Friends Of Clifton Mansion

07/29/2026

For 30 years, restoring Clifton to its mid-nineteenth-century elegance has been our purpose.

Today we celebrate the founding of Friends of Clifton Mansion and three decades of restoring, preserving, and sharing one of Baltimore’s most treasured historic places.

Every restored room, every conserved detail, every educational program, and every visitor who walks through Clifton’s doors is part of a story that has been unfolding since 1996.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this mission over the past thirty years, and to the board members, volunteers, donors, preservation professionals, craftspeople, community partners, and friends who have shared their time, talent, and expertise with Friends of Clifton Mansion. Your passion, generosity, and belief in historic preservation have made this milestone possible.

Here’s to honoring our past while opening doors to the next 30 years.

06/01/2026

We’re pleased to share an important new publication from historian Sydney Van Morgan and former Maryland State Archivist Ed Papenfuse.

Many of you may remember the Friends of Clifton Mansion video we released last year exploring questions surrounding Johns Hopkins, slavery, and the historical record. That conversation was grounded in research conducted by Sydney, who has been an invaluable resource to Friends of Clifton Mansion and a thoughtful voice in the ongoing study of Johns Hopkins and Clifton’s history.

After five years of research, Sydney and Ed have now published their findings in Maryland Historical Magazine in an article titled A Maryland Mystery: Johns Hopkins, Slavery and the Census of 1850.

Their work offers a detailed examination of the historical evidence and contributes an important perspective to our understanding of Johns Hopkins and his legacy.

We invite you to read the article and revisit our video conversation with Sydney on friendsofcliftonmansion.org.

We are grateful for Sydney’s continued partnership, scholarship, and commitment to helping us better understand and share Clifton’s history.



#

05/17/2026

We’re happy to help share another Johns Hopkins birthday celebration happening this week.

On Tuesday, May 19, the International Studies Program at Johns Hopkins University will host a Johns Hopkins Birthday Celebration and International Studies Thesis Showcase, featuring original research by graduating international studies seniors.

All are warmly welcome to attend and celebrate both the legacy of Johns Hopkins and the outstanding work of the next generation of Hopkins scholars.

📍 Bloomberg Student Center, Room 204
🗓 Tuesday, May 19 | 3–4:30 PM
🎟 Free and open to the public

Join the International Studies Program for a special event celebrating both the legacy of the university's founder and the outstanding work of the next generation of Johns Hopkins scholars in international studies.

05/16/2026

Today we gather at Clifton Mansion to celebrate the birthday and enduring legacy of Johns Hopkins, a man whose vision for education, healthcare, and philanthropy helped shape the future of Baltimore and far beyond.

It is especially meaningful to honor that legacy here at Clifton, the summer home Hopkins transformed into one of the most remarkable estates of 19th century Baltimore. As guests move through these historic rooms and grounds today, they are also experiencing the ongoing restoration and stewardship of a landmark that continues to inspire new generations.

Friends of Clifton Mansion and Civic Works are proud to welcome supporters, preservationists, community leaders, and friends together for an afternoon celebrating history, restoration, and the future of Clifton Mansion.

Honoring a Legacy. Restoring the Past for the Future.

01/25/2026

This morning, Clifton Mansion woke up under a quiet blanket of snow and from the tower, the view was nothing short of magical. Looking north, south, east, and west, the grounds felt hushed and timeless, as if the landscape paused to take a breath.

Moments like these remind us why this place matters: history, nature, and community all meeting in one beautiful frame. We’re grateful to steward Clifton through every season - especially mornings like this.

❄️

01/05/2026

We have a lot in the store for you in 2026…Stay tuned.

12/03/2025

Our updated Library door offers a stunning frame to the grounds beyond…crystal-clear glass, warm light, and a peaceful look out over Clifton. Sometimes the smallest restoration details open up the most beautiful perspectives.