Tours at Carrollton Hall focus on the history of the property, the house, and its many inhabitants, including enslaved individuals and the Carroll and McTavish families. While touring the first and second floors of this 1832 neoclassical American home, visitors should expect to explore how the design and details of Carrollton Hall reveal insights into the history and lives of all the people who lived and worked here.
Tours are typically 60 minutes, and group size is limited to 25 to allow for adequate spacing and time for questions. If your group is larger than 25 people, please let us know so we can arrange a special program or multiple tours.
Public Tours
All are welcome to join public tours at Carrollton Hall. Please click on the links below to register. We cap tour attendance at 25 to enhance the experience of our guests, so please RSVP if you plan to join. Can’t make the date? Click on the link anyway and register for the waitlist. We will email you when the tour will be offered again.
Three Centuries of History at Folly Quarter
Wednesday, September 16 at 1 p.m.
This tour of Carrollton Hall will give an overview of the long history of our site, including all who have lived here over the last three centuries. Our tour will share stories from the Carroll and McTavish families, Van Lear Black who renovated the house in the early 20th century, and the Franciscan Friars Conventual who have owned and stewarded our land since 1928.
Art and Architecture at Carrollton Hall
Wednesday, September 30 at 1 p.m.
Carrollton Hall is an 1832 neoclassical building designed by noted American architect William Small, the first native Baltimorean to receive formal architectural training, including as a student of Benjamin Latrobe, designer of the U.S. Capital. Come learn about the design and architectural intricacies of our historic site.
Families and Freedom at Folly Farm and Beyond
Wednesday, October 21 at 1 p.m.
Carrollton Hall was built for Emily Caton McTavish, a favored granddaughter of Charles Carroll of Carrollton. But this grand gift caused tension and a rift in the family following Carroll’s passing in 1832. On this tour, we will explore the personal histories of Carrollton Hall’s first inhabitants, including Emily and the enslaved families who worked here.
Landscape and Agriculture at Carrollton Hall
Wednesday, October 28 at 1 p.m.
During this tour, we will look outside the walls of our historic structure for evidence of the lived experiences of all who helped construct and lived at this historic site in the 1830s. We will explore the evidence of the extraordinary craftsmanship and labor that contributed to the physical landscape of the surrounding gardens and fields. Please note, a portion of this tour may be outside, weather permitting.
Accessibility
Visitors to Carrollton Hall should be aware that the only public entrance to the house is up a set of steep stone stairs. There is a lift to bypass the stairs, but the threshold includes a three-inch step into the house, which may pose a risk to those with mobility limitations.
The second floor is only accessible by stairs. Tours can be split or modified if individuals have difficulty with stairs or cannot travel to the second floor of the home.
Schedule a Tour
To schedule a tour outside of what is currently being offered to the public, please email info@carrolltonhall.org
Suggested donation: $10/person
Our priority is for Carrollton Hall to be accessible to everyone. If you or your group would benefit from particular considerations, please let us know in advance so we can make sure your needs are met.