A Restoration Triumph…

In 1965, William Paca’s house, built 200 years before, faced the threat of demolition. Early in the 20th century, it had been converted into the front reception area of a 200-room hotel: Carvel Hall. Its garden had disappeared under a huge guest-room addition and parking lot. By the ‘60s, Carvel Hall was in decline. A potential buyer wanted to demolish the entire structure to build an office and apartment complex.

Historic Annapolis and local preservationists stepped in. They launched a successful national campaign to buy and restore both the house and the garden's upper terrace. Then, as research revealed the details of Paca's garden, HA persuaded the State of Maryland to buy the remaining property and fund the garden restoration.

Restoration of Paca's house involved archaeologists, restoration architects, X-ray photographers, paint analysts, historians, carpenters, masons, and others. The house opened to the public as a museum property on July 4, 1776—the 200th anniversary of William Paca's vote to adopt the Declaration of Independence.

William Paca's garden was recreated based on extensive archaeological excavations, details gleaned from a 1772 portrait of Paca, and careful study of colonial garden manuals and plant lists. It opened to the public in 1973.

Preservation work is ongoing. New information perpetually enhances our interpretation of the house and garden and our understanding of their place in history.

Support for the William Paca House is provided by the William Paca Society.

Get the Full Story

Experience history! Visit the House and Garden.

Visit other historic properties restored and maintained by Historic Annapolis Foundation. Learn more.