Historic Sotterley will host a special presentation on Thursday, June 25, 2026, honoring both America’s and Maryland’s 250th year of independence.
The program will feature historian and author Dave Brown, who will discuss the life and legacy of George Plater III, one of Maryland’s influential early leaders. Plater’s political and civic contributions helped shape Maryland and the emerging United States during the nation’s formative years.
Drawing from decades of research, Brown will explore Plater’s role in early American history while connecting his legacy to the broader and complex history preserved at Historic Sotterley. The presentation is part of Sotterley’s ongoing effort to provide an honest, inclusive, and human-centered interpretation of the American story.
Port of Leonardtown Winery will also be part of the evening, offering tastings of locally crafted wines. The winery, a cooperative of 12 member vineyards, has produced Southern Maryland wines since 2010 and has earned multiple best-in-show awards.
The event will take place at Historic Sotterley, located at 44300 Sotterley Lane in Hollywood.
A pre-reception with light refreshments will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The presentation is free to attend. Wine-tasting tickets are $20 and are available for guests ages 21 and older. Both in-person and virtual attendance options are available.
Guests must register in advance to attend in person or virtually. A separate ticket is required for the wine tasting.
Dave Brown is a retired diplomat and university educator. He has volunteered as a docent at Historic Sotterley since 2000 and previously served on its Board of Trustees. Brown has written several books and articles related to Sotterley, including Sotterley: Its People and Their Worlds in 2010, George Plater of Sotterley in 2014, The Barber Family: From Slavery, Through Segregation and The Civil Rights Movement in 2023, co-authored with Donald Barber, and The Kane Family: Slavery to Freedom at Sotterley in 2025.
