Rackliffe House

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.

Come visit us!

House Tours

Private Group Tours

Birding & Wildlife

All Visitor Information

Upcoming Events

18 May 2024

Join us from 11-1 in celebrating International Museum Day and kicking off our 2024 season with FREE ADMISSION. Guided tours will begin at 11:00 and the last tour will begin at 12:30.

23 May 2024

Opening Day 2024 Season

Join us on May 23rd from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. for the official first day of the 2024 season. Rackliffe House will be OPEN for tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. through October.

11 May 2024

Volunteer Interest Meeting

Join the Rackliffe House team and contribute to the preservation of history! We’re seeking volunteers in various roles: docents, groundskeepers, event assistants, and media enthusiasts. At Rackliffe House, every volunteer opportunity is a chance to make an impact.

Are you looking to fulfill volunteer hours for school, or do you wish to play a part in community heritage? We welcome you to become a docent and lead tours, nurture our gardens, support our events, and capture the essence of Rackliffe House through photography and videography.

As a docent, become the storyteller of our 18th-century home, connecting visitors with the rich narratives held within its walls. Guide guests through the historic corridors, unveiling the mysteries of the past.

Your contribution is more than just time; it’s an integral thread in the tapestry of our community’s history. Whether you have a penchant for the past or a desire to safeguard our cultural heritage, your place is here with us. Volunteer at Rackliffe House and be part of history in the making.