Homewood Museum - Bucketlisted

Homewood Museum

Federal-era mansion of privilege, power, and slavery

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Where the Star-Spangled Banner was born: a compact fort with sweeping harbor views and living history. It’s an easy win—flat paths, open lawns, and a visitor film that sets the scene in under 15 minutes.

Start at the visitor center for your map, then follow the ramp to the east wall for the best harbor vantage. Time your visit for a flag raising or lowering—the ranger talk turns the place into a story you’ll remember.

For a slower visit, circle the star-shaped ramparts clockwise and watch ships move in and out of the Patapsco.

What’s new? Updated today

Sunset flag lowering 6:30pm (Fri–Sun)
Temporary exhibit: War of 1812
Harbor shuttle every 20 minutes

What are the hours? — 9:00–17:00 (daily)

Hours may vary for holidays and special events; check the official site before you go.

How much does it cost? — $15 adults · kids free

Admission covers the fort and visitor center exhibits; special tours may be extra.

Where do I park? — On-site lot + overflow

Lots can fill on weekends by mid-day; arrive early or consider rideshare.

Is it accessible? — Flat paths; accessible restrooms

Most ramparts have graded access; some historic areas may have uneven surfaces.

Arrive 30 min before sunset for the lowering ceremony and best light.
Wind picks up on the ramparts—bring a light jacket even in summer.
Stroller route: enter via visitor center, ramp to east wall loop.

A National Historic Landmark and one of America’s best-preserved Federal-period mansions, Homewood Museum offers a stunning yet complex window into Baltimore’s aristocratic past. Built in 1801 by Charles Carroll Jr., son of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, this lavish estate embodied the privilege and excess of Maryland’s most powerful family—while also being home to at least 25 enslaved individuals, including the Ross and Conner families, whose labor sustained its grandeur.

Explore 11 meticulously restored rooms, where hand-painted wallpaper, period furnishings, and neoclassical details capture the elegance of the early 19th century. But beyond its beauty, Homewood tells a deeper story of ambition, financial ruin, and transformation—from the Carroll family’s dramatic decline to its rebirth as part of Johns Hopkins University. An award-winning guided tour unravels the intertwined legacies of wealth and oppression, making Homewood an essential stop for lovers of history, architecture, and untold stories.

USA > Maryland > Baltimore

Historic Homes, Museums