Poplar Hill Mansion celebrates 50 years as a museum

SALISBURY, Md. — Poplar Hill Mansion is marking a significant milestone: 50 years as a museum, and the celebration may include a few ghostly guests.

Sarah Meyers, curator of the mansion, called it “a remarkable milestone” in the house’s history. The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion officially became an entity on Aug. 25, 1975, at 8:30 a.m.

Though the museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary, the mansion itself is much older, at 220 years. Meyers highlighted the historical significance of the house, noting, “Dr. Huston was Salisbury’s first surgeon and practiced surgery right here. In essence, it was Salisbury’s first hospital, though not in the modern sense.”

Dr. John Huston was also a founding member of the Maryland Medical Association, which established regulations for medical practice in the state.

“Salisbury has a rich medical history dating back to 1805, continuing today with the Title Health system and its subsidiaries,” Meyers added.

The mansion’s history is not just in its walls but also in its supposed residents—spirits from the Huston era. “We are considered Salisbury’s most haunted house, with at least six ‘permanent spirits’ said to roam the property,” Meyers said.

Bill Chambers, president of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, expressed excitement about the mansion’s legacy. “Dr. Huston did more than just check temperatures—he performed surgeries and provided overnight stays, laying the foundation for the world-class healthcare system we have on the Eastern Shore today,” he said.

Historians say Dr. Huston’s family was among the few to live in the house, and they are the only residents who never moved out.

The mansion is open to the public on Fridays and Sundays for those interested in exploring its history—and perhaps encountering a few of its friendly spirits.