HOLLYWOOD, Md. – Historic Sotterley invites the public to a special presentation honoring both America’s and Maryland’s 250th year of independence, featuring historian and author Dave Brown.
The program will explore the life and legacy of George Plater III, one of Maryland’s most influential early leaders, whose political and civic contributions helped shape the state and the emerging nation.
Drawing from decades of research, Brown will illuminate Plater’s role during the nation’s formative years and connect his impact to the broader, complex history preserved at Historic Sotterley. This program is part of Sotterley’s ongoing commitment to presenting an honest, inclusive, and deeply human interpretation of the American story.
Adding to the evening’s experience, Port of Leonardtown Winery will join the event to offer tastings of their award‑winning, locally crafted wines. A cooperative of 12 member vineyards, the winery has been producing high‑quality Southern Maryland wines since 2010 and has earned multiple best‑in‑show awards for its exceptional varieties.
- Date: June 25th, 2026
- Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, pre-reception at 6:30 with light refreshments
- Location: Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD 20636
- Cost: Free to attend; wine‑tasting tickets are $20 (ages 21+)
Participation in the program is free, but guests wishing to enjoy the winery’s tastings must purchase a wine‑tasting ticket. Both in‑person and virtual attendance options are available.
Registration Links:
About the Speaker
Dave Brown is a retired diplomat and university educator. Since 2000, he has volunteered as a docent at Sotterley and once served on its Board of Trustees. He has written books and articles related to Sotterley including Sotterley: Its People and Their Worlds (2010), George Plater of Sotterley (2014) and The Barber Family: From Slavery, Through Segregation and The Civil Rights Movement (2023) co-authored with Donald Barber, and The Kane Family: Slavery to Freedom at Sotterley (2025).
