Discovering the Past with Howard County History Society
Howard County is a community with a long and rich history. And we’re very fortunate to have the Howard County Historical Society to document and preserve the county’s past. The Society’s Archives and research library is kept at the Miller Branch of the Howard County Library. In their private collection they have thousands of photos, local 4-H documents, maps, deeds and property records, marriage licenses, voter records, and slave manumission records, as well as, a collection of oral histories. The Historical Archives makes a wealth of information available to parents who home school, researchers, historians and genealogists looking for their ancestors in Howard County. School and adult groups as well as the general public are welcome.
The Society’s Museum is located near the Court House in Ellicott City in the former First Presbyterian Church. On display is a large collection of local memorabilia and artifacts from local businesses, the boy and girl scouts, and the Ellicott family. A snap shot of the local military presence during the civil war is documented through artifacts. Daily life in Howard County is recalled with an assortment furniture, decorative arts, textiles and agricultural tools.
But the Historical society does more for the Howard county community than collect object and documents. The Howard County Historical Society offers a number of interesting public events including concerts, lectures, and other activities.
Here is a short list of upcoming events:
- February 15 and March 15 Get free help with your genealogy from the Historical Society’s Help Desk. Get assistance with all areas of genealogical research including other regions of the United States, Europe and other nations. Experts in research family histories are available to help you start your own family history from 1pm to 4pm. Call 410-480-3250 for more information
- Sunday February 16 from 2:30pm to 3:30pm will host a free public program on The History of Slavery in Howard County. Dr. Philip J. Merrill, an expert in African American history will be the speaker. He is the author of two books, The Black America Series: Baltimore and The Art of Collecting Black Memorabilia.
- Wednesday, April 9th from 2:00 to 3:30pm the Howard County Genealogy Society will present a program on how to compile a medical family history. Dottie Aleshire will facilitate. The program will be held at the Miller Branch of the Howard County Library. Call 410-313-1950 for reservations. Free to the public.
- Tuesday, May 6th, at 8:30pm the History of the Early Chesapeake – Cooking Demonstration will be held at the Miller Branch Library. Katie Moose, a local author, will lead an examination of the history, food, and herbs of the Chesapeake up to the War of 1812. The demonstration will focus on foods of the early 19th century. The program is cosponsored by Howard County Historical Society.
The Howard County History Society is the repository of a treasure of information about Howard County. Stop by the museum and the Miller Branch of the library to learn more about our community, it’s history and people.