Land Acquisition and Planning

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The Maryland Resident Curatorship Program

Ever dreamed of living in an historic house surrounded by beautiful protected State land? Are you interested in becoming a steward of both historic and natural resources? Then the Department of Natural Resources wants you!

Pioneered in 1982, the Maryland Resident Curatorship Program offers lucky Curators the right to lifetime tenancy in an historic property in exchange for restoring it, maintaining it in good condition, and periodically sharing it with the public. From the mountain regions of Western Maryland to Assateague Island, the program has nearly 50 Curatorships in operation, each offering a special glimpse into Maryland’s rich history.

Explore Frequently Asked Questions

and read about our Program Policies.



Available Historic Properties





The Stephenson House

Havre de Grace, Harford County, Maryland

The Stephenson House is a beautiful example of a late 18th/early 19th century dwelling which retains a great deal of its historic detailing; including gorgeous wood floors, original trim, four fireplaces with decorative mantels and a large cooking hearth. The house contains a kitchen, dining room, family room and parlor on the first floor, three bedrooms and two baths on the second floor, and an additional two rooms in the finished section of the attic.

The property encompasses ~9 acres of the surrounding land which includes a 19th century smoke house (converted to a chicken house) as well as a 19th century laundry or quarter. There is also a substantial corn crib located on the property but it is, unfortunately, in poor condition. The property is in close proximity to the park trail system and all the amenities Susquehanna State Park has to offer.

The department is looking for a partner to restore the house within a 5-7 year period. Families, non-profits, and commercial entities are welcome to apply as long as their vision for the property is in keeping with preservation standards and the mission of the Department of Natural Resources. Tours of the property are available by appointment only or at scheduled open houses. Please call 410-260-8457 for additional information.

Old Bohemia Wildlife Management Area

Warwick, Cecil County, Maryland

The Old Bohemia Tenant House, located to the north-west of Warwick in Cecil County, is the last of the farmhouses constructed to work the land owned by the Roman Catholic Clergy. Constructed ca. 1840, the house is made up of a 2-1/2 story main block with an attached 1-1/2 story kitchen wing. The main block contains seven rooms and two bathrooms while the wing contains three rooms, a laundry/mud room and a kitchen. The property retains much of its historic fabric including four fireplaces with wood mantels.

Old Bohemia Wildlife Management Area consists of approximately 1,000 acres of agricultural fields, forest and non-tidal wetlands. It provides habitat for migratory waterfowl, dove, and forest wildlife species including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel and rabbit.

The department is looking for a partner in the restoration of the house over a 5-7 year period. Families, non-profits, and commercial entities are welcome to apply as long as their vision for the property is in keeping with preservation standards and the mission of the Department of Natural Resources. Tours of the property are available by appointment only. Please call 410-260-8457 for additional information.

Applications accepted on a rolling basis.





Click Here to View the Old Bohemia Photo Gallery



For more information, please contact:

Peter Morrill, Curator Program Manager

Land Acquisition & Planning

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

580 Taylor Ave, E-4

Annapolis, MD 21401

410-260-8457

peter.morrill1@maryland.gov

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