A national landmark, the Riversdale House was built in 1801 by a Flemish aristocrat, Henri Joseph Stier, who had fled from Europe. When Stier returned to Europe two years later, he gave the house to his daughter, Rosalie, and her husband, a member of Maryland's founding family, George Calvert, who completed construction of the house.

It still stands today in the middle of Riverdale Park, and with the help of local volunteers and supporters, the grounds are maintained and renovations are made. There is a community garden on grounds that is open to the public daily, while there are also sponsored events on site.

The house is now a museum which is open to the public on weekend afternoons with an admissions fee. However, private group tours, consisting of 10 or more people, can be requested at anytime with two weeks advanced notice.

Samantha Ferris, spokeswoman for the museum, said that camps are arranged for area children, and that the museum works regularly with Riverdale Elementary School.