The decade prior to the American Revolutionary War (1760s-1770s) is considered the “Golden Age of Annapolis” because the city was regarded as the “genteelest town in North America,” and was a distinguished center for commerce, cultural pursuits, social events, and Georgian architecture.

Hammond-Harwood House, 19 Maryland Avenue, is recognizing this description of our fair city with an exhibition of creations by our city’s silversmiths. Annapolis can claim at least 28 silversmiths who were active between 1720 and 1850, but evidence of their work is rare. Objects from only about 14 silversmiths are extant today.

On display are more than 80 objects–ladles, spoons, sugar nippers, bowls, canns, coffeepots, portraits, recipe books, coins, and other representative pieces. These are on loan from the Baltimore Museum of Art, Maryland Center for History and Culture, Carlyle House, Historic Annapolis, Winterthur Museum, Library and Gardens, and private collections. This exhibition is the first dedicated to these silversmiths and their work in Annapolis.

December 5 through December 31, 2025, open daily from noon to 5 pm. Closed Tuesdays.