Historic Sotterley papers
Scope and Contents
The Historic Sotterley papers contain materials primarily about the history of Sotterley Plantation ("Sotterley"). The collection consists of architectural materials; biographical sketches; correspondence; deeds; land surveys; obituaries; newspaper clippings; notes; obituaries; photograph albums; publications, such as one book and booklet; and transcripts. The bulk of the material is dated from circa 1890 to 2015.
The collection largely documents the history of Sotterley; its architectural and landscape features; and the lives and experiences of different individuals--including enslaved persons--who interacted with Sotterley over the years. Significant individuals and topics in this collection include the Sotterley Oral History Project, an effort of the Sotterley Education Committee to gather oral histories from individuals who helped develop Sotterley; Chas. A. Howard, a county surveyor who created numerous land surveys of Sotterley and neighboring areas; and the Briscoe, Plater, and Satterlee families, who were involved with the construction or ownership of Sotterley.
Dates
- 1636, 1674, circa 1716-2021
Language of Materials note
Materials entirely in English.
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open without restriction.
Administrative History
Originally founded as "Sotterley Foundation" in 1961 by former Sotterley owner Mabel Satterlee Ingalls, Historic Sotterley Plantation, Inc. researches the history of the Sotterley Plantation; preserves the plantation; and -- through tours, events, and other programs -- educates its visitors about Sotterley and its history.
Sotterley Foundation was designated as a historic property by the National Park Service and the National Trust of Historic Preservation in April 1961. Sometime in or after 1993, Sotterley Foundation changed its name to Historic Sotterley Plantation.
The organization is currently governed by a board of trustees, whose members have included John Hanson Briscoe, former speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, and Maryland Women's Hall of Fame member Agnes Kane Callum.
Sources:
-Materials from within the collection, particularly Jeanne K. Pirtle's 2013 book "Sotterley Plantation".
-"Sotterley Plantation," Sotterley Plantation, accessed September 11, 2018, https://www.sotterley.org/.
Extent
2.5 Linear Feet (3 boxes and 4 oversized folders.)
Abstract
Historic Sotterley Plantation is a non-profit entity that preserves the Sotterley Plantation and educates visitors about the estate and its history. The Historic Sotterley papers document the history of Sotterley, as well as the experiences of individuals associated with the plantation, and include correspondence, deeds, land surveys, oral history transcripts, newspaper clippings, and photographs.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Historic Sotterley Plantation transferred this collection to the St. Mary's College of Maryland Archives in June, 2017, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding. Two folders from the John H. Biscoe papers (MSS 025), one folder from the John Bohanan papers (MSS 027), as well as one item from the Jane Yowaiski papers (MSS 026), were added in September and October 2018. Additionally, Jeanne K. Pirtle's book, "Sotterley Plantation," was added to this collection as part of its "Publications" series. More material expected.
Processing Information
Steven Gentry, Archives Technician, Fall 2018.
- Title
- Historic Sotterley papers
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Steven Gentry, Archives Technician
- Date
- 2018 September
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the St. Mary's College of Maryland Archives Repository
Calvert Hall
St. Mary's College of Maryland
47645 College Dr.
St. Mary's City MD 20686-3001 United States
240-895-4196
archives@smcm.edu