History Of RACKLIFFE
A 1740s merchant-planter’s home overlooking Assateague Island and scenic Sinepuxent Bay.
Rackliffe House was constructed in the 1740s by Captain Charles Rackliffe, the merchant-planter grandson of one of the earliest English immigrants to Maryland’s seaside. The large two-story, three-bay Manor House features Flemish bond brickwork with random glazed headers, a steeply pitched gabled roof with kicked eaves, and large windows. Captain Rackliffe intended the house to be seen across the water. He built it on a prominent ridge atop a man-made terrace with expansive views of the water and island.
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Upcoming Events
4 Jun 2026
Liberty Tea Party
3:00 P.M. at the Historic Atlantic Hotel
Join us for Rackliffe House’s Liberty Tea Party at the historic Atlantic Hotel in Berlin, Maryland. This special MD 250 celebration features a lecture by Dr. G. Ray Thompson, a performance by the cast of 1776, a traditional tea service, and an afternoon honoring America’s Revolutionary spirit.
Tickets:
Tickets may be purchased online using the link below:
TicketLeap:
https://rackliffehouse.ticketleap.com/liberty-tea-party/
If you prefer to pay by mail, checks may be sent to:
Rackliffe House Trust
P.O. Box 561
Berlin, MD 21811
Please note: Mailed checks must be received by May 25, 2026 to secure your reservation.
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21 May 2026
Rackliffe House 2026 Season Opening
Rackliffe House opens for the 2026 season on May 21, welcoming visitors back to explore the rich coastal history of Berlin, Maryland. The historic home will be open for tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 AM to 3 PM, with Sunday hours from 1 PM to 4 PM beginning June 7. Guests are invited to experience the stories, architecture, and landscapes that define this 18th‑century plantation house and its place along the Sinepuxent Bay. Last Tour begins at 2:15 p.m.
Rackliffe House is ADA accessible and proud to participate as a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to active‑duty military personnel and their families.
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Resources
Rackliffe House Rack Card
Be sure to check out and download our rack card to learn more about The Rackliffe House.
Download Rack Card
