• Horse and Carriage in front of Hampton NHS

    Hampton

    National Historic Site Maryland

There are park alerts in effect.
hide Alerts »

  • NEW GUIDED TOUR HOURS

    EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, tours of the mansion and farm site's buildings are offered on FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY ONLY from 10 am to 4 pm. Buildings are closed to the public Monday through Thursday. Grounds are open daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

  • Vistior Contact Station Update-Construction Advisory

    Phase III will continue as designed and this is the longest phase of the project. The Entrance Road and Parking Area will be defined. PARKING IS VERY LIMITED AND BUSES ARE PROHIBITED FROM THE MANSION'S PARKING LOT. More »

Event Details

  • 09/16/2012

    manly arts
    Location: Hampton National Historic Site | Map Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Fee Information: free Contact Name: Visitor Center Contact Phone Number: 410 823-1309 x251

Manly Arts Day

Being genteel wasn't always gentle! Men and women are encouraged to come to Hampton National Historic Site on September 16 for special demonstrations of period fencing, boxing, stick fighting, culminating in a "boxing exhibition" and Singlestick tournament such as one might have seen at the 1904 Olympics. Visitors will be able to view an array of historical weapons and practice their own technique under expert guidance. Guest instructors include three internationally recognized martial artists and scholars, Steven Huff, Mark P. Donnelly and Dan Kanagie. They will be assisted by Park Ranger Victor Markland and members of the Mid-Atlantic Society for Historical Swordsmanship. Young visitors will learn the positive virtues such as courage, fairness, cooperation, and teamwork through these special hands-on demonstrations.

Historically young men of all classes were encouraged to learn practical skills, moral lessons and cultural values through "Manly Arts". These distinctly Western Martial Arts were the classroom of masculine culture and character throughout the 1800's in Europe and America. People then thought of boxing or fencing much the same as we think of Olympic Sports, Football or Karate now. Martial sports were closely tied to the Ridgely family - especially in the early years.Charles Ridgely, the builder of

Hampton , and his nephew, the Governor of Maryland, were well-known for prize fighting with fist and cudgel. Subsequent generations practiced boxing and fencing.

Admission is free and handicapp accessible.

Call 410 823-1309 x251 for more information