HBF Facilities
Hard Bargain Farm is a private facility that is not open to the general public. It is available for use by public/private schools and non-profit organizations through pre-scheduled appointment only.
Hard Bargain Farm is a 330-acre working farmstead with rolling hills, cropland, woodlands, and wetlands, located along the banks of the Potomac River in Accokeek, Maryland. The facility includes an overnight lodge, barnyard, pasture, hiking trails, and amphitheater. From the Farm's hilltop, guests are treated to a commanding view of the Nation's Capital, Virginia shoreline, Potomac River and Mount Vernon.
Weekday Education Programs (One-Day or Two-Day), weekday and weekend facility rentals are available for school groups, non-profit or community groups. Concerts in the Woods and Theater in the Woods are held on summer nights in the amphitheater. For more information, contact the Alice Ferguson Foundation at or (301) 292-5665.
Wareham Lodge Facilities
Wareham Lodge is the center of activity during the overnight trip. It is our overnight facility and science center, field studies begin and end here. The phone number at the Lodge is: 301-292-5867.
A cozy log cabin with a fireplace may be used for evening activities. Fire rings are available for campfires and cooking.
The Lodge Includes:
- Bunkrooms that will accomodate an average class of about 30 - total of 22 bunks in girls room, 22 bunks in boys room
- Running water, bathrooms for boys and girls equipped with showers
- Large dining area/meeting room with fireplace for indoor activities
- Full kitchen with industrial refrigerator and stove, oven, coffee maker, can opener, large pots, coffee cups, and a basic set of utensils. Please note that there is no freezer.
- A partially covered wooden deck with picnic tables - a great place to have gatherings and of course, if weather permits, to eat meals.
- Small classroom
- A small campfire pit, great for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows.
- A larger campfire ring, often used for spooky stories or to just relax under the stars.
- Air conditioning and central heating.
Hard Bargain Amphitheater
On many summer evenings, the Amphitheater at Hard Bargain Farm shoots light beyond branch and leaf.
Under this canopy of bark, local music and theater come alive, and after a brief stroll down a lit path, the best kept secret in Southern Maryland reveals itself.
Built in the early 1930’s by Alice and Henry Ferguson, the original stage was merely a half-circle of concrete set in a natural amphitheater in the woods of their Hard Bargain Farm.
For many years, the Fergusons used the amphitheater as a place to gather with their friends and neighbors on summer evenings.
They would entertain themselves by dressing up in elaborate costumes and putting on amateur plays.
It became a Hard Bargain tradition.
In 1956, the amphitheater was leased by Henry to the Alice Ferguson Foundation, a non-profit organization that was established after Alice’s death to guarantee that the Hard Bargain Farm would be used for the educational and cultural activities that so fascinated Mrs. Ferguson. Today, the Foundation’s mission is to foster environmental responsibility and to enhance the historic legacy and rural character of Hard Bargain Farm by sharing the wonder and excitement of exploring a working farm, woods, and wetlands on the Potomac shoreline. It is the Foundation that sponsors the Hard Bargain Players.
