

The Howard County Historical Society Presents
1st Friday ‘Lunch Date with History’ Lecture Series
The 2025 Season begins on March 7th.
1st/2nd Friday of Every Month, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Free Admission — Donations Welcomed
Location:The Museum of Howard County History
8328 Court Avenue, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Please register with us electronically!
The Lunch Date with History Lectures are on the first Friday of the month except for July when it will be the second Friday. The lectures are held at the Museum of Howard County History and are from 12 to 1pm. You may bring your lunch. The lectures are free, donations accepted. Please register with HCHS if you are coming. In the event of bad weather or if the speaker is unable to present, a notification will go out by email, and be posted on Facebook and you will be informed if the event is rescheduled.
Schedule:
October
No Events
November
Event Details
Agriculture is part of our lifestyle in Howard County. We have a rich history in farming and today, agriculture
Event Details
Agriculture is part of our lifestyle in Howard County. We have a rich history in farming and today, agriculture matters to every Howard Countian every day! This expert panel will share their stories and answer all of your questions. Learn about Howard County Farm Bureau’s focus on farming sustainably and feeding the hungry. Have you heard about the new county government Office of Agriculture? Howard County is a leader in farmland preservation, the equine industry, and more.
more
Time
November 7, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Location
Museum of Howard County History
8328 Court Avenue Ellicott City, MD 21043
08nov1:00 pm5:00 pmAntique Appraisal Event: Unlock the Secrets of Your Antiques!
Event Details
Join professional appraiser Todd Peenstra for our special appraisal event. $25 to attend as a fundraiser ($22.50 for HCHS members) plus cost per item for appraisal $15 for each item, Maximum
Event Details
Join professional appraiser Todd Peenstra for our special appraisal event.
$25 to attend as a fundraiser ($22.50 for HCHS members) plus cost per item for appraisal
$15 for each item, Maximum of three items per person
Purchase tickets to this fundraiser here.
Time
November 8, 2025 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Location
Museum of Howard County History
8328 Court Avenue Ellicott City, MD 21043
08nov1:30 pm3:00 pmSpecial Event Saturday: The First MarylandersThe First Marylanders
Event Details
A year full of special events is planned at the Historical Society’s Ellicott MillsChildren’s Museum. On the second Saturday of eight months in spring and fall the doors will
Event Details
A year full of special events is planned at the Historical Society’s Ellicott MillsChildren’s Museum. On the second Saturday of eight months in spring and fall the doors will open at 1:30 p.m. for registered children to participate in 90 minute, hands-on activities which are both meaningful and fun. All children, ages 7 and up, are welcome. Girl Scouts who attend will receive a certificate of participation, which will qualify them for a badge.
Due to capacity constraints at the little Museum, these are drop-off activities. Adults are invited next door to enjoy the Museum of Howard County History, then pick the children up at 3:00.
Registration fee is $5.00. REGISTER
NOVEMBER 8 “The First Marylanders”
Local historian, archaeologist, and author Lee Preston will captivate children with his knowledge of the early Susquehannocks. Participants will try picture writing, native games, and creating a musical instrument. All Scouts are eligible for the Native American patch.
more
Time
November 8, 2025 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Location
Ellicott Mills Children's Museum
3725 Park Ave
14nov7:00 pm8:30 pmWritten in Stone and Soil: The History of Maryland Cemeteries
Event Details
Maryland’s story is written outside in stone and soil. From Native burial mounds to colonial churchyards; from enslaved people’s hidden resting places to the grand garden cemeteries of the Victorian
Event Details
Maryland’s story is written outside in stone and soil. From Native burial mounds to colonial churchyards; from enslaved people’s hidden resting places to the grand garden cemeteries of the Victorian age, our landscapes hold centuries of memory. But among the solemn monuments lie mysteries, including “witch’s graves,” the resting place of Edgar Allan Poe and his toaster, and even a Ouija board headstone. This talk traces the history of how Marylanders have honored the dead, Native, African-American, immigrant, and elite, while exploring the lore, and unexpected traditions, including the rise of pet cemeteries. Step into the graveyards of Maryland’s past, where history and legend walk side by side.
CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.
more
Time
November 14, 2025 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm(GMT-04:00)
December
05dec3:30 pm5:00 pmAnnual Organ Concert with Nelda Clelland
Event Details
Join the Howard County Historical Society for the first concert in the historic churches concert series, featuring organist Nelda Clelland. She will perform music
Event Details
Join the Howard County Historical Society for the first concert in the historic churches concert series, featuring organist Nelda Clelland. She will perform music using our historic A.B. Felgemacher pipe organ. With 50 years of experience as a church organist, instrumental and vocal accompanist, Ms. Clelland specializes in playing historic organs.
Thank you to our event series sponsor Ellen Flynn Giles.
