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
- 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
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.
Thursday, December 15 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thursday, February 23 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thursday, March 16 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thursday, April 13 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
$35 per person
Menu
Apple Gorgonzola Salad
Choice of – Monterey Chicken, Baked Salmon, or Vegetarian Lasagna
Long Grain Rice
Seasonal Vegetables
Seasonal Dessert
Iced Tea, Lemonade, & Coffee
Reservations Only
Please call 410-378-2555
Holiday Brunch
Mark your calendars for our third annual holiday brunch. Come enjoy the sights of the season in our historic mansion. Take pictures of our stunning view, tour two floors of the Brown home, and eat from an elaborate menu of breakfast treats. Seating is limited, so please call for reservations.
Saturday, December 10 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Call 410-378-2555 for seats. $35 per person
Menu
Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Waffles, Homemade sauces, Syrup
French Toast Bake, Home fries, Spinach Frittata
Sausage Gravy & Biscuits, Bagels & Cream Cheese
Assorted homemade candies & desserts
Coffee – Tea – Assorted Juices
Murder Mystery Dinners
200 Mt Ararat Farm Road, Port Deposit
Whodunnit for Hire and Donaldson Brown Riverfront Mansion have teamed up to bring you themed murder mystery dinner parties. Costumes are highly encouraged.
Doors open for guest arrivals and cocktails at 7 p.m., Murder Mystery Dinner will begin at 8 p.m.
$95 per person, includes three course dinner, tax and gratuity. Groups of 4 or more are discounted. Beverages from the bar sold separately. Choose between Prime Rib, Chicken Marsala or Honey Glazed Salmon.
Limited seating. Advance purchase required. Not sold at the door.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 410-378-2555 or online at donaldson.eventbrite.com
Announcing our 2023 mysteries…
Friday, January 13, 2023 – Clue
Was it the Colonel in the kitchen with the candlestick? Or the Professor in the parlor with the lead pipe? Join us for an evening of intrigue and find out. Cocktail attire is encouraged. Ladies are asked to come dressed in red, blue, black or white as Ms. Scarlet, Ms. Peacock or Ms. White. Men are asked to come in mustard, green or plum as Colonel Mustard, Mr. Green or Professor Plum. The mystery is set at an upscale dinner party in the present day and is based on the board game Clue.
Friday, February 17, 2023 – Deadly Valentine
Picture this…you are having a fabulous time at the mansion’s Valentine’s party when a stranger stumbles in and dies. What’s more you learn that some of your friends are happy about it and you are asked to search for clues and interrogate suspects to solve whodunnit. The mystery is set at an upscale dinner in the present day. Cocktail attire is encouraged.
Saturday, May 6, 2023 – Sinister Speakeasy
The year is 1928 and gangsters and flappers are enjoying a night out at the local speakeasy. But when the new owner stumbles in and dies the guests are asked to help solve the crime. Search “1920s Costume” for ideas about what to wear this evening and join us for a fabulous event. But watch out! This is so much fun, you might die laughing.
Friday, October 27, 2023 – Dead Men Tell No Tales
The year is 1715 and the setting is a pirate ship. Captain Carcass stumbles up from the galley and dies having been run through with a cutlass. Who be responsible? Join us and find out but be warned ye may be accused of the murder and made to walk the plank. Come dressed as a pirate or wench for this interactive murder mystery dinner.
Event Photos
