Hampton National Historic Site

First time visitor even though I’ve lived in the area most of my life. Enjoyed the house tour and learned a lot about local history. Lovely grounds.

Breathtaking gardens.
So much splendor here.
Peaceful, tranquil.
It’s the only place where I can just sit for hours and look beyond, never getting bored with the beautiful surroundings, wiggling my toes in the cool grass. The dew looked like sparkling jewels, within the blades of grass.
This place is worth the schlep, for some peace and peace of mind.

I’ve lived near Towson for many years and never really new this little treasure was there… until I was invited to a holiday celebration that a friend knew about. Around the holidays they have a great tour/​celebration where you get to learn about the Hampton mansion and enjoy snacks and period music (and costumes). It was really a lovely time and great way to experience some history! Not sure when this celebration takes place in 2013… but keep your eyes peeled if you’re looking for something different to try!

(Now I will preface this review by saying that I’m a wonkish dork when it comes to just about anything relating to Colonial Era history so for me this place is five stars. To somebody who does not feel the same way it’s more likely Hampton will come off a bit dry and boring to you. Maybe closer to three stars.)
If you come to Hampton here’s what you got:
Hours: The grounds are open daily from 8:30−5 BUT if you would like to tour either the main mansion or the lower house they are only open Friday-​Sunday from 10 – 4. (Thanks Sequester!)
Past that this location has no ranger coverage Monday-​Thursday and even when they are open it’s only possible because of volunteers that supplement the rangers to staff the small gift shop and visitor’s center area.
Location: Hampton is very easy to find right off of 695. Worth noting is that right now their largest parking lot is torn up due to construction and nearest the mansion they only have maybe space for twenty cars. Past that and for any buses I guess you would have to park at the lower house on the other side of Hampton Lane.
To Do: Check
for the current tour schedules as they do change during the year. They also supposedly have special events that go on during the year although I question how well they are promoted seeing as according to their website one was scheduled to take place on the 18^th and not a single person or sign mentioned it.
They also offer the Junior Ranger Program but apparently at this time they do not have books for all three age levels so you might want to print them out from their website before leaving home or else…
Overall the main gist of Hampton is to show you how both sides lived.
On one hand you see the mansion where the Ridgely family lived and across the street you can see the slaves quarters that remind you how their lifestyle was possible and how the story of economic and moral change happened that made forced servitude in the United States obsolete.
If you keep an open mind to try and see everything you can spend a good ½ day here easily between all of the buildings, the gardens, the still active family cemetery and below ground ice house.

Tucked away right off the Dulaney Valley exit in Towson, you would never know this little historical goldmine existed. Apparently, only 1 family owned it until it became an National Historic site which has allowed for mostly original everything. The family was one of the wealthiest in the US during the 1800s and owned more human beings than any during the same time period. The tour guide we had was super knowledgable, with degrees etc, and had answers for anything you asked. after exploring the house, you can walk the expansive grounds to the family’s farmhouses, dairy, etc. a wonderful way to spend a day!

Great upkeep of the out door grounds, exhibits are clearly marked including history, great outdoor event for the entire family, if walking is not an issue. Dont miss the Mansion tour.

It’s a restored and maintained mansion and grounds. Probably not something that you can make a day of, but a tour and a little walking around outside will leave you with an enjoyable 2 – 3 hour trip. They don’t charge for entry or the guided tours, but they are scheduled to start at certain times so be prepared. I also recommend finding the below ground storage area outside where they kept the ice and perishable goods. Its interesting to go from a hot summer day to a chilly dark bunker after only a few short flights of stairs.

I’m a history buff, this place is lame, the stories are not that interesting and you don’t get to see but a few special rooms in the house.

I am a frequent visitor to the Baltimore area but never heard of Hampton NHS until my most recent visit. One of the rangers there said something about the difficulty about not having a famous name attached to your historic home — I disagree. The staff have done a great job interpreting the life of a very well-​to-​do family (even if they’re a generic one) and showing off the splendor of their mansion. The rooms are ridiculously Victorian, the visual equivalent of the number of clowns packed into a clown car, and definitely gaudy.
Outside the house, literally across the street, they also interpret the other side of life at Hampton. The story of enslaved people at the site is told in a sincere, informative way; I never felt that they were catering to political correctness but only recognizing an important reality. Great staff, great experience — I’d probably go back to make sure I caught it all.

Once again finding ourselves bored in Charm City, we randomly discovered Hampton as a place of interest. We were surprised to find it so well hidden within the residential area.
Not knowing the history or what to expect we waited for the next tour inside the warm visitor’s center and watched a short introduction video. Soon after, our tour began with our guide Carol leading the way.
Let’s just get this out of the way: She’s awesome.
Carol walked us through each room in engaging style – telling us of the stories and secrets the house holds within its tired walls. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and welcomed the dozens of questions our tour group threw at her. She made what would have been an otherwise same old dull walking tour a fun, interesting, and educational experience.
As for the house itself, the rooms and history are interesting to see and discover, though perhaps a little creepy. At one point, a couple of the historical pieces appeared to be shaking despite little to no movement near the exhibit…
All in all, a worthwhile little trip through history if you’re looking for something a bit off the beaten path.