Howard County Historical Society

Howard County Historical Society EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.hchsmd.org

MAILING: 9421 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042 Elevators available.

DIRECTIONS to the Museum of Howard County History from Main Street, Ellicott City: Take Court Avenue up the hill and turn left just past the stone courthouse, former home of the Circuit Court of HC, onto Park Avenue. The Museum is in the former First Presbyterian Church of HC stone structure to your right. DIRECTIONS to the Research Library and Archives from Main Street, Ellicott City. Take Main S

treet/Frederick Road in Ellicott City west approximately 2 miles to the Charles E. Miller Branch Library & Historical Center at 9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City. The Society’s Reading Room is on the 2nd floor at top of main library staircase. Follow us on TWITTER -- https://twitter.com/hchsmd

Follow us on INSTAGRAM --https://www.instagram.com/howardcounty_historicalsociety/

📚 Happy National Book Day! 📚What will you be reading today? Share your current book in the comments. We are always looki...
08/09/2026

📚 Happy National Book Day! 📚

What will you be reading today? Share your current book in the comments. We are always looking for great recommendations!

To celebrate, we are featuring the autobiography of Alda Hopkins Clark, the founder of the Howard County Historical Society. Her story offers a fascinating glimpse into Howard County's history for future generations.

At the Howard County Historical Society, our mission is to steward and interpret our county's rich history by bringing to life the artifacts, records, and stories that engage, inspire, and connect our diverse community. Alda Hopkins Clark's autobiography is a wonderful reminder that every story has the power to deepen our understanding of the past and strengthen our connection to one another.

What is on your reading list today? 📖
📷Source: HCHS Archives

Money has changed dramatically over the centuries, from this Two Thirds Spanish Dollars minted in 1778 to today with our...
08/08/2026

Money has changed dramatically over the centuries, from this Two Thirds Spanish Dollars minted in 1778 to today with our digital wallets, tap to pay, and online banking.

As we recognize National Dollar Day, it's also a reminder of the importance of financial literacy. Understanding the history of currency helps us appreciate how economies evolve and why money, whether it's coins, paper notes, or digital transactions, has always been central to everyday life.

These remarkable artifacts from the Howard County Historical Society's collection connect us to the financial realities of the Revolutionary era and the people who used them. Through artifacts like these, we steward and interpret our county's rich history by bringing to life the objects, records, and stories that engage, inspire, and connect our diverse community.

💭 Here's a question for you: With so many people using cards, phones, and watches to pay today, how often do you actually carry cash anymore? What artifacts will future archives keep from our lives today?

📷Source: HCHS Archives

Today, on National Purple Heart Day, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of Howard County's men and women who a...
08/07/2026

Today, on National Purple Heart Day, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of Howard County's men and women who answered the call to defend our nation.

This year, we're featuring a World War II Purple Heart from the Howard County Historical Society's collection, a powerful reminder of the extraordinary bravery and resilience of those who served. Each artifact in our care represents more than history; it tells a deeply personal story of sacrifice, duty, and community.

At the Howard County Historical Society, our mission is to steward and interpret our county's rich history by bringing to life the artifacts, records, and stories that engage, inspire, and connect our diverse community. Today, this Purple Heart helps us remember not only one individual's service, but also the enduring legacy of all Howard County veterans whose courage continues to inspire us.

Join us in honoring their service and reflecting on the stories preserved for future generations.

📷Source: HCHS Archives

☀️Patio Party UpdateOur Patio Party has been postponed due to the forecasted heat and possible rain. We're already worki...
08/06/2026

☀️Patio Party Update
Our Patio Party has been postponed due to the forecasted heat and possible rain. We're already working on a new date and can't wait to celebrate with you soon! Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for your understanding! 🎉

Join us tomorrow for a Lunch Date with History on August 7th from 12pm-1pm at the Museum of Howard County History on the...
08/06/2026

Join us tomorrow for a Lunch Date with History on August 7th from 12pm-1pm at the Museum of Howard County History on the Elkridge Heritage Society! 🥪This series is a celebration of the small historical & cultural organizations in the Patapsco Valley. Registration is not required, but seating is limited. The event is FREE of charge. Free parking is available at the old Courthouse lot.🚗

📷Aerial photo of the Brumbaugh House, taken by AAIC Visual Perceptions

In today's installment of "When the River Rose," we will explore the historical significance of the 1952 flood, which wa...
08/05/2026

In today's installment of "When the River Rose," we will explore the historical significance of the 1952 flood, which was the fifth-worst flooding event in Ellicott City’s history. Water reached depths of 10 to 12 feet in some areas and nearly 14 feet near the Patapsco River.

