Women of all social classes lived in 18th-century Annapolis - slaves, indentures, gentry and the middling class. Your colonial-clad guide will show you where they lived, where they worked and what they wore. The fashions of the day were not just fashionable, but told a great deal about who you were. Learn about all of this and more, as you explore the Golden Age of Annapolis:
We will also take you into the colonial kitchen of the Hammond-Harwood House, a fine mansion built in 1774. Here you will see where and how city slave women lived in the 18th-century.
Information, laughs and fun await everyone taking this tour - women, men and families!
Come join us, won't you?
- Come to know the wives that stood behind Maryland’s four signers of the Declaration of Independence
- Learn why women were often tavern keepers
- Who was the woman that published and printed the Maryland Gazette?
- Was being an actress a respectable profession?
- Learn which professions were open to women, and which were not!
We will also take you into the colonial kitchen of the Hammond-Harwood House, a fine mansion built in 1774. Here you will see where and how city slave women lived in the 18th-century.
Information, laughs and fun await everyone taking this tour - women, men and families!
Come join us, won't you?
Meeting Location
Main Street near the water in Historic District (Annapolis, MD)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
- Tickets should be purchased in advance as our tours may sell out. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.
- Is this tour suitable for children?
- Our experience tells us that boys (age 14 and older) and girls (age 9 and older) will enjoy this tour. The younger audience may not appeciate or understand the stories as much. There is no separate children's ticket. However, you do not have to purchase a ticket for a child under the age of 3.
- What if it rains or the weather is inclement?
- The tour is held rain or shine. But don’t worry! Some of our best tours have taken place in less-that-perfect weather!
- Can we take photos during the tour?
- Photos can be taken everywhere on the tour with two exceptions. First, no photos are allowed in the colonial kitchen of the Hammond-Harwood House. This restriction is requested by the curator of the historic home involved. Additionally, no photos are allowed in the Sands' House.
- How much walking is involved? Is it a fast-paced tour?
- We will be on our feet for the entire tour, walking at a casual pace for about a mile.
- Are there restrooms available on the tour?
- Restrooms are available at the tour starting location. Our guide will give you a two-minute warning before departing so you can use the "necessary". Our exact meeting location will be provided after your ticket purchase.
- I'm an Annapolis local - will I enjoy this tour?
- Yes! Our tour guides share stories about Historic Annapolis that few natives have heard. You also have a chance to go inside some of the oldest and most famous buildings in Annapolis.
- Can I buy food or drinks along the way? What about souvenirs?
- Our tour is structured so that we can visit many Annapolis landmarks in the allotted time. This leaves very little time for any other stops.
- Is the tour wheelchair- and/or stroller-accessible?
- No, some of the locations we visit are not able to accommodate wheelchairs or strollers at this time.
- How long is the tour?
- The tour generally lasts 1-1/2 hours, but occasionally it will last a bit longer depending on how many questions are asked or if there are delays going through security at the State House that day.
- May I bring my dog on the tour?
- No. While we adore pets, we will visit the interiors of some government and historic buildings that do not allow them.
- Are the tours conducted in English only?
- Yes, the tours are only conducted in English. However, our non-English speaking guests will still enjoy the historic sights and interiors of legendary American houses. You can also arrange a private tour conducted in Spanish or German.
- Can I book a private tour?
- Yes, private tours are available. Most groups, however, decide to attend the public tour for two reasons. First, it is usually significantly less expensive. Second, part of the fun of the tours is interacting with all the other participants who take the public tour. We always maintain a ratio of 12 - 15 guests per tour guide. If you are interested in more information on private tours, click “Contact CapCityCol” to the left of the page.
- Are gift certificates available?
- Yes, we do offer gift certificates. For purchase and more information, please click “Contact CapCityCol” to the left of the page.
Refund/Rescheduling Policy
- Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.
- Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.
Weather Policy
- Activity takes place rain or shine.
- The activity runs regardless of weather conditions. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability).
Other Policies
- All participants must bring proper ID.
- Tour participants age 16 or over must bring sufficient ID to enter through the security checkpoint of the Maryland State House. Do not bring anything with you that would not pass through an aiport security screening.
Capital City Colonials
We love Annapolis and have many years of experience hosting guests in our beautiful city. Some of our tour guides have been guiding visitors through Historic Annapolis for over a decade.
We want your experience to be great, so we limit all of our tours to no more than 12 to 15 guests per guide.
Our photogenic senior guide, David Smith, is a past recipient of the Hospitality Person of the Year award, presented by the Maryland Tourism Council.
We want your experience to be great, so we limit all of our tours to no more than 12 to 15 guests per guide.
Our photogenic senior guide, David Smith, is a past recipient of the Hospitality Person of the Year award, presented by the Maryland Tourism Council.
for CapCityCol
