William Paca House & Gardens

Photos Map Information: 186 Prince George Street Annapolis, MD 21401 410-267-7619 Historic Annapolis Foundation Related Stories: Historic Annapolis Foundation can't afford new curator Historic Annapolis curator brings Mary Paca to life in 'Such Fine Folks as These' Paca House prepares to open Porch Chamber, complete with zograscope Paca House showcases three centuries of Christmas Brick by brick: Mason repairs Paca House, looks to past and future Paca House staff works hard to breathe more life into historic property Stately Paca tree gets lightning protection Paca House unveils first new exhibit in 30 years Paca House feline rules the roost Advertisement

Constructed between 1763 and 1765, the William Paca House is a fine example of classic Georgian architecture. Constructed between 1763-1765 and built for William Paca, a wealthy young planter and signer of the Declaration of Independence, the estate is known chiefly for its elegant gardens. Five terraces, a fish-shaped pond, and a wilderness garden await visitors to this outdoor space, frequently used for weddings and other special occasions.

In 1901, the property was bought by Annapolis Hotel Corporation for Carvel Hall Hotel, a 200-room hotel that stood until 1965. Historic Annapolis Foundation bought the property and, after extensive archeological research, restored the house and gardens to their original appearance. It opened to the publc in 1973.

The interior features antique furniture, silverware, and works of art. Each room in the Paca House is designed to show various aspects of the life of William Paca, his wife Mary, and others of the household. For instance, the Paca house recently created a "lying-in" room, where Mary would have received visitors in the weeks after childbirth.

Other recent creations at the Paca House include a renovated kitchen and a restored exterior. A new Porch Chamber, featuring reproduced embroideries and a sort-of 18th-century View-master called a zograscope, opened to the public on Maryland Day, March 30, 2008.

The Paca Garden covers two acres behind the historic home. Excavations and research in the 1960s and 1970s lead to a re-creation of William Paca's original colonial garden. A bridge over a pond next to a two-story summer house is one of the garden's iconic images.