The Johns Hopkins House in Crofton, Maryland, is a historic location with a unique mission: to restore the Whites Hall plantation, which was built in 1780 and is the birthplace and boyhood home of Johns Hopkins. In order to accomplish this goal, the organization intends to open up Whites Hall to the public as a museum and nonprofit country inn called The Johns Hopkins Inn.

The house itself boasts a stunning Flemish bond brick Georgian design that is representative of a house type that is rare in north Anne Arundel County. With six fireplaces and two staircases, the main center structure of the house is an architectural masterpiece. While there was some expected disrepair due to the decade-long period of inactivity, a “walk-thru” conducted on March 31, 2016, found Whites Hall to be structurally sound in all respects.

The Johns Hopkins House, Inc. is currently leasing and in the process of purchasing the 14-acre Whites Hall property. By doing so, the organization aims to fully restore Whites Hall with the help of the public. This effort will provide a valuable asset to both the Anne Arundel and Hopkins communities, as well as visitors from around the world. The museum will tell the story of Johns Hopkins and his specific vision, which resulted in two of the world’s great institutions, and the story of the Enslaved People of Whites Hall, who will be honored through a First-of-Its-Kind Scholarship Program.

For those looking to take portrait sessions, the location boasts large open fields and beautiful historic brickwork, which provides a good bit of variety between historic, rustic, and natural settings. The gravel path leading to the building is a sight to behold, especially during the spring and summertime. The location is also convenient for locals in the Crofton and Bowie area, and the ample shade throughout the location creates great opportunities for photo shoots at any time of day.

While it’s important to note that permission is necessary before visiting the privately held historic site, the property managers are very friendly and enthusiastic about visitors coming, learning about, and enjoying the location. It’s worth keeping in mind, however, that this location may not be the best option for people with mobility challenges.