Hammond-Harwood House

Hammond-Harwood House is a historic house museum located in Annapolis, Maryland, and was built in 1774 for Matthew Hammond, a wealthy Tobacco merchant and planter. The house was designed by William Buckland, a renowned Architect who also worked on other notable projects such as the Gunston Hall in Mason Neck, Virginia, and Christ Church (West River, Maryland). The Hammond-Harwood House is considered one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the United States, and has been associated with prominent figures such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington. The house has also been linked to the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, with Francis Scott Key and John Quincy Adams being among its notable visitors.

● History

The Hammond-Harwood House has a rich and complex history, with Matthew Hammond being a member of the Maryland General Assembly and a strong supporter of the American Revolution. The house was also a hub for social and cultural activities, with George Washington attending a dinner party hosted by Matthew Hammond in 1787. The house has been owned by several prominent families, including the Harwood family, who were known for their involvement in the American Civil War and their connections to notable figures such as Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant. The Hammond-Harwood House has also been associated with the Women's Suffrage Movement, with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony being among its notable visitors. Other notable figures who have visited the house include Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

● Architecture

The Hammond-Harwood House is a prime example of Georgian architecture, with a design that reflects the influence of Andrea Palladio and Inigo Jones. The house features a Symmetrical facade, with a central Portico and Balcony supported by Tuscan columns. The interior of the house is decorated with intricate Moldings and Wood carvings, and features a grand Staircase designed by William Buckland. The house has undergone several renovations and restorations, including a major restoration project led by Historic Annapolis Foundation in the 1950s. The Hammond-Harwood House has been compared to other notable examples of Georgian architecture, such as Drayton Hall in Charleston, South Carolina, and The Elms (Newport, Rhode Island).

● Preservation

The Hammond-Harwood House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark by the United States Secretary of the Interior. The house is currently owned and operated by the Historic Annapolis Foundation, which offers guided tours and educational programs. The foundation has worked to preserve the house and its contents, including a collection of 18th-century furniture and Artwork by notable artists such as John Singleton Copley and Gilbert Stuart. The Hammond-Harwood House has also been recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Institute of Architects for its historic significance and architectural merit.

● Collections

The Hammond-Harwood House features a collection of 18th-century furniture and Artwork that reflects the tastes and interests of its former owners. The collection includes pieces by notable Cabinetmakers such as Thomas Chippendale and George Hepplewhite, as well as Paintings by John Singleton Copley and Gilbert Stuart. The house also features a collection of Ceramics and Glassware from the 18th century, including pieces by Wedgwood and Royal Worcester. The Hammond-Harwood House has also acquired a collection of Historical documents and Artifacts related to the American Revolution and the War of 1812, including letters and diaries written by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

● Tourism

The Hammond-Harwood House is a popular tourist destination in Annapolis, Maryland, attracting visitors from around the world. The house offers guided tours, including a Ghost tour that explores the house's Paranormal activity. Visitors can also explore the house's Gardens, which feature a collection of Herbs and Flowers that were popular in the 18th century. The Hammond-Harwood House has been recognized by TripAdvisor and Yelp as one of the top tourist attractions in Annapolis, Maryland, and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times and National Geographic. Visitors to the house can also explore the surrounding Historic district, which features a collection of 18th-century buildings and Monuments dedicated to notable figures such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Other nearby attractions include the United States Naval Academy, the Maryland State House, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Category:Historic house museums in Maryland