About us
Photo by Midatlantic Photographic, LLC
A Palladian Mansion in the Heart of
Bel Air, Maryland
The Liriodendron was built in 1898 as the summer home of Dr. Howard Atwood Kelly, his wife, Laetitia, and their nine children. Dr. Kelly was a world-renowned surgeon, naturalist, author, philanthropist, and one of the four founding physicians of the Johns Hopkins Medical School and Hospital.
The 2 1⁄2-story Palladian mansion was designed in the Georgian Revival style by Baltimore architectural firm Wyatt & Nolting. The estate, comprised of multiple buildings and 103 acres of property, was sold by Dr. and Mrs. Kelly’s son, Fritz, to Harford County in 1980, and became part of Heavenly Waters Park.
The non-profit Liriodendron Foundation was established to manage the property, and opened The Liriodendron in 1981 as a cultural center and events venue. The Liriodendron is a popular venue for weddings, conferences, and other events. In addition it houses a Historical Museum and art gallery, and hosts concerts, lectures & presentations, community events, and other historical, educational, cultural, and recreational offerings. The Ice House on the property features a prehistoric Native American exhibit.
The Liriodendron holds a free Open House each Wednesday from 1 – 7 pm, and on the Second Sunday of each month from 11 am to 3 pm. Private and group tours are also available. Grounds are open to the public from dawn to dusk except when reserved for a private function.
The Liriodendron is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For more information on The Liriodendron, Dr. Kelly’s life and legacy, events and exhibits, or rental for private events, please contact us at info@liriodendron.com or 410-879-4424.
