The historical site of the birthplace of Johns Hopkins is located in the Crofton/ Gambrills area of Maryland USA. There is a road sign distinguishing this local landmark on the corner of Riedel Road and Johns Hopkins Road. This historical marker was installed in 1971. (https://mht.maryland.gov/historicalmarkers/Details.aspx?id=570&recNum=0&keyword=hopkins).
Over the years the site has switched hands, and been developed around. Despite whomever had the rights to the childhood home of Johns Hopkins, this site strived to provide a place for the local community to gather. One popular activity around this landmark is Pokemon Go. Participants of Pokemon Go will notice that this photo disk displays Johns Hopkins child home White's Hall. White's Hall is located a little farther Johns Hopkins road.
This historic site may not have a lot to offer but the potential is plain to see. According to a mission statement possible additions to the historic site of Johns Hopkins house could be a museum, café, bakery, wine-tasting, and other event areas. After the areas restoration and reconstruction have been completed Whites Hall itself could be in short, a tavern, which would support the museum. Another revenue venue that would influence the success of the museum would be short-term rentals. A reason to support the restoration endeavor for the historical site of the birthplace of Johns Hopkins is so that a scholarship fund may be built up furthering tying the site to the community.
Why visit the birthplace of Johns Hopkin’s?
When you visit the birthplace of Johns Hopkin’s the opportunity to reflect on what matters in a community. It is fun to imagine how the land looked years ago, how open and what local flora and fauna could have looked like. Looking at the now empty lot by Whites Hall a prosperous a vision of a plantation could fill the mind of a visitor. This landmark stands as an invitation to learn about the local history of the land and the impact that Johns Hopkin’s had on the history of the area. Knowing about this landmark, helps connect and bring reason to why some medical centers bare his name. The legacy of Johns Hopkins runs though the community and becomes a rallying point for a chance to better community and why local history is important.
So, what is the history of His birth home?
Whites Hall was built around 1780. The brick exterior adds elegance to the landscape. This two-story home was once sat near the tobacco plantation owned by the Hopkins family. This historic manor was given an addition in 1915 and 1950 of wing to both sides of the dwelling. In 1910 the tract of land was sold to the Stewart Fruit Company where the land was used to grow produce. The Duckett family acquired the property in 1941, the family used the historic abode as a residence. In 2003 parcels of land were subdivided and developed after the site was purchased by a developer.
Who was Johns Hopkins?
Johns Hopkins was a born into a Quaker family in 1795. At the age of 13 he began to work the plantation that his family owned. Later at the age of 17 he left for Baltimore to work for his uncle. John Hopkins is most known for his philanthropist way of life, and being the founder of the university and hospital that bare his name.
Sources:
https://www.visitannapolis.org/blog/stories/post/whites-hall-saving-restoring-the-birthplace-of-johns-hopkins/
https://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-hopkins-home-20140224-story.html
https://www.capitalgazette.com/neighborhoods/ac-cn-crofton-odenton-0814-story.html
https://mht.maryland.gov/historicalmarkers/Details.aspx?id=570&recNum=0&keyword=hopkins
https://www.johnshopkinshouse.org/_files/ugd/7de946_154eea2e1e9d44f9be71608dd59257b4.pdf
Further reading:
The Ghosts of Johns Hopkins: The life and legacy That Shaped an American City by Antero Pietila