The flood caused an estimated $500,000 in damage to local homes and businesses. Floodwaters also swept 21 automobiles down Main Street, piling them beneath the B&O Railroad bridge. Residents blamed logs floating down Tiber Creek, which became jammed and formed a temporary dam that caused the creek to overflow.

Main Street businesses suffered major losses. Department stores, a dry-cleaning shop, a barber shop, and the Howard County Library were among the places badly damaged. In the days that followed, workers and volunteers from across the county came together to remove truckloads of mud and repair damaged buildings.

Follow along as we continue to explore the historic floods that shaped Howard County.

Sources:
“Ellicott City Still Clears Away Flood Debris.” The Evening Sun, 3 Sept. 1952.
“Flash Flood Did This- .” The Evening Sun, 1 Sept. 1952.
Roth, David. “Hurricane Able - August 28 - September 2, 1952.” Noaa.Gov, 2026, https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/able1952.html.

By: Bethany Firebaugh

🍹 Do you know the history of rye whiskey in Maryland? Have your tickets for the Patio Party for Thursday, August 6, 2026...
08/04/2026

🍹 Do you know the history of rye whiskey in Maryland? Have your tickets for the Patio Party for Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 5:30 PM on the patio of the Museum of Howard County History to learn more and enjoy the Black-Eyed Rye cocktail thanks to Sagamore Spirit!

Are you coming to the event tomorrow? Join us for America 250 with Glenn Meredith and the Howard County Historical Socie...
08/03/2026

Are you coming to the event tomorrow? Join us for America 250 with Glenn Meredith and the Howard County Historical Society at Miller Branch and discover fascinating stories from our nation's past.

Explore Glenn Meredith's personal collection of commemorative currency and learn the story behind John Trumbull's iconic painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the United States Capitol.

📅 Tomorrow, August 4th
🕕 6 PM
📍 Miller Branch

There is still time to register. Save your spot today: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/hchs-250-event-409997

We look forward to seeing you there!

Officially called The Mall in Columbia, the mall opened on August 2, 1971, with twoanchor stores – Hochschild, Kohn and ...
08/02/2026

Officially called The Mall in Columbia, the mall opened on August 2, 1971, with two
anchor stores – Hochschild, Kohn and Woodward & Lothrup – and 102 smaller stores. The mall was developed by The Rouse Company and was hailed as the core of Columbia’s new downtown.

In 1975 the Hochschild, Kohn store was replaced by a Hecht’s (which was converted to a Macy’s in 2006). J. C. Penney took over the Woodward & Lothrup location in 1996. It was always planned that the mall would have five anchor stores. A 1981 expansion added a Sears store and 70 smaller stores. In 1998 a Lord & Taylor store was added, and in 1999 a new wing with a Nordstrom’s and 40 smaller stores opened. In 2000 the food court was moved to the Sears wing.

🐝 Visit the Ellicott Mills Children's Museum this August and discover why bees were so important in early Ellicott Mills...
08/01/2026

🐝 Visit the Ellicott Mills Children's Museum this August and discover why bees were so important in early Ellicott Mills. Beekeeping provided beeswax for making candles that lit homes and honey as a natural sweetener, making bees an essential part of everyday life.

Children can roll their own beeswax candle, create a bee puppet, and learn about local butterflies and other pollinators through fun, hands on activities.

These experiences bring Howard County's history to life and reflect the Howard County Historical Society's mission to engage, inspire, and connect our community through the stories of our past.

The Ellicott Mills Children's Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. We hope to see your family this August!

Address

9421 Frederick Road
Ellicott City, MD
21042

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(410) 480-3250

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Howard County Historical Society posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Howard County Historical Society:

Shortcuts

Share

Category