Our Events
Donaldson Brown isn’t just a place for elegant weddings and uncomplicated business meetings, it’s an event destination. There are many reasons to consider why you should hold your next gathering at Donaldson Brown. With a history of hosting unique events, we offer guests the ability to create their own special memories on our historic estate with our supportive staff.
Additionally, Donaldson Brown offers our own special events throughout the year, many of which are open to the public. Holiday brunches, luncheons, and dinners often include a scenic tour of the estate with interesting historical “tidbits” that present a unique opportunity to step back in time and relax along the Susquehanna River. And to top it all off, our in-house chef prepares homemade buffets that keep guests coming back time after time.
Whether you’re planning an anniversary party, retirement celebration, birthday gathering, shower, or family reunion, Donaldson Brown provides an elegant and unique setting for your special event. For crowds small or large, we offer you the opportunity to let our home be your home for the day, night, or weekend.
Fees are dependent upon your unique event requests and will be determined after discussions with Donaldson Brown staff.
DONALDSON BROWN IS AVAILABLE TO HOST:
- Retreats
- Group luncheons or dinners
- Rehearsal dinners
- History tours
- Birthday parties
- Anniversary parties
- Bar mitzvahs
- Bat mitzvahs
- Holiday parties
- Group getaways
- Photography location
Overnight Accommodations 
There are 17 beautifully appointed bedrooms ranging from large suites to smaller rooms for a total of 25 beds in the mansion. An elevator and second-floor bedroom suite in the mansion can accommodate the physically disabled. The Carriage House has 9 additional bedrooms for those with larger overnight needs. A complimentary breakfast is prepared by our accomplished staff.
Upcoming Events
Special Events
Murder Mystery Dinners in 2025
Saturday, January 25
Saturday, February 22
Saturday, March 29
Friday, September 12
Friday, October 14
Friday, November 17
Whodunnit for Hire and Donaldson Brown Riverfront Mansion have teamed up to bring you CLUE murder mystery dinner parties. Costumes are highly encouraged. Come dressed as Professor Plum, Miss Scarlet, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, or Mrs. Peacock.
Doors open for guest arrivals and cocktails at 6 p.m. Tour the mansion and relax before a 7pm dinner. $95 per person, includes three course dinner, tax and gratuity. Groups of 4 or more are discounted. Choose between Ms. Peacock’s Cedar Plank Salmon, The Colonel’s Chicken Monterey, The Professor’s Marinated Top Loin, or Mrs. White’s Garden Herb Pasta. BYOB
Tickets must be purchased online in advance at donaldson.eventbrite.com
Want to extend your fun and stay the night after the murder? Overnight accommodations are available on a first come, first served basis for this event only. Stay in one of seven historic suites. Costs $125 per person including a light breakfast in the morning. For groups of eight or more only. Contact DonaldsonBrown@umaryland.edu for more information.
Friends Getaway
Grab your closest friends and book a Friday-Saturday overnight at Donaldson Brown Riverfront. Play billiards in the game room, enjoy dinner in the crystal dining room, sleep in one of our elegant bedrooms, enjoy the spectacular view of the river, and finish the morning off with brunch. It’s your time to connect and make lasting memories.
The mansion will be open to your guests at 4pm on Friday through 11am on Saturday. This package easily accommodates eight to twenty guests in any of our seventeen bedrooms. Cost is $200 per person. Dinner choice of taco bar or Italian delights. Please call 410-378-2555 for more details or to book your overnight.
Holiday Brunch
Join us on Saturday, December 14 from 10:00 am – 12:00pm to celebrate the season of giving.
Bring your family and friends to share delicious delights which will include a menu of foods created by our fantastic cooking staff. The menu includes quiche, French toast bake, bacon, strawberry crepes, and many more scrumptious treats. The mansion will be decorated for the holiday season, so grab a family photo to share with friends.
$28 per person – by reservation only
Holiday Company Luncheon
Back by popular demand, our holiday luncheon. To show your team how much they mean to your company and how much you appreciate their hard work, our staff will pamper your guests for a two hour lunch in the crystal dining room. From November 1st until December 19th only. Cost is $45 per person with a fifteen person minimum. Please call 410-378-2555 to reserve your date.
Holiday Port Deposit Candlelight Tour
Saturday, December 7 – 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Come see the holiday décor at our mansion and tour the beautiful houses of Port Deposit. Two levels of the mansion will be available for viewing with self guided tours. Last admittance is 6:30 p.m.
All proceeds benefit the Port Deposit Heritage Corporation.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/48ebbb3f-d2f3-4b89-9ce1-447108cafb8c?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1NAYLiiYFMwcgfZOOIgX01Hc8nXqYCSDpnFppiPkvtbvTP0IbtRh-vfFQ_aem_AHRyorKP5jW4q5Gd9PPiNg
Holiday Dinner and Tour
Friday, December 20, 2024
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
$55 per person
Join us to celebrate the season of giving. Bring your family and friends to share a meal which will include Sue’s famous cream of crab soup. Take a history tour through two floors of our stunning mansion as you enjoy our holiday décor. Tour will begin at 7:30 after dinner.
This will be the last event hosted by our Facility Manager, Sue, who is retiring after giving the center more than 30 years of love and dedication.
Recurring Events
Historic Mansion Walking Tour & Lunch
Join us at the Ark, our Georgian mansion 200 feet above the Susquehanna for a walking tour led by a member of our elite staff and a homemade, gourmet meal made by our inhouse chef. Learn about the Brown family and see the wonder of this 1930s home. Tour two floors of the mansion and see the amazing view, as our guide tells you stories from the family memoirs.
Thursday, December 12 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
$35 per person
Menu
Fresh made Salad
Choice of – Chicken Marsala, Baked Salmon, or the Donaldson Vegetarian Bake
Duchess Potatoes
Seasonal Vegetables
Seasonal Dessert
Iced Tea, Lemonade, & Coffee
Reservations Only
Please call 410-378-2555 or click the link above to purchase tickets
Event Photos
