Hampton - The Story of America

Hampton National Historic Site preserves what remains of a once 25,000-acre enslavement plantation. For hundreds of years, enslaved people, indentured servants, tenant farmers, paid laborers, and the Ridgely family all made their own contributions to Hampton, creating a space where cruelty and decadence collide to provide a complex history of the United States.

A group of visitors participate in a program during Harvest Day.
2024 Harvest Day

Hampton's annual Harvest Day event is filled with hands-on activities, kids programming, demonstrations, and ranger-led programming.

A ranger giving a "Gardens, Grounds, and Architecture" program. NPS/Tim Ervin
Tour Information

Learn what tours and programs are happening.

People of Hampton
People of Hampton

Generations of diverse people lived, worked, and were enslaved at Hampton from the 1740s to the 1940s. Explore their stories.

c. 1897 image of a tenant farmer woman outside the Enslavement Quarters. NPS
Revealing the Lives of the Enslaved

A recent Ethnographic Study uncovered major information on the lives of those enslaved at Hampton and their descendants. Read about it here.

A historic picture of a part of the flower gardens called a parterre. A gardener in the middle. NPS
History & Culture

Hampton was once a 25,000-acre commercial, industrial, and agricultural plantation. Discover its history here.

Kids loading onto a school bus.
For Kids

Kids of all ages are welcome to find their park while learning and experiencing new things.

A family of modern visitors talking to a costumed ranger outside of the lower house
Things To Do

Whether you are interested in guided tours, or exploring the garden and grounds on your own, there are plenty of things to do at Hampton!

A group of diverse people outside of the Orangery building, similar to a greenhouse.
Permits & Commercial Use

Depending on the size and complexity of the planned event, the park may require you obtain a special park use permit (SUP).

A visitor photographing living historians at Hampton.
Photography Quick Guide

Learn more about still photography and filming at Hampton.

Language Guide Words with Graphic of books and someone overcoming a struggle.
Language Guide

Words matter. The language we use matters. Please read through our Language Guide and Non-Negotiable Statements.

Image of visitors talking to a Ranger inside of the dining room at Hampton.
Mansion Tours

The only way to go inside the mansion is on a tour, with tickets! Click to learn how to get tickets and the times for the tours.

A picture of the dairy on the farm side of Hampton
Preservation at Hampton

Funded by the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, an effort is underway to protect historic structures at Hampton National Historic Site.

Last updated: September 30, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

535 Hampton Lane
Towson, MD 21286

Phone:

410-962-4290 (option 2)

Contact Us