Dear Partners, Patrons, and Pilgrims, 

2026 was an extraordinary year for the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage thanks to the generous efforts, our partners, patrons, and pilgrims. 2026 Tour Host Partners: UNITE Mount Vernon; Talbot County Garden Club; Charles County Garden Club; Friends of Mount Harmon and Saint Augustine Episcopal Church; NSCDA-MD Mount Claire; Noyes Children’s Library Foundation and Kensington Historic Society; and the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area.
 

• Offered seven outstanding MHGP Tours over seven spring weekends

• Attracted 4,400 Pilgrims from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region 

• Awarded over $183,000 to fund eight historic site projects

• Published the largest MHGP Tour Book in the history of the organization

• Contributed record donations to support and honor the commemorative 250th year
   

Additionally, we made technology improvements to ticketing, reduce wait times, and communicate with our Pilgrims before, during, and after the tours. Thank you for making these accomplishments possible.
 

Now in our 90th year, MHGP remains committed to supporting the restoration and preservation of historic sites across Maryland. In 2027, the Central Committee will review and strengthen the MHGP tour experience, expand its appeal to new audiences, and explore greater community involvement in historic preservation. Planning for the 2028 tours will begin in January 2027 to allow more time for coordination and preparation.
 

To celebrate this milestone, MHGP will also host three limited-capacity fundraising events in Spring 2027, inviting our partners, patrons, and pilgrims to share in 90 years of remarkable accomplishments.
 

• May 02: Watermark Cruise on the Severn River in Annapolis

• May 16: Afternoon Tea at Historic Belmont Manor in Elkridge

• June 06: Patriot Cruise on the Miles River in St. Michaels 

 

Please join us in celebrating MHGP’s 90th anniversary by supporting our mission at one of the following levels:

 

• MHGP 90th Anniversary Legacy Partner— $1,937: Recognition on 2027 events banner; quarter-page ad; copy of the 90th Anniversary Book; website recognition; and 8 tickets to the 2028 tours.
   

• Preservation Champion — $500: Recognition on 2027 events banner; copy of the 90th Anniversary Book; website recognition; and 4 tickets to the 2028 tours.
   

• Benefactor — $350: Recognition on 2027 events banner; copy of the 90th Anniversary Book; and 2 tickets to the 2028 tours.
   

• Friend — $90: Name listing and copy of the 90th Anniversary Book.

 

We appreciate your continued support of the MHGP.​

Kind regards,

Paige Tilghman, Chair
Central Committee, Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage