About Oldfields
Oldfields School, founded in 1867, is an independent all-girls day and boarding school in Northern Baltimore County serving grades 9 through 12. It’s mission is to “embrace each student’s authentic self, educate through collaboration, empower the individual voice, and inspire confidence and continual growth, leading to a life of purpose.”
1500 Glencoe Road
Sparks Glencoe, Maryland 21152
(410) 472-4800
About Manor Mill
Manor Mill, built in 1743, is a newly restored, pre-revolutionary grist mill that now houses a fine arts gallery, musical performances, ceramics, yoga and meditation, workshops across all disciplines and organizational retreats. Manor Mill is a community built upon creativity and learning, rooted in history and situated in the most beautiful area of rural Baltimore County.
2029 Monkton Road
Monkton, MD 21111
info@manor-mill.com
Manor Mill hosts the Whiskey Feathers and Pressing Strings performance in the David Niven Theater at Oldfields School to a sold out show.
Tony Trischka and Michael Daves jam on stage for their EarlJam tour.
New Partnership to Offer Transformative Day and Residential Programs in Art, Wellness, and Music, Leveraging Historic Campus and Mill Settings
December 9, 2025
SPARKS GLENCOE, MD – Oldfields School, a historic, all-girls independent boarding and day school, and Manor Mill, a vibrant center for art, music, wellness, and community, today announced the formation of a dynamic joint venture tentatively named OS2. This new entity will leverage the resources and unique environments of both institutions to offer compelling day and residential experiences that utilize the stunning, rural campus of Oldfields School and the inspiring setting of Manor Mill, while greatly enhancing the education experience of Oldfields students and participants alike.
A Synergy of History, Learning, and Creativity
Programs will be designed to provide unparalleled, hands-on learning experiences across a diverse curriculum, connecting programs for students enrolled in the School as well as for the public who want to immerse themselves in a discipline:
Art and Design: Utilizing Manor Mill’s established fine arts gallery as a platform, programs will include workshops in painting, sculpture, ceramics, woodworking photography, and digital media, fostering creativity and practical skill development.
Writing and Literary Arts: Popular poetry and writing workshops, featured authors and writing retreats will be expanded to provide more in-depth study
Music and Performance: Maximizing Oldfields School’s performance facilities and residential capabilities, programs will range from intensive musical study and choral ensembles to theatrical arts, building upon successful stage performances of Manor Mill Playhouse as well as the international roster of musicians who have already played at Manor Mill.
Wellness and Mind-Body Practices: Unique offerings will focus on holistic health, incorporating mindfulness, yoga, nutrition workshops, and outdoor education, immersed in the natural beauty surrounding both sites as well as large dance and pilates studios.
Environment and Preservation: Programs will incorporate the rich history of both sites, offering classes in environmental sustainability and preservation, connecting students to the past and future of the region.
“The creation of OS2 marks an exciting new chapter for Oldfields School. By partnering with Manor Mill, we not only can expand the offerings to our current high school students, but also open our beautiful, historic campus to a broader audience and offer programs that are truly innovative, blending traditional academics with hands-on, creative, and wellness-focused learning. Most importantly to us, this next step will provide an incredibly distinctive opportunity for our students.” - Ansley Smithwick, Head of School, Oldfields School
“Manor Mill has become a magnet for creativity and high-energy output. OS2 allows us to expand our mission by pairing our unique mill setting and artistic community with the robust infrastructure and educational tradition of Oldfields School. The immersive residential and day programs will provide participants with a truly unforgettable and transformative experience to hone their skill and craft or even take a first step at reawakening and honing their interests and skills.” - Angelo Otterbein, Owner, Manor Mill
Program Highlights
Residential Immersion: Participants will have the opportunity to live and learn on the Oldfields campus for day-long and multi-day experiences, enjoying full-service accommodations, dining, and campus facilities.
Inspiring Venues: Educational sessions will rotate between the classic architecture and open spaces of Oldfields School and the timber frame beauty of Manor Mill.
Expert Instructors and Master Craftspeople: Programs will be led by professional artists, writers, musicians, and practitioners in all disciplines from the Manor Mill community, which currently attracts participants from the greater regions of Washington DC, Philadelphia and throughout Maryland but can now be expanded nationally with a residential option.
Read more about two upcoming resident programs: the Cris Jacobs Songwriter’s Retreat and Jane Austen Weekend!
“Over the last three years, Manor Mill has become a creative hub housing fine art, musical performances, yoga, workshops and more, spurred by tremendous growth,” says Otterbein. “But the property also has natural constraints when it comes to parking, total capacity, outdoor options, and performance space. Meanwhile, Oldfields is a beautiful campus with plenty of space and available facilities guided by a mission to provide its students with unique educational offerings. We feel the time is right to reconnect these two historically significant places.”
The first collaboration was the performance of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, produced and directed by Vanessa Eskridge, a career actor and theater professional who currently runs the popular Play Club at Manor Mill. Since then, Manor Mill Playhouse has produced three one-act plays with Shorts, and Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express.
“It’s exciting,” says Smithwick. “We see a long and fruitful partnership ahead, and the possibilities are truly energizing. Manor Mill has developed rich programming that we can help to expand, and which in turn can create new opportunities for our students to engage with artists and creative professionals. We have much to figure out, and we want to walk before we run. But it will be fantastic when we start to run!”
