From The Archives

Nearly 300 Years Ocupied by the Green Family

As with many great treasures, it is rare when one is found. The Jonas & Anne Catharine Green House is such a treasure. Preserved by the same family nearly 300 years.

The fine 18th century dwelling in the heart of Annapolis is being offered for sale by the descendants of the original Jonas Green family for the first time in over 287 years. Mr. Randall R. Brown is the fifth great grandson of Jonas Green.

As often said, possessing an historic property, especially one of such renown, is actually a stewardship. Each family cherishing not only the bricks and mortar of the building but the ordinary lives of those who have, each day, called it their home. If one is very fortunate, one has the opportunity to experience and be a part of such a path in history.

Part of the Jonas & Anne Catharine Green House is believed to be built before 1738 when it was leased to Jonas Green who became the “printer of the Province”. There is strong architectural evidence that the kitchen is late 17th century. Lot 42, documented in Stoddert’s survey notebook, was re-surveyed in 1718 for publisher William Bladen. Unfortunately, Bladen died that same year. Daniel Dulaney, acting as trustee, conveyed the Lot 42 to his partner Dr. Charles Carroll in 1725.

The Green family arrived in Maryland in 1738 from Massachusetts via Philadelphia, where Jonas Green was an apprentice to Benjamin Franklin. In the first thirty years of their marriage, there were fourteen children born with six reaching maturity.

Jonas died in 1767 without a substantial inheritance. However, Anne Catharine continued the printing business which included official government publications and paper money stamped by the Maryland General Assembly. She was the first woman to publish and own an American newspaper.

In recent years, the present family owners devoted themselves to preparing this handsome treasure for the next generations. Modern electric, heat, air conditioning and plumbing were added. An appropriate modern kitchen and baths were installed. Most importantly, all ten fireplaces were lined.

The grand colonial central hall floor plan is ageless. It is the heart of the house as it connects all social spaces and is where the main stair rises to the second floor.

As one experiences the deep historic character of the Green House, one is aware that the quality of modern conveniences have not disturbed its enduring qualities.