Annapolis and Anne Arundel County has a long and illustrious American and maritime history for you to explore. Wander through our historic shopping districts and towns. Enjoy the charm of an 18th century farmhouse or a colonial village in historic London Town. In addition to its maritime history, Anne Arundel County is also rich in African-American history and culture. Come and discover our area’s historical roots. Check out one of the many interesting history and heritage attractions below.

Ann Arrundell County Historical Society
The Ann Arundel Historical Society operates the Benson-Hammond House Museum at BWI Airport and the Kuethe Library for historical and geographical research in Glen Burnie. A year-round schedule of programs and activities to perpetuate the county's historical resources.

Annapolis Maritime Museum
Preserving and teaching 400 years of maritime history. Current exhibit: " The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse Experience," gift shop. Thomas Point Lighthouse tours available mid-summer. Open Sat & Sun Call for hours. Group tours by appointment.

Annapolis Tours by Watermark
Journey into history, culture and FUN year round; enjoy and unforgettable walking tour through historic Annapolis with colonial-dressed guides. Tour the State House and the United States Naval Academy. Specialty tours include Haunted Ghost Tours, African American Heritage Tours and a Holiday Candlelight Stroll. For private group tours and complete schedules call 410-268-7601 or on-line at www.annapolistours.com

Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum
Explore 40 acres of railroad history at the Birthplace of American Railroading. See and touch the most important railroad collection in the Western Hemisphere. Seasonal train rides available.

Banneker-Douglass Museum
Museum of African American history and culture, changing exhibits, lectures, films, tours and educational programs. Open Tue-Fri., 10a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sat, noon - 4p.m.

Benson-Hammond House
The Benson-Hammond House, circa 1830, is one of the last surviving farmhouses of the once booming local farm industry. Fully furnished, the house also serves as a period museum. Tours are available. Handicapped accessible.

Capital City Colonials
Our walking tours include a 1 hour orientation tour of the Historic District. Historic District tours including a colonial kitchen, historic homes tour including a formal tea stop, and custom tours. 1 guide per 12 patrons on all tours! Apr-Oct, Nov-March by request.

Charles Carroll House of Annapolis, Inc
Home of Charles Carroll, the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence and one of the wealthiest men in colonial America. Partially restored House, 18th century terraced gardens overlooking Spa Creek. Open Fri. and Sun, 12-4p.m.; Sat. 10-2p.m. or by appointment. Fee.

Chase-Lloyd House
Georgian mansion built in 1769 by Samuel Chase, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The house is open for tours March 1-December 30, Mon-Sat. Closed Jan.-Feb., holidays and the eves of holidays

Discover Annapolis Tours
One-hour air-conditioned trolley tours depart from the Visitors Center, 26 West Street, April - November, and most weekends December - March, to explore waterfront neighborhoods, U.S. Naval Academy (exterior), colonial history and surprises!

Galesville Heritage Society
Galesville Heritage Society, Inc. operates the Galesville Heritage Museum, in the Carrie Weedon House at 988 Main Street The Museum is open on Sundays from April through November, 1 - 4 p.m. or by appointment. The Heritage Museum contains many interesting artifacts from the surrounding area, collected histories and memorabilia. Visitors may browse through the library of reference books on local history or view the videotaped interviews with local residents.

Historic Annapolis Foundation
Offering two self-guided walking tours, "Historic Annapolis Walk with Walter Cronkite" and the "African American Heritage Walking Tour." available at the Historic Annapolis Foundation Museum Store

History Quest
Discover all the ways to encounter three centuries of history in Annapolis! Complete orientation center, multimedia presentations, exhibits, and gift shop. Starting point for walking tours, tickets for venues, events and more.

Kunta Kinte - Alex Haley Memorial
The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation supports development initiatives for the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial located at the City Dock in Annapolis. The Foundation encourages greater study and awareness of African American culture, history, and genealogy and supports the research of family heritage among Americans of all ethnic origins.

St. John's College
Originally King William's School founded in 1696. Site of Revolutionary and Civil War encampments. A long tradition of liberal arts education with present great books curriculum. Traces its origins back to King William's School founded in 1696. Site of Revolutionary and Civil War encampments. Continues a long tradition of liberal arts education with present great books

Waterfront Warehouse
Visit a rare surviving example of the small warehouses that dotted the Annapolis waterfront in the 18th and early 19th centuries. See a large 3-D model of the waterfront as it existed in the 18th century.

Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center
The Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center and Memorial Courtyard is the centerpiece of the $27 million dollar Bates Heritage Park which opened in a public celebration, September 2006. The Legacy Center is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Wiley H. Bates High School, formerly (1933 to 1966) the only high school for African Americans in Anne Arundel County. It is a unique cultural arts heritage museum displaying historical documents and collections that preserve the Bates Spirit that yet lives.