PRESERVING IVY HILL - HISTORIC STONE HOUSE AND OUTBUILDINGS

Ivy Hill, Marriottsville MD – Short Historic Overview

Ivy Hill was once part of a 900-acre tract resurveyed as “Woodford” by General William Hammond Marriott in 1830. Marriott was a prominent Maryland leader — Speaker of the House of Delegates, President of the State Senate, and later Collector of the Port of Baltimore. A graduate of St. John’s College, a militia officer during the War of 1812, and politician, General Marriott owned several properties in the area. The stone house at Ivy Hill, dated 1841, would have served as a tenant farmhouse or working residence on the broader estate.

Marriott’s legacy is intertwined with Maryland’s history of slavery. In 1854, Sam Badger brought a freedom suit to court, arguing he was illegally held in bondage despite his mother Hess Badger’s rightful manumission. The case highlights Ivy Hill’s connection to the complex struggle for freedom and justice in the antebellum South.

The property later passed through various farming families before being restored in the early 20th century by Baltimore attorney Howard Wright, who rebuilt the barns and stables using salvaged materials. In the mid-1900s, Ivy Hill became home to Otto Steiner, a USDA nematologist known for his research on soil health and root parasites. His daughter-in-law, Joan Steiner, was a painter who lived on the property and contributed to its creative legacy.

Today, Ivy Hill is owned by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and preserved through the Resident Curatorship Program. The property remains a quiet testament to the region’s agricultural, scientific, political, and artistic history — shaped by generations who worked the land, studied its soils, and found inspiration in its rural setting.

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HERITAGE BARNS PRESERVATION INITIATIVE - RESTORING MARYLAND’S AGRICULTURAL LEGACY

Description and Purpose of Project

Path Insight is seeking funding to support the planning, restoration, and preservation of historic agricultural barns in Howard and surrouding Counties. This initiative focuses on stabilizing and preserving these structures as vital components of Maryland’s rural heritage. The project will include structural repairs, roof replacements, foundation stabilization, and site improvements to ensure the longevity and continued use of these barns. By investing in these historic structures, Path Insight aims to honor the region’s agrarian past while promoting sustainable, educational, and community-focused uses for the restored buildings.

Description and Purpose of Organization

Path Insight is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of historic and cultural sites, particularly those located on public lands. The organization advocates for the protection of significant landscapes, structures, and artifacts while fostering education and innovation to enhance public engagement with land, water, and artistic initiatives. Through strategic partnerships and community-driven efforts, Path Insight works to ensure that Maryland’s historic and environmental resources remain accessible, resilient, and valued for generations to come.

Preserving Rural Heritage – Howard and Frederick Counties have a rich agricultural history, and many historic barns are at risk of deterioration. This project ensures that these structures remain standing for future generations, maintaining the region’s identity and supporting heritage tourism.

Supporting Farmers and Landowners – Many farmers and rural landowners struggle with the costs of maintaining historic barns. This initiative provides much-needed resources to stabilize and restore these structures, helping local agricultural businesses thrive while preserving historic farmsteads.

Workforce and Economic Development – The project creates jobs in restoration, construction, and tourism. Investing in historic barns supports local tradespeople, artisans, and preservation experts, fostering economic growth in Maryland's counties.

Sustainability and Reuse of Materials – This initiative promotes sustainable restoration practices that respect the craftsmanship of the past while ensuring the longevity of these structures.

Public Safety and Structural Integrity – A deteriorating barn can pose safety hazards to landowners, workers, and the public. Ensuring barns are properly stabilized prevents accidents protecting both property and people.

Legacy and Community Impact – Supporting this initiative provides another opportunity to leave a lasting impact, demonstrating a commitment to historic preservation, rural communities, and sustainable development.

Path Insight

Path Insight

PRESERVING IVY HILL - HISTORIC STONE HOUSE AND OUTBUILDINGS

HERITAGE BARNS PRESERVATION INITIATIVE - RESTORING MARYLAND’S AGRICULTURAL LEGACY

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