Lillian Ketcham Ridgely

Lillian Ketcham Ridgely (1908-1996) was licensed as a Registered Nurse in New York and pursuing a Master’s degree in Nursing when she met her future husband,John Ridgely, III. They were married at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on St. Patrick’s Day, 1935. Upon moving to Baltimore and into the mansion in 1936, Lillian became mistress of Hampton for three generations of Ridgely men, overseeing the household, formal gardens, and dairy. She was a knowledgeable horticulturist and worked diligently to restore the Hampton gardens, replanting portions of the parterres herself.

Lillian joined the Army Nurse Corps in 1942 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, later attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Her treatment of wounded soldiers at Kessler Field (Biloxi, Mississippi) earned her a meritorious service ribbon. When the war ended, Lillian and John Ridgely returned to Baltimore and built a house on Hampton Lane, not far from the former Ridgely family seat and newly-established National Park. In “retirement,” Lillian Ridgely pursued her avocation, horticulture, became a highly-respected wildflower photographer, and produced a catalog of Maryland flora that became a standard reference.

Learn More

The Ridgely Family

The Ridgely Family owned and managed the Hampton Estate for almost 200 years. Explore their impact on history!
The Ridgelys of Hampton

Learn about the history of the Ridgely family at Hampton.
Learn about more
People of Hampton

Hundreds of people lived, worked, and were enslaved at Hampton coinciding America's development as a nation. Explore more of their stories.
Free Black Laborers

Free Black Laborers worked at Hampton for various reasons. A good amount did to eventually purchase their family members.
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.
History & Culture
History & Culture

Hampton National Historic Site today preserves the core of what was once a vast commercial, industrial, and agricultural plantation.