Hogshead
Step back in time at Hogshead, a living history experience in Annapolis, bringing 18th-century colonial life to vivid reality with passionate interpre...
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Hogshead
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Hogshead, a living history experience in Annapolis, bringing 18th-century colonial life to vivid reality with passionate interpreters.
"The highlight of our day! Friendly and knowledgeable staff made history come alive."
🎯 Ask Lots of Questions!
The reenactors are a treasure trove of info! Don't be shy to ask about 1770s Annapolis. :speech_balloon:
📅 Check Event Schedule
Special demonstrations and events enhance the experience. Plan your visit around them! :calendar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Living History Reenactments
Engage with costumed interpreters who bring 18th-century life to vivid reality. Ask questions and learn firsthand!
Historic Home Tour
Explore a beautifully preserved historic home, offering a glimpse into colonial architecture and daily life.
Knowledgeable Staff & Volunteers
Encounter enthusiastic guides eager to share stories and facts about Annapolis's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Immerse Yourself in History
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ask Lots of Questions!
The reenactors are a treasure trove of info! Don't be shy to ask about 1770s Annapolis.
:speech_balloon:📅 Check Event Schedule
Special demonstrations and events enhance the experience. Plan your visit around them!
:calendar:🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of exploring and standing. Comfort is key for a great visit. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask Lots of Questions!
The reenactors are a treasure trove of info! Don't be shy to ask about 1770s Annapolis.
:speech_balloon:📅 Check Event Schedule
Special demonstrations and events enhance the experience. Plan your visit around them!
:calendar:🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of exploring and standing. Comfort is key for a great visit. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hogshead for its engaging living history experience, highlighting the friendly and exceptionally knowledgeable staff and volunteers who bring the 18th century to life. The historic home tour is a significant draw, offering a captivating glimpse into colonial Annapolis. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some may find the experience more impactful with a prior interest in history.
"Very friendly volunteers that seemed excited to be there and a great view into a historic home."
Kris Wedemeyer
"Friendly and knowledgeable staff. My friends and I walked in on a whim while visiting Annapolis and it was the highlight of our day!
Ps - Just wanted to provide an update. It’s been just over two months since my friends and I visited Hogshead and we still bring it up/the facts we learned at least once a week. We also wanted to send a specific shout out to the young sailor reenactor who was a treasure trove of information about 1770s Annapolis and the colonies at large (we’ve even added her to our “girls crew” - aka the ideal crew we would party with at all times. Other recent inductee was a DJ we saw open for Carly Rae Jepsen, for general context). Pps - we were the group with the “KALE” (not YALE) sweatshirt. Keep up the great work!!"
Toria Sheffield
"Great knowledgeable staff!"
Stephen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hogshead is located in historic downtown Annapolis, Maryland. It's easily accessible by car, with several parking garages nearby. Public transportation options are also available.
Yes, there are multiple parking garages in downtown Annapolis, such as the Noah Hillman Garage and the Gott's Court Garage, which are within walking distance of Hogshead.
Absolutely! Hogshead is centrally located in downtown Annapolis, making it easy to walk to from other popular spots like the City Dock and Main Street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary, and it's best to check the official Hogshead website or contact them directly for the most current pricing information.
Operating hours can change seasonally and for special events. Always check the official Hogshead website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
While walk-in visits are often possible, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or for special events, to ensure entry.
Yes, Hogshead offers guided tours led by knowledgeable staff and volunteers who bring history to life. These tours are a highlight for many visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Hogshead, you can experience living history with costumed reenactors, tour a historic 18th-century home, and learn about colonial life in Annapolis.
Yes, Hogshead frequently features historical reenactments with interpreters portraying figures from the 1770s, offering an immersive historical experience.
Hogshead offers an engaging and educational experience for children, with interactive demonstrations and friendly staff who can answer their questions.
Hogshead provides insight into the daily lives of people in Annapolis during the colonial era, particularly around the 1770s, a pivotal time in American history.
Photography is generally permitted within Hogshead, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially during reenactments or inside certain areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Plan your visit around any scheduled demonstrations or special events, as these often provide extra engagement for younger visitors. Encourage your children to ask the reenactors questions – they are usually delighted to share their knowledge! Comfortable shoes are a must, as there will be plenty of exploring to do within the historic home and grounds.
📚 History Buffs & Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the historical reenactments, as these are often meticulously researched and performed, offering a vivid portrayal of daily life and significant events. Don't hesitate to engage with the interpreters; their passion and expertise are evident, and they can offer unique perspectives and answer complex questions about the era.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Cooperage and Casks
In the context of spirits, particularly whisky, hogsheads are significant for maturation. Different types of wood, like French oak, can impart distinct flavors to the spirit. The size of the cask also influences the aging process, with larger casks like hogsheads allowing for slower maturation and a more subtle interaction with the wood. This historical connection to casks and their contents is a fascinating aspect of understanding places named 'Hogshead.'
While Hogshead in Annapolis focuses on colonial history, the name itself evokes a rich history of trade, craftsmanship, and the storage of goods. Understanding the origins of the term adds another layer to the visitor experience, connecting the historical site to broader themes of commerce and traditional trades.
Living History: Bringing the Past to Life
Visitors often rave about the friendly and knowledgeable staff who are eager to share their passion for history. The young sailor reenactor mentioned in reviews is a prime example of how these interpreters can make history come alive, providing detailed insights into the colonies and Annapolis in the 1770s. This interactive approach makes learning engaging and memorable, transforming a visit into a truly immersive experience.
This dedication to authenticity and engagement is what makes Hogshead a standout attraction. It's an opportunity to not just learn about history, but to feel it, by stepping into a world that existed centuries ago.
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