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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.
Originally produced in 1985 and expanded in 2024, self-guided walking tour brochures are available outside the Bordley History Center seven days a week. The tour includes 29 stops, including significant sites of African American history and vernacular houses, along with grand colonial houses and other sites of interest within Chestertown’s historic district.
Click here to visit an online version of the walking tour, including an interactive map.
Discover the story of Chestertown on a guided tour of the Historic District. It’s an engaging look at the architecture, commerce, and community that shaped this colonial port town. Stroll the waterfront along the Chester River with an expert guide, visiting landmarks including the Custom House, Whitehall, and Levi Rogers house. Tours can be customized according to your group’s composition and interests.
We offer private walking tours for groups of five or more, perfect for clubs, school groups, family gatherings, and special outings.
Advance reservations are required and tours must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance to ensure guide availability.
Step into the shadows of the past on a tour of some of Chestertown’s spookiest, most haunted sites, and hear about the chilling lore of murder, mayhem, and pathos… IF YOU DARE!
Contact us to arrange a date and customize your experience. We look forward to welcoming your group to historic Chestertown! Please call (410) 778-3499 or email director@kentcountyhistory.org to inquire about setting up a guided tour for your group.
Tickets for Guided Tours and Ghost Walks are $20 per person.
Now on view through September 2026:
Alternate Thursdays, October 8 through December 17, 12 noon
Drop in with your lunch to the Bordley History Center at 301 High Street in Chestertown to explore Kent County history with local experts.
10/8: Niambi Davis, Black Mutual Aid Societies
10/22: Kate Livie, 5 Things About This Old Shore
11/5: Robbi Behr & Matthew Swanson, The Busload of Books
11/19: Amber Englebach, Cleaning Up Olivet Hill. This event will be in Galena at the Town Hall.
12/3: Bob Denison, Quakers in Kent County
12/17: Michael McDowell, John Bolton
Friday, October 30, 6:30, 7, and 7:30 p.m.
Step into the shadows of the past on a Historic Chestertown Ghost Walk. Join the fun… if you dare! A costumed guide will light the path with a lantern on a walk through centuries of stories, told against a backdrop of local history. You’ll move through the historic district’s spookiest, most haunted locations and hear the chilling lore of murder, mayhem, and pathos in Chestertown’s past.
Ghost walks are $20 per person, up to two children free per paying adult.
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.
