 1892 to the village in decay. The restored
and preserved buildings of Port Tobacco add to our county's
wealth of continuing history.
Museum hours are currently noon to 4pm on Saturdays and
Sundays, by appointment. Reservations for tours are
accepted, and are required for large groups to ensure
docent availability.
Accessibility: The Courthouse is partially handicap
accessible and the restrooms are not handicap accessible.
Portable ramps can be put down for wheelchairs, but we
cannot provide assistance in lifting a chair up any
stairs.
Event Rental
The Port Tobacco Courthouse can be rented
for private functions, such as weddings. The rental of this
facility helps to support the ongoing efforts of the
Society. Please call 301-934-4313.
Officers
President: Jay
Lilly
Vice President: Calvin Compton
Secretary/Treasurer: Vivian Scott Malczyk
Corresponding Secretary: Normann Chlosta
Recording Secretary: Carolyn Graham
Historian: Shelia Smith
Board Members
John Hungerford
Paul Fenton
Kay Volman
