The Nanticoke River Jamboree is sponsored by the Nanticoke Historic Preservation Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring  historic “Handsell” House and the preserving the land on which it stands, along Chicone Creek in Dorchester County, Maryland.

LOCATION:  Handsell is located 1 mile off of Rt 50 in Dorchester County, Maryland.  Take the Rt 331 Exit for Vienna, make a left at the end of the ramp. Make a quick right onto Indiantown Road.  Follow road around and across the Chicone Creek.  You will see Handsell on the right as you rise from the Creek!  “Official” address:  4837 Indiantown Road, Vienna, MD 21869

The centerpiece of the Handsell     Historic Site is the “old brick house at Chicone”.  A mystery even in local lore, many rumors and stories have surrounded this ancient structure, so that even neighbors on Indiantown Road never truly understood the history of this quirky building.  Seemingly a “hodge-podge lodge”, the house is actually an 1837 rebuild from ruins of an earlier, 18th century grand plantation house.  Spend time during our annual Nanticoke River Jamboree touring Handsell House, which is open only on special occasions such as the Jamboree.  Costumed-guides will tell you the now-known history and explore the mysteries still associated with this nearly ruined dwelling house.  The Chicone Village Longhouse is open year-round for Guide by Cell Audio self tours.  During special events, a costumed interpreter talks of the Life in the Chicone Village.

The interior woodwork retains the original milk paint paint finish from 1837. Here, and antique coverlet brings life to this long abandoned stairway.

Newly restored window in the Handsell parlor.

For a complete history of Handsell go to the website for the Nanticoke Historic Preservation Alliance, Inc   Please email restorehandsell@gmail.com or call the event chair at (410) 228-7458  for more information on the Jamboree.