Riversdale House Museum Historic Site

This former 19th-century Maryland plantation site offers over 200 years of diverse stories to tell. The interpretation of this National Historic Landmark is shaped by the private and public records that give a glimpse into the lives of the enslaved individuals, such as Adam Francis Plummer, who were forced to labor at Riversdale, as well as the Stier and Calvert families. We invite you to visit the historic structures, gardens, and grounds to discover all the ways history lives at Riversdale!

Join us for a guided tour of the historic house as we interpret the history of the people who lived and worked at this former plantation from the house’s construction in 1801 through Emancipation in 1864. Visitors engage in facilitated dialogue with Tour Guides while being led through rooms of the historic house and dependency buildings.

This is a one-hour guided tour. We ask that visitors arrive at the Visitor Center 5-10 minutes ahead of time to get registered. Pre-reservation or walk-ins are welcome.

Tour Admission

• Adults: $5/person
• Seniors and Groups of 10 or more: $4/person
• Ages 5-18 and Students with ID: $2/person
• Ages 4 & under: Free

Group Tours

Group tours can be scheduled outside of normal tour hours and should be reserved one month in advance. Contact the office for scheduling, group tour rates, and additional details.

Guidelines

• Photography permitted, with no flash, inside the museum. Filming not permitted without a written request; please email the museum to inquire.
• Food and drink are not allowed in the historic house museum. Please enjoy all refreshments at our picnic tables.
• All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times while at the museum and on the grounds.

Accessibility

• Spanish language tours available upon advanced request.
• An elevator is available for mobility-challenged visitors to access the museum’s first floor and basement. The second floor requires the use of stairs to access.
• Sensory-friendly kits are available at the Visitor Center.
• Both parking lots are accessible for mobility-challenged visitors.

Guidelines

• Help us keep the garden thriving and looking beautiful by staying on the grass and pathways. Please do not walk in the garden beds. Seedlings and plants need to be treated with care.
• We kindly ask that you please do not harvest or pick any of the vegetables or flowers; if we have extra to share, you will find it in the bin located by the boxwood hedge.

Pets

• Guests are welcome to explore Riversdale’s grounds with their pets and are asked to follow the PAWS guidelines during their visit.
• Pick up after your pet: Trash receptacles are located next to the shed in the Visitor Center parking lot.
• Always leash your pet: Pets visiting the public grounds are required to be leashed at all times.
• Walk on the grass or pathways: Please keep pets from digging in or running through the garden beds.
• Stay safe: Be aware of others in your vicinity and help us keep Riversdale a safe and enjoyable space for all!

If you are looking for a space where your pets can explore, play, and train off-leash, visit Waggertail Dog Park in Riverdale Park.

Your Riversdale Historical Society membership makes it possible to continue to raise funds for the restoration of the house, new interpretive projects, and support the care and preservation of the museum’s collection. Your membership is a vital source of support for Riversdale House Museum!

The Riversdale Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting the preservation, the protection, and the presentation of the Riversdale House Museum and Gardens, in cooperation with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

• Tickets and information can be found at the Visitor Center prior to entry to the historic house.
• Visitor Center Address: 6005 48th Avenue Riverdale, MD 20737
• The Visitor Center parking lot is located at the corner of Riverdale Road and 48th Avenue.
• Our other parking lot is located at the corner of Riverdale Road and Oliver Street just inside the double gates.

• Check back regularly for upcoming events and programs!
• To sign up for Riversdale House Museum’s monthly newsletter email riversdale@pgparks.com
• Follow us on Facebook for the latest news on events, programs, and activities.