Towson, Maryland, was settled in 1752 when William and Thomas Towson began farming the land. Designated the Baltimore County seat in 1854, Towson, Maryland, is now the second most populated unincorporated county seat in the country. When Baltimore’s suburbs began to grow after World War II, the town became a hub for offices and businesses, and now boasts a burgeoning art scene. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Towson by visiting one of the town’s notable places.
Step Back in Time
- Walk through lush gardens that are filled with rare and exotic plants from South Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America, or take a guided or self-guided tour of the 1880s Georgian mansion at the Hampton National Historic Site. The land was once home to a prominent Maryland family -- the Ridgelys -- who became wealthy from agriculture and iron production on the land. Visit the site to learn about the family, as well as the European indentured servants and enslaved African-Americans who worked on the estate.
Explore the Arts
- The Rosenberg Gallery has been displaying local and regional works of art since 1962. Located at Goucher College, the gallery presents five exhibits each year and regularly ties them in with campus activities, including symposiums, concerts and performances. The gallery focuses on works by solo artists in minority groups and promotes the exchange of ideas throughout the artistic community. Viewing is free and open to the public.
- Take in a Show
- Opened in 1959 and operated as a single-screen movie theater until it closed in 1992, the Recher Theatre was reopened in 1996 as a billiards room. After the Recher brothers discovered the fine acoustic quality of the room in 1999, it was transformed into the Recher Theatre and now hosts regional and national acts. Visit the historic theatre to dance the night away to live music or laugh ‘til it hurts with a comedy show, then head next door to the Rec Room for a refreshing libation. Past performances at the theatre include George Clinton, Nickel Creek, Collective Soul and comedian Louis C.K.
Discover the Orient
- At the Asian Arts & Culture Center at Towson University, browse nearly 1,000 works of antique and modern Asian art. Exhibits in the 1,500-square-foot gallery include Chinese and Japanese ivory carvings, jade carvings, ceramics, textiles and paintings from Asia. Learn about the culture by interacting with writers, scholars, musicians and artisans from Asian backgrounds. Take part in family workshops throughout the year to create your own masterpiece to take home.
