“Great people have great values and great ethics.” ~ Jeffrey Gitomer

I recently revisited a National Historic site that I remember from my childhood.  It’s just a couple of miles from where I grew up in Towson, Maryland.

Hampton Mansion, tagged as a “Palace in the Wilderness,” at one time equaled half the area of present day Baltimore. The site tells a story of early settlers, the Ridgely family, prominent Marylander’s who were colonial merchants in iron production, shipping and commerce. Ridgely’s iron was said to be “the most profitable exports in the mid-Atlantic colonies.” Read more about this tale of an industrious family who helped fuel a new nation.

The artifacts, beautiful gardens, parterres and vistas, the Georgian mansion, stables and workers quarters for the indentured servants are all evidence of a powerful businessman, who was said to be “genteel” kept “the best table in America” and was “very kind to his servants”. Written entries in journals evidence the care that was taken make Christmas gift lists for all the domestic help of the estate.

In my childhood, Hampton Mansion was one of my favorite places for school field trips. The National Park Service has done an excellent job of maintaining the property and advancing the narrative for visitors. If you are ever in the Baltimore area, the pastoral grounds and vistas, gardens and buildings is a great place to explore and visit.

Returning to this landmark with my twin sister this past summer was very special.

This blog is brought to you by the EVVY award-winning author of the memoir Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.