Patuxent Rural Life MuseumsPatuxent River Park Hours of OperationSaturdays and Sundays, 1-4 pm, April-October HistoryW. Henry Duvall Tool Museum
Blacksmith Shop and Farrier & Tack ShopConstructed by volunteers in 2001, this building contains a reproduction blacksmith shop and farrier & tack shop. The blacksmith shop, modeled after one located in Aquasco that was built around 1880, has a working forge. Both include many turn-of-the-century tools and artifacts. Tobacco Farming MuseumThe Tobacco Farming Museum tells the story of tobacco in southern Maryland from its initial use by American Indians through its continued controversial use today. The exhibits include tobacco-related farming equipment, in particular, a late nineteenth century tobacco press. Duckett CabinBuilt in the late 19th century, the Duckett Cabin is a rare surviving example of a tenant farming family's home. According to Trueman family oral history, it was built by Charles Duckett, a former slave who served in the Union Navy during the Civil War. The cabin originally stood on the Trueman farm in Aquasco in southern Prince George's County. The cabin was moved to Patuxent River Park in 1974. Vegetables and herbs, typical of those found in the side yards of tenant farmers, are grown on-site and used in open-hearth cooking demonstrations in the cabin. The Sears Roebuck and Company 1923 Simplex Sectional HouseThe Sears Roebuck and Company 1923 Simplex sectional house was moved to Patuxent Rural Life Museums from Clinton in 2004 in order to save it from demolition. A pre-fabricated mail-order house originally purchased by the Lowe family for $443, it contains three rooms with no plumbing or electricity. Sold by Sears Roebuck and Company, sectional houses served the needs of working-class families in rural areas. The house is furnished with period pieces. Working the River: Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Museum (opening soon)For thousands of years man has harvested the bountiful resources of the Patuxent River. At one time, crabbing, fishing and oystering fueled the economy of southern Maryland. This exhibit tells the story of the people, the resources and the impact hunting, fishing and trapping has on the Patuxent River ecosystem. Visitor InformationThe Patuxent Rural Life Museums feature exhibits, guided tours, and living history demonstrations. Call the park at 301-627-6074 to get more information on hours of operation, or to schedule a tour. Guided ToursGuided tours of the Patuxent Rural Life Museums are available year round. The tour guide tells the story of the 6 buildings as each one is visited and can tailor the program to fit your social studies curriculum with 2 weeks advance notice. Please call Patuxent River Park at 301-627-6074 to make a reservation.
*The kayaking or canoeing can only be accommodated with sufficient child/adult ratios and small group size. The time frame is 8am-3:30pm. Please call for more information. During your visit at the park, you may also reserve the picnic area or conference room for your lunch for 1 hour at no extra charge. Please call Patuxent River Park at 301-627-6074 to make a reservation. Get InvolvedVolunteers, 18 years of age and older, are needed as tour guides. Previous experience is not required, just an interest in history and a desire to become involved in your community. If you are interested, please call 301-464-5291. Location/DirectionsThe museums are located off of Route 301 South, south of Route 4 in Patuxent River Park in the Jug Bay Natural Area. Need a Ride? |
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The Patuxent Rural Life Museums, located within the 7,000-acre Patuxent River Park, are a collection of museums and farm buildings dedicated to preserving the heritage of southern Prince George's County. The museum complex is composed of the Duvall Tool Museum, a Blacksmith Shop, a Farrier & Tack Shop, a Tobacco Farming Museum, the 1880 Duckett Log Cabin with its privy, chicken coop, and meat house, a 1923 Sears catalog house, and opening soon- Working the River: Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Museum. 
The W. Henry Duvall Tool Museum houses trade tools, household items and farm implements from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The museum is named for W. Henry Duvall, who amassed most of the items found in this extensive collection that was acquired by M-NCPPC in 1981.