1st Friday ‘Lunch Date with History’ Lecture Series

Present day the remains of the Simpsonville Mill are hidden under the overpass where Cedar Lane crosses the Middle Patuxent River, near the Robinson Nature Center. In the 18th century Dr. Joshua Warfield built the first known mill there and in the late 18th century the area was known as Owingsviile, because the owner was Richard Owings. The growth and development of grist milling as well as an Owings woolen factory, make it clear that Simpsonville was a hub of industrial activity for over three centuries, including the Igelharts in the 20th century. Primary documents and family photos will highlight the importance of milling to the community as well as the international merchant flour market of the 18th and 19th century.

This October, journey to the top of Mt. Misery for the Return to Hell House. Rissa Miller brings in spooky season with the making of a dark local legend, once again. Join us for this captivating journey through time as we explore the transformation of a once-revered school into one of Maryland’s most notorious haunts. Uncover the history of this grand estate, as we begin when the footsteps of seminary students echoed through the halls, and how it fell into disrepair, ultimately becoming shrouded in shadowy mystery. Don’t miss the spine-tingling intrigue just in time for Halloween as we venture into the story of Hell House.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets. 

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

OCTOBER 11   “Jobs of the Past”

A woodworker, