Slavery at Hammond-Harwood House

Museum staff are researching the lives of the individuals enslaved at Hammond-Harwood House. Documents including wills, letters, and records of lawsuits provide helpful information. From 1811 until emancipation in 1864, census records show that up to seven women, men, and children were enslaved here at various times by the Loockerman family. They carried out domestic duties like cooking, cleaning, childcare, and tending the garden. We know the names of some of them: Mary, Matilda, Juliet, and Harry. Each of these individuals was sold or rented out as the Loockermans faced financial difficulties. This exhibit is the summation of what has been learned thus far.

We also know that architect William Buckland held enslaved individuals. Oxford, listed in Buckland’s inventory as his most valuable asset, would have worked as this house was being constructed beginning in 1774. Oxford, his wife Sue, and his children Bet and Joe moved from Virginia to Annapolis with Buckland.

At Hammond-Harwood House we are committed to increasing our understanding and our ability to more fully interpret the lives of the enslaved inhabitants of this site. And we are committed to presenting the stories and historical context of slavery to our visitors.