Architectural Historian Orlando Ridout Dies at Age 59

An influential historian and Annapolis native, known as a "living landmark," passed away on April 6.

Orlando Ridout, known for his writings on the architectural stylings of the Chesapeake Bay region, died at the age of 59 from complications of pancreatic cancer.

Ridout led restoration efforts across the city of Annapolis and was named a "living landmark" after achieving numerous historical awards.

Ridout's full obituary follows, courtesy of John M. Taylor Funeral Home.

Orlando Ridout V passed away on April 6, 2013 from complications of pancreatic cancer. A lifelong Annapolis resident, he was born on October 13, 1953, the son of Orlando Ridout IV and Elisabeth Lawton Ridout.

His experiences as a youth among the houses and landscapes of the tidewater Chesapeake led him to an imminent career as an architectural historian. He attended the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay and graduated with a degree in architectural history from the University of Virginia. In 1976 he married Barbara Ann Cooper and they settled in Annapolis.

Orlando began work at The Maryland Historical Trust as a field surveyor and continued to work at the Trust for 35 years, rising to become Chief of Research, Survey and Registration. He led the Maryland Historical Trust's development of one of the best building survey programs in the nation. He led research efforts on many of the significant historic buildings in Annapolis, most notably the restoration of the Senate Chamber in the Maryland State House. He also did work for Historic Charleston Foundation, Mt. Vernon, Colonial Williamsburg, Tudor Place, Poplar Forest and other historic sites. He was a passionate advocate for the history and preservation of Annapolis, repeatedly speaking and testifying before the City Council and Historic Preservation Commission.

He followed in a long family tradition of service to the State of Maryland that he learned firsthand from his father, who was Maryland's first State Historic Preservation Officer. Orlando's many awards include Historic Charleston Foundation's Frances R. Edmunds Award, Preservation Maryland's President's Award, the Calvert Prize which is Maryland Historic Trust's highest award for preservation, and has been named a City of Annapolis "Living Landmark."

He is the author of Building the Octagon, and Re-editing the Architectural Past, and co-edited Architecture in Annapolis: A Field Guide. His final publication appears as a chapter in the just-released The Chesapeake House. He also was a teacher and mentor to many budding architectural historians through his course at George Washington University, "Field Methods for Architectural History." He gave himself generously to all who had an interest in historic resources.

Orlando carried his passion into two house restorations. He and Barbara first settled in a small house near the City Dock, where he researched and carried out a hands-on restoration. In more recent years they undertook the restoration of one of the Ridout Row houses, built by John Ridout who arrived in Annapolis in 1753. His painstaking attention to detail and skill as a craftsman were apparent in the beautiful homes he and Barbara created and raised their daughters in.

Orlando was also a lifelong outdoorsman and art lover. He supported the Paint Annapolis event every year and was pleased to collect paintings by participating artists. He took great pleasure in introducing his daughters to the beauty of the American west, where he had travelled in his youth, and in recent years had once again taken up backpacking in remote areas of the Southwest.

A large component of Orlando's role as a professional, mentor, friend and family man was his quick wit and wonderful storytelling. His last days were filled with visits from family, friends and colleagues who said goodbye with love and laughs.

He was predeceased by his mother, Elisabeth Lawton Ridout. He is survived by his father,Orlando Ridout IV, his wife Barbara Cooper, his daughters Rachel and Rebecca, daughter-in-law Susan Fogg, and sister Mollie.

Interment will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Taylor Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Orlando's name to the Vernacular Architecture Forum, Student Fieldwork Fund, c/o Donald Linebaugh, VAF Treasurer, 9836 Blue Ball Road, Stewartstown PA 17363; or to the Whitehall Cemetery Foundation, c/o Mollie Ridout, 1811 Whitehall Rd., Annapolis MD 21409.