Behind the Scenes Tour of Bars and Brothels of Fell’s Point

Eighteenth-century visitor John David declared Fell’s Point “a place remarkable for its commerce of various kinds, for here ships land their cargoes and their crews wait not even for the twilight to fly to the polluted arms of the harlot.” Please join us and architectural historian Ms. Sherri Marsh Johns on a short walking tour of some of the notorious bars and brothels (and other possibly more reputable places) of historic Fell’s Point.

Tour Information

Date: Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 PM (or a tad later)
Place: Meet in front of 1629-31 Aliceanna Street, about ½ block west of Broadway
This is the old Captain’s Hotel. Park at meters on the street.
Cost: $10
Registration: Click Here to Register.

Since its founding in the 1730s by shipbuilding immigrant William Fell, Fell’s Point has been oriented around its natural deep-water port. As much brawny as picturesque, the neighborhood is a complex historic community shaped by ship builders, sailors, merchants and immigrants. And more than its fair share of harlots and barkeeps. Please join us and architectural historian Ms. Sherri Marsh Johns on this tour that will highlight how economic, technological and cultural trends have influenced the architectural and physical development of this maritime community. We’ll also have an opportunity to see inside the largely intact “Captain’s Hotel,” now owned by the Preservation Society of Fell’s Point and described by one sailor as “the finest brothel in a town of many fine brothels.” Along this short walking trip we’ll also learn about some of the neighborhood’s less sordid buildings and their occupants. Ms. Johns has amassed a mountain of knowledge about Fell’s Point as the founder of a local firm specializing in architectural research and cultural resource management. I hope you can join us.

Space is SEVERELY limited on this tour. Confirmations will be sent by email, and payment will be due upon confirmation. For additional information and questions, call Baltimore Heritage at 410-332-9992. This tour series is made possible in part by a generous contribution from the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts and the Maryland State Arts Council.

Thank you to our 50th Anniversary Year Sponsors!

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