Tickets available: https://ticketscandy.com/e/historic-organ-concert-recital-12377
*Free parking is available in the Court House Drive lot, located up the hill at the top of Old Ellicott City, in walking distance from the Museums and former Circuit Court.
more
Time
December 5, 2025 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Location
Museum of Howard County History
8328 Court Avenue Ellicott City, MD 21043
13dec1:30 pm3:00 pmSpecial Event Saturday: Making MerryMaking Merry
Event Details
A year full of special events is planned at the Historical Society’s Ellicott MillsChildren’s Museum. On the second Saturday of eight months in spring and fall the doors will
Event Details
A year full of special events is planned at the Historical Society’s Ellicott MillsChildren’s Museum. On the second Saturday of eight months in spring and fall the doors will open at 1:30 p.m. for registered children to participate in 90 minute, hands-on activities which are both meaningful and fun. All children, ages 7 and up, are welcome. Girl Scouts who attend will receive a certificate of participation, which will qualify them for a badge.
Due to capacity constraints at the little Museum, these are drop-off activities. Adults are invited next door to enjoy the Museum of Howard County History, then pick the children up at 3:00.
Registration fee is $5.00. REGISTER
DECEMBER 13 “Making Merry”
Participants will step into early Ellicott Mills and craft three holiday ornaments using materials that are found in local nature. Saturday’s session is for children in grades K-5. Sunday’s session is for children in grades 6 through high school. All Scout levels will qualify for the “Outdoor Art” badge.
more
Time
December 13, 2025 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Location
Ellicott Mills Children's Museum
3725 Park Ave
14dec1:30 pm3:00 pmSpecial Event: Making Merry (Sunday session)Making Merry
Event Details
A year full of special events is planned at the Historical Society’s Ellicott MillsChildren’s Museum. On the second Saturday of eight months in spring and fall the doors will
Event Details
A year full of special events is planned at the Historical Society’s Ellicott MillsChildren’s Museum. On the second Saturday of eight months in spring and fall the doors will open at 1:30 p.m. for registered children to participate in 90 minute, hands-on activities which are both meaningful and fun. All children, ages 7 and up, are welcome. Girl Scouts who attend will receive a certificate of participation, which will qualify them for a badge.
Due to capacity constraints at the little Museum, these are drop-off activities. Adults are invited next door to enjoy the Museum of Howard County History, then pick the children up at 3:00.
Registration fee is $5.00. REGISTER
DECEMBER 14 “Making Merry”
Participants will step into early Ellicott Mills and craft three holiday ornaments using materials that are found in local nature. Saturday’s session is for children in grades K-5. Sunday’s session is for children in grades 6 through high school. All Scout levels will qualify for the “Outdoor Art” badge.
more
Time
December 14, 2025 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Location
Ellicott Mills Children's Museum
3725 Park Ave
January
No Events
February
No Events
March
No Events
April
No Events
May
No Events
June
No Events
July
No Events
August
No Events
September
No Events
October
No Events
List View
November
Event Details
Agriculture is part of our lifestyle in Howard County. We have a rich history in farming and today, agriculture
Event Details
Agriculture is part of our lifestyle in Howard County. We have a rich history in farming and today, agriculture matters to every Howard Countian every day! This expert panel will share their stories and answer all of your questions. Learn about Howard County Farm Bureau’s focus on farming sustainably and feeding the hungry. Have you heard about the new county government Office of Agriculture? Howard County is a leader in farmland preservation, the equine industry, and more.
more
Time
November 7, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Location
Museum of Howard County History
8328 Court Avenue Ellicott City, MD 21043
08nov1:00 pm5:00 pmAntique Appraisal Event: Unlock the Secrets of Your Antiques!
Event Details
Join professional appraiser Todd Peenstra for our special appraisal event. $25 to attend as a fundraiser ($22.50 for HCHS members) plus cost per item for appraisal $15 for each item, Maximum
Event Details
Join professional appraiser Todd Peenstra for our special appraisal event.
$25 to attend as a fundraiser ($22.50 for HCHS members) plus cost per item for appraisal
$15 for each item, Maximum of three items per person
Purchase tickets to this fundraiser here.
Time
November 8, 2025 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Location
Museum of Howard County History
8328 Court Avenue Ellicott City, MD 21043
08nov1:30 pm3:00 pmSpecial Event Saturday: The First MarylandersThe First Marylanders
Event Details
A year full of special events is planned at the Historical Society’s Ellicott MillsChildren’s Museum. On the second Saturday of eight months in spring and fall the doors will
Event Details
A year full of special events is planned at the Historical Society’s Ellicott MillsChildren’s Museum. On the second Saturday of eight months in spring and fall the doors will open at 1:30 p.m. for registered children to participate in 90 minute, hands-on activities which are both meaningful and fun. All children, ages 7 and up, are welcome. Girl Scouts who attend will receive a certificate of participation, which will qualify them for a badge.
