Heritage Frederick

Heritage Frederick The Museum of Frederick County History
Frederick County Archives and Research Center

Heritage Frederick is the home of the Museum of Frederick County History, the Archive and Research Center, the Heritage Frederick Garden, and the Frederick County Historic Preservation Center. We collect artifacts and documents, research and preserve them, and through exhibits, lectures and programs, tell the stories of Frederick County History.

Frederick photographer Margaret "Patsy" Storm Moore captured this incredible view of Jefferson in the early-1960s from t...
08/30/2026

Frederick photographer Margaret "Patsy" Storm Moore captured this incredible view of Jefferson in the early-1960s from the descent of Mountville Road on the west side of Catoctin Mountain. In the background can be seen South Mountain, rising on the western edge of the Middletown Valley. The village of Jefferson, established as New Town in 1774, is located along the historic Ridge Road which connected Frederick with Harpers Ferry. Blacksmith shops, general stores, and taverns provided necessary services to travelers passing through Jefferson. Rising over the village are the spires of Jefferson United Church of Christ (left) and Saint Paul Lutheran Church (right). This view was changed significantly just a few years after the photograph was taken when the modern U.S. 340 was built around the south side of Jefferson in 1966-67.

P2005 Patsy Moore Collection, Frederick County Archives and Research Center, Heritage Frederick.

Many photographs in our archives capture scenes of ordinary life, like this conversation between neighbors Margaret (Lid...
08/28/2026

Many photographs in our archives capture scenes of ordinary life, like this conversation between neighbors Margaret (Lidie) Staley and Pansie (Shankle) Murphy along South Carroll Street in 1948. Margaret's daughter Sandra is looking at the photographer. Visible in the background on the left is the G.L. Baking Company and the Farmer's Exchange, while the Dietrich and Gambrill Feed Mill rises on the right side of Carroll Street. In the distance is the top of the spire of Saint John's Catholic Church.

PA0023 Staley/Lidey Photo Album Collection, Frederick County Archives and Research Center, Heritage Frederick.

We are so excited to announce that due to a generous contribution from The Frederick County US Semiquincentennial Commis...
08/26/2026

We are so excited to announce that due to a generous contribution from The Frederick County US Semiquincentennial Commission, we will be offering FREE ADMISSION all September long!! Come dive into Frederick's diverse history as told through our 2026 exhibits. With galleries showcasing Frederick in the Revolution, the County's goldfish industry, a look at All Saints St, and more, there is something for everyone. Join us Thursday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.

08/24/2026

We’ll see you this Wednesday the 26th for music and drinks in the garden!
🎶: E N S L O W
🍷: Simple Theory Wine Co
🍺: Olde Mother Brewing

📍: Heritage Garden behind the Museum at 24 E Church St
⏰: doors at 5, music 5:30-7

In 1933, Charles A. Faust developed a site on West Patrick Street with 10 bungalows known as the Barbara Fritchie Touris...
08/23/2026

In 1933, Charles A. Faust developed a site on West Patrick Street with 10 bungalows known as the Barbara Fritchie Tourist Cabins. As the growth of automobile usage enabled more people to travel in the early-20th century, Frederick developed a heritage tourism economy largely centered around the real-life Barbara Fritchie and the legendary tale of her patriotism in the midst of the Civil War, popularized by poet John Greenleaf Whittier. Hostelries like the Barbara Fritchie Cabins sought to capitalize on this new mode of travel by providing parking space and services for automobiles as well as accommodations and entertainment.

The Barbara Fritchie Cabins were expanded to 30 bungalows in the 1940s when an advertisement declared the tourist court to be "one of the most modern camps in the eastern United States." At the entrance to the motor court was the Barbara Fritchie Tea Room. The Barbara Fritchie Motel and Cabins ceased operations in the late-1980s and the site is now occupied by Sheppard Pratt mental health center.

PC1464, Postcard Collection, Frederick County Archives and Research Center, Heritage Frederick

08/21/2026

Amy Hunt is the curator of The Museum of Frederick County History a...

This charming photograph captures a family enjoying a carriage ride on a summer day. An inscription written on the back ...
08/21/2026

This charming photograph captures a family enjoying a carriage ride on a summer day. An inscription written on the back reads: “Uncle William, Cousin Janie, and Frank the Driver with Harry and the carriage August 21, 1895 taken at the Retreat Schoolhouse near Walkersville.”

Situated near the intersection of Fountain Rock and Retreat Roads, this school was built around 1835 on land purchased from Joshua and Sarah Doub. The original trustees of the school were George Potts, Cornelius Shriver, Benjamin Neidig, Jacob Reese, and Thomas Johnson. In addition to serving an educational purpose, this brick building also provided a place of worship for a congregation of the United Brethren Church, of which the Doubs and Neidigs were active members. Among the teachers who served at Retreat School was Peter Kemp, Jr., the son of Rev. Peter Kemp at whose farm in Rocky Springs the United Brethren Church was organized in 1800.

MS0155 Pearre Family Collection, Frederick County Archives and Research Center, Heritage Frederick

It is always a pleasure to work with our colleagues and friends at the Historical Society of Carroll County! Congrats to...
08/19/2026

It is always a pleasure to work with our colleagues and friends at the Historical Society of Carroll County! Congrats to Amy on a fantastic program!

Experience the Museum of Frederick County History through a guided tour this Friday, August 21st at 1:00 pm. Exhibit cur...
08/18/2026

Experience the Museum of Frederick County History through a guided tour this Friday, August 21st at 1:00 pm. Exhibit curators Jim Callear and Addalyn Borghardt will lead visitors to discover the unique architectural character and history of the historic Dr. Baltzell House and highlight our exhibit "All Saints Street: An Avenue to the History of Frederick and its African American Community."

Included in museum admission.

This 1973 photograph captures a packed dining room at the Dan-Dee Country Inn Restaurant. Opened by Ellsworth and Mildre...
08/16/2026

This 1973 photograph captures a packed dining room at the Dan-Dee Country Inn Restaurant. Opened by Ellsworth and Mildred Rice in 1949, the Dan-Dee was a popular spot for casual diners as well as an event space for organization gatherings and private parties. The restaurant was situated along Route 40 atop Catoctin Mountain between Frederick and Myersville, just south of Gambrill State Park. Visitors to the Dan-Dee enjoyed meals served in family style and the popular menu items included fried chicken, chow-chow (a pickled vegetable relish), homemade dinner rolls, and apple fritters. In addition to the restaurant, a motel accommodated overnight visitors at the Dan-Dee. The restaurant and inn closed in 2004 after 55 years in business.

P2376.88 Dan-Dee Country Inn Collection, Frederick County Archives and Research Center, Heritage Frederick

Address

24 E Church Street
Frederick, MD
21701

Opening Hours

Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

(301) 663-1188

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