Mission: To educate the public about the historical, cultural and social significance of the Mount Clare Museum House and the period in which the house was built and lived in by members of the Carroll family. The house, a Registered National Historic Landmark, contains many of the original artifacts belonging to Charles Carroll, Barrister (1723-1783), his wife, Margaret Tilghman Carroll (1742-1817), and their heirs. Mount Clare is owned by Baltimore City and has been operated as a museum since 1917 by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Maryland.

Latest accomplishment: Last year, in honor of Baltimore's Bicentennial, the museum mounted the exhibition "Mistress of Mount Clare, 1763-1817: Margaret Tilghman Carroll and Her World." Highlights were a ball gown worn by Carroll to Queen Charlotte's birthday ball in London in 1771, a letter she wrote to George Washington about her greenhouse, and her will, in which she freed her slaves.

On the horizon: The staff and members of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Maryland will work with the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks and the Department of Planning to develop the city's master plan for Carroll Park. The master plan will enhance the recreational needs of the community and the historical significance of the park. Opening next spring: an exhibition of fans, including one with Dolly Madison's initials.

About the museum: Membership: 617. Attendance: 5,000 annually. Operating budget: $60,743.

Where and when: 1500 Washington Blvd. Hours: tours every hour on the hour, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Call 410-837-3262.

Jane Grantham, board president, NSCDA in Maryland: "Mount Clare Museum House stands as a glowing example of the life of a Maryland patriot and his family during Colonial and federal periods in Baltimore. With over 80 percent of the furnishings having belonged to the family, the museum preserves the rich heritage of the Carrolls for future generations to enjoy."

Members of the board

Peyton Fowler

Patricia Garrabrant

Sylvia Garrett

Jane Gude

Ina Hubard

Madeleine Hughes

Elizabeth McDonald

Josephine Marbury

Eugenia Morgan

Maria O'Rourk

Jean Raab

Annette Slowinski

Susanne Smith

Eleanor Storck

Jane Viele

Hunt Walsh

Betty Welch

Pub Date: 9/06/98