Due to capacity constraints at the little Museum, these are drop-off activities. Adults are invited next door to enjoy the Museum of Howard County History, then pick the children up at 3:00.
Registration fee is $5.00. REGISTER
NOVEMBER 8 “The First Marylanders”
Local historian, archaeologist, and author Lee Preston will captivate children with his knowledge of the early Susquehannocks. Participants will try picture writing, native games, and creating a musical instrument. All Scouts are eligible for the Native American patch.
more
Time
November 8, 2025 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Location
Ellicott Mills Children's Museum
3725 Park Ave
14nov7:00 pm8:30 pmWritten in Stone and Soil: The History of Maryland Cemeteries
Event Details
Maryland’s story is written outside in stone and soil. From Native burial mounds to colonial churchyards; from enslaved people’s hidden resting places to the grand garden cemeteries of the Victorian
Event Details
Maryland’s story is written outside in stone and soil. From Native burial mounds to colonial churchyards; from enslaved people’s hidden resting places to the grand garden cemeteries of the Victorian age, our landscapes hold centuries of memory. But among the solemn monuments lie mysteries, including “witch’s graves,” the resting place of Edgar Allan Poe and his toaster, and even a Ouija board headstone. This talk traces the history of how Marylanders have honored the dead, Native, African-American, immigrant, and elite, while exploring the lore, and unexpected traditions, including the rise of pet cemeteries. Step into the graveyards of Maryland’s past, where history and legend walk side by side.
CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.
more
Time
November 14, 2025 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm(GMT-04:00)
December
05dec3:30 pm5:00 pmAnnual Organ Concert with Nelda Clelland
Event Details
Join the Howard County Historical Society for the first concert in the historic churches concert series, featuring organist Nelda Clelland. She will perform music
Event Details
Join the Howard County Historical Society for the first concert in the historic churches concert series, featuring organist Nelda Clelland. She will perform music using our historic A.B. Felgemacher pipe organ. With 50 years of experience as a church organist, instrumental and vocal accompanist, Ms. Clelland specializes in playing historic organs.
Thank you to our event series sponsor Ellen Flynn Giles.
Tickets available: https://ticketscandy.com/e/historic-organ-concert-recital-12377
*Free parking is available in the Court House Drive lot, located up the hill at the top of Old Ellicott City, in walking distance from the Museums and former Circuit Court.
more
Time
December 5, 2025 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Location
Museum of Howard County History
8328 Court Avenue Ellicott City, MD 21043
13dec1:30 pm3:00 pmSpecial Event Saturday: Making MerryMaking Merry
Event Details
A year full of special events is planned at the Historical Society’s Ellicott MillsChildren’s Museum. On the second Saturday of eight months in spring and fall the doors will
Event Details
A year full of special events is planned at the Historical Society’s Ellicott MillsChildren’s Museum. On the second Saturday of eight months in spring and fall the doors will open at 1:30 p.m. for registered children to participate in 90 minute, hands-on activities which are both meaningful and fun. All children, ages 7 and up, are welcome. Girl Scouts who attend will receive a certificate of participation, which will qualify them for a badge.
Due to capacity constraints at the little Museum, these are drop-off activities. Adults are invited next door to enjoy the Museum of Howard County History, then pick the children up at 3:00.
Registration fee is $5.00. REGISTER
DECEMBER 13 “Making Merry”
Participants will step into early Ellicott Mills and craft three holiday ornaments using materials that are found in local nature. Saturday’s session is for children in grades K-5. Sunday’s session is for children in grades 6 through high school. All Scout levels will qualify for the “Outdoor Art” badge.
more
Time
December 13, 2025 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Location
Ellicott Mills Children's Museum
3725 Park Ave
14dec1:30 pm3:00 pmSpecial Event: Making Merry (Sunday session)Making Merry
Event Details
A year full of special events is planned at the Historical Society’s Ellicott MillsChildren’s Museum. On the second Saturday of eight months in spring and fall the doors will
Event Details
A year full of special events is planned at the Historical Society’s Ellicott MillsChildren’s Museum. On the second Saturday of eight months in spring and fall the doors will open at 1:30 p.m. for registered children to participate in 90 minute, hands-on activities which are both meaningful and fun. All children, ages 7 and up, are welcome. Girl Scouts who attend will receive a certificate of participation, which will qualify them for a badge.
Due to capacity constraints at the little Museum, these are drop-off activities. Adults are invited next door to enjoy the Museum of Howard County History, then pick the children up at 3:00.
Registration fee is $5.00. REGISTER
DECEMBER 14 “Making Merry”
Participants will step into early Ellicott Mills and craft three holiday ornaments using materials that are found in local nature. Saturday’s session is for children in grades K-5. Sunday’s session is for children in grades 6 through high school. All Scout levels will qualify for the “Outdoor Art” badge.
more
Time
December 14, 2025 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Location
Ellicott Mills Children's Museum
3725 Park Ave