You might have noticed the exterior of the Mansion undergoing some much needed renovations. The cypress siding is being replaced or repaired, and the front porch is being reconstructed. This is Phase II of a multi-phase, multi-year project at Poplar Hill Mansion. Phase I took place in 2023 when we replaced the siding on the east and west elevation of the house from the second story down. Phase III should occur in 2026, with repairs to the second floor siding and cedar shingles. Finally, Phase IV will be the shutters, which will be repaired, repainted to their original color of Charleston Green, and reinstalled on the entire house (not just the front). We are very excited to have this work done to protect the house. We are also very grateful to the Mayor and City Council for making sure this project received the funding and attention it needed.

As part of our 50th Anniversary year-long celebrations, Poplar Hill hosted a 70s inspired tea at the Mansion. Guests were encouraged to wear their best 1970s attire and enjoy the special menu, which included Cheese Fondue Soup, Cucumber Sandwiches, Ham Salad Sandwiches, Quiche Loraine, Chicken and Mushroom Vol au Vents, Tropical Pineapple Scones, Banana Chip Bars, Rainbow Jell-o Bars, Mini Black Forest Cakes, and Russian Tea. We even gave a prize for best dressed which was a gift card to Fratelli’s (they’ve been in business almost as long as we have). A great time was had by all those who attended, especially our winner for best dressed, Deb Breda (pictured center). We knew this year’s celebrations were going to be a lot of fun!

Our second painting class in a series of four, was recently held at the Mansion. The second featured artist Jessica Schlegel doing a piece, Winter Dusk with students from a varying degree of experience. The classes are intended for beginner artists of all ages (we even had an 11 year old inspiring artist come with her Dad). Jessica is the proprietor of J.L. Schlegel Art in Salisbury and specializes in watercolors. She has been featured in numerous galleries around the Eastern Shore. Everyone did a fantastic job with their art works and they were even a few creative alterations which looked great. Our next class is scheduled for April and will feature a spring piece.

These classes are a part of a Community Arts Development Project Grant form the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council in the amount of $1000. This grant is made possible from SWAC, the Maryland State Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

We are so happy to be welcoming back field trips to the Mansion! We have had all different levels coming to the Mansion to learn about life in the early 1800s. This week we are welcoming the 5th Grade Class from Fruitland Intermediate and the 1st Grade Class from Westside Primary. We have also had 8th Graders visit, and are also planning programs for 11th and 12th Graders. We can actually cater tours to any level and have an interactive activity for the students to complete while they tour the Mansion. The 5th Graders will be completing a crossword puzzle with the answers being given during the tour to engage the students and help them learn. As for younger students, like the First Graders, we will be making whirligigs. This was a popular toy from the early 1800s using a circular disc and string. The Students then get to keep the items as a souvenir of their visit. We are trying to encourage as many field trips as possible to the Mansion. Did you know that each school is responsible for paying for field trips? This means that some schools in Wicomico County may not be able to visit due to transportation costs. If you would like to make a donation to help cover these costs, you can make a special donation to Poplar Hill Mansion and we will let schools and student programs know that assistance is available. We want every student to be able to experience the history in their back yard, no matter the cost.

The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion are so happy to announce that they were the recipient of Community Arts Development Project Grant form the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council in the amount of $1000. This grant is made possible from SWAC, the Maryland State Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The grant funds will be used for a new program at PHM, Four Seasons of Painting at Poplar Hill, in which Poplar Hill Mansion will host an afternoon of painting during each of the four seasons. Each artist instructor for the four classes will teach painting techniques in either acrylic or watercolor for a specific image of their choosing, which will reflect either the season or historic beauty of the Mansion or time period.

The first class will take place on October 12th. This class will feature Jeanne Brown as the instructor. Mrs. Brown is a Bob Ross Certified Instructor and worked with the man himself. She will teach one of Ross’ more famous beginner paintings of the Majestic Peaks landscape. This class is designed for beginners and should take about 3 hours. All supplies and materials needed are supplied with your admission. Seating is limited to 12 people.