Our new site is still under construction. Stay tuned!
Poplar Grove facade, pre-renovation
Join the Historical Society of Kent County for an unprecedented opportunity to step back in time at Poplar Grove, one of the Eastern Shore’s most historic estates. This never-before-offered tour grants an intimate look at a property that has remained in the Emory family since 1669 and is now undergoing an extensive renovation by its 11th-generation steward.
This special fundraising event is now available to historic preservation advocates committed to protecting and promoting local history and advancing the important work of the Historical Society of Kent County. With only 15 spots available, this tour offers an unparalleled look at the history, architecture, and ongoing preservation of Poplar Grove.
The Historical Society of Kent County, Maryland, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the collection and preservation of artifacts, documents, and information that aid in the interpretation of all aspects of Kent County’s history. The Society shares this information through its research library, museum space, programs, publications, and website in order to foster a knowledge and understanding of the shared heritage of our community. The Society supports and encourages the preservation of historic buildings and sites throughout Kent County. Donate
Learn more about The Historical Society.
For the first time since it was originally produced in 1985, new sites have been added to the tour, increasing the total number of stops from 24 to 29. Significant sites of African American history have been added, including Jane’s United Methodist Church, the Levi Rogers House, and the properties of Thomas Cuff at 104, 106, and 108 Cannon Street. Vernacular houses, which were missing from previous versions of the tour are also now part of the tour.
All the additions have stories to tell of how people lived in Chestertown in earlier eras, to offer “a deeper look at the town of Chestertown, how it grew, and how it’s changed over time,” in the words of Ashley Flory, who, along with Michelle Carroll, and Barbara Jorgenson collaborated on the project, with special assistance from Carol Combs.
The revised tour brochures were printed with the generous support of the Kent County Department of Tourism and Economic Development, and are available at the Office of Tourism, the Visitor’s Center on Cross Street, and the Bordley History Center, at 301 High Street.
The original architectural tour was commissioned by the Town of Chestertown and written by local historian Robert J.H. Janson-LaPalme. Kathleen White assisted with research, and Bill Ingersoll served as Project Coordinator. The text was subsequently edited in October 2000, and in January 2016.
Please call (410) 778-3499 or email director@kentcountyhistory.org to inquire about setting up a guided tours for your group.
The Historical Society of Kent County Library collection includes thousands of items pertinent to regional history including reference works, manuscript collections, documents, ledgers, maps, genealogies, cemetery records, photographs, and oral histories.
Learn MoreThe Historical Society of Kent County always welcomes new members. You do not have to live locally to join; a number of our members support our efforts from afar. If you are a resident, however, we hope you will not only become a member, but join us at our events and activities, or consider volunteering. We offer a welcoming venue for community involvement for all ages. A donation of $25 is required for an individual membership, and a donation of $40 is required for a family membership. Student memberships are free.
