ker place
the history of ker place
This magnificent Federal-period Georgian-style house was built from 1799 to 1803 for prosperous merchant farmer John Shepherd Ker; his wife, Agnes Corbin Ker; and their family. It is described by the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission as "the finest and most elaborate Federal mansion on Virginia's Eastern Shore" and "one of the Shore's major architectural landmarks.”
The elegant home has been restored to its original appearance as noted in the 1806 John Ker inventory. Rich colors, detailed plaster work, and finely crafted woodwork are found throughout the house. Period antique furnishings create an authentic ambience of plantation life in the early 19th century on the Eastern Shore.
today
Ker Place, formerly known as Kerr Place, is the headquarters of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society and is located in Onancock, Va.
The house operates as a museum open to visitors and has trained volunteer docents giving guided tours of the interior and exterior as well as various exhibits.
The second floor of the structure currently is used as museum exhibit space and the society's genealogy room, archives, and collections spaces. The smaller and newer section of the home is used as a welcome center for visitors with office space for staff. The entire house is used as gallery space for important Eastern Shore artwork as well as for programs and temporary exhibits.
Ker Place also is available as a venue for weddings and special events.
Explore Ker Place Virtually
You can tour Ker Place from wherever you are through our 360° virtual tour and through the Shore History app. The immersive 360° virtual tour allows you to wander through the halls and corridors in Ker Place today. Users can see Shore History’s permanent exhibits on display, the silver collection, memorabilia of General John Cropper and Governor Henry A. Wise, and more as they explore all three floors of the historic home.
The Shore History app includes history on the Ker family, Ker Place, and our collections exemplifying Eastern Shore history, dating from prehistoric times to today. Features include text to speech audio guides, Spanish translations, images, historical documents, and more.
Pull it up on your smartphone the next time you visit Ker Place to aid in a self-guided tour or explore local history from afar. Wherever you have Wifi or cell service, you can access the app.
directions to ker place
Heading North
Heading north on U.S. 13 (Lankford Hwy.), turn left at Va. 179 (Market Street).
Stay on road for approximately 1 mile, and Ker Place will be on your right.
Turn into the driveway with the white picket fence; the street address is 69 Market St.
Heading South
Heading south on U.S. 13 (Lankford Hwy.), turn right at Va. 179 (Market Street).
Stay on road for approximately 1 mile, and Ker Place will be on your right.
Turn into the driveway with the white picket fence; the street address is 69 Market St.
location
69 Market St.
Onancock, VA 23417
Map
Admission
By donation
Group Tours of Eight Individuals or More: $3 per person
Hours
Ker Place is open 11am-3pm Tuesday-Friday and Saturdays by availability. Please call ahead for Saturday availability at (757) 787-8012.
If you would like to schedule a group tour, we will work to accommodate you around our docents’ availability. Call 757.787.8012 to schedule a group tour or research appointment. Administrative offices are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Contact
757.787.8012