Like many Annapolitans, I have walked past historic buildings and homes in town without stopping, in a hurry to get to my destination. That’s why I was so glad to carve out time to visit the Hammond-Harwood House for a tour with Office Manager and Events Coordinator Eleni Bozori.
Located at 19 Maryland Avenue, construction on the grand residence began in 1774, commissioned by Matthias Hammond, who hired architect William Buckland to bring the townhouse vision to fruition. At the time (as now) Annapolis was a social and political center that attracted the gentleman farmer Hammond to build his house in the bayside city. Unfortunately, the architect Buckland died before completion of the house, and Hammond likewise never lived in the house, having retired to his Gambrills home in his later years. The house was instead home to other prominent members of society, and was last occupied by a descendent of William Harwood who died in 1924.
Hammond-Harwood House curators have filled the home with furnishings and decor original to the era, and included in this are tools used by the indentured servants and slaves who worked in and on the house. “It’s important to tell their story. They are a part of this house,” Eleni says.
During the tour, Eleni noted architectural details like the strict symmetry enjoyed in most of the spacious rooms. There are even false doors in rooms to ensure that the architect’s vision of balance was in place. The reliable lines of the house complement the grand detailing found on moulding, fireplaces, and furnishings.
A favorite detail was the main entry door, considered one of the most beautiful front doors in the United States.
The Hammond-Harwood House offers tours to the pubic and hosts events throughout the year (click HERE for a calendar). Events range from garden tours to arts performances to ones designed especially for children.
Tour information can be found by clicking HERE.
Click below to watch my conversation with Eleni Bozori of the Hammond-Harwood House!
