7612 Old Muirkirk Road, Beltsville, Maryland 20705
240-264-3415; TTY 301-699-2544

INTRODUCTION

Abraham Hall, constructed in 1889, is the best example of an African American benevolent society lodge in Prince George's County. It is the most significant building in the community of Rossville and the first African American historic site in the county to be fully restored with public funds. Abraham Hall was recently renovated and re-dedicated in October 2008; it is owned and operated by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and houses its Black History Program.

Abraham Hall is a two-story, front-gabled, wood framed building; it is sheathed with German and plain horizontal siding and painted white. A small side wing replicates the main block of the building and houses a kitchen. There is also a one-story addition at the rear of the structure. The main block is three bays wide, with entrance through the central bay via paneled, double doors. The long windows that light the building are framed by louvered shutters painted dark green. The interior of the main block consists of one large room on each story, extended on the first floor for a raised stage in the rear. Interior trim is typical of the period and features multi-band molding with bullseye corner blocks and molded chair rails surmounting beaded wainscoting.