Rodgers Tavern Museum Seeks Historian for Research Project

The Museum and the Town of Perryville are accepting Requests for Qualifications for Revolutionary War research.

The Town of Perryville is requesting proposals from consultant(s) with proven experience in historic records research to conduct intensive research into the activities of Col. John Rodgers, a tavern keeper at the Susquehanna Lower Ferry in Cecil and Harford Counties during the Revolutionary War (1776-1783).

Project Summary

The Town of Perryville seeks a qualified Historian with appropriate professional qualifications and experience working with Revolutionary War records to conduct intensive research into the history of Col. John Rodgers, one of four tavern keepers at the Susquehanna Lower Ferry in Cecil and Harford Counties (modern day Perryville and Havre de Grace), Maryland from 1776-1783. A professionally completed report will provide an understanding of Col. Rodgers’ participation in the Revolutionary War within a local, regional, and national context. Emphasis will be placed on determining his role assisting American and French troop movements across the Susquehanna River at the Susquehanna Lower Ferry during the March to and from Yorktown. This work will be utilized in future institutional planning, public educational program activities, and marketing endeavors at the Rodgers Tavern Museum in Perryville, MD. This project is particularly important with the upcoming 250th Anniversary of our Nation.

Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, Rodgers Tavern is a circa 1740s, two-story stone structure located on modern day Broad Street in Perryville, Maryland. The tavern was built to accommodate travelers crossing the Susquehanna River at the Lower Susquehanna Ferry. Rodgers Tavern is of national importance due to the frequent visits of George Washington between the years 1755 and 1798. Colonel John Rodgers (1728-1791), leased the building and Lower Susquehanna Ferry during most of Washington's visits and was the progenitor of the Rodgers family which distinguished itself in the formation and growth of the United States Navy. Also, the visits of other distinguished persons, namely Martha Washington, Rochambeau, Thomas Jefferson, and others, make the hostelry of prime importance, and one of the few remaining hostelries used by 18th and 19th century travelers.

The Rodgers Tavern Museum is a contributing resource and partner site with the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.

Proposals due June 28, 2022

Submit questions to rtmuseum@perryvillemd.org

Download the full RFQ

LSHG FY22 Grant RFQ_Final.pdf

Download PDF • 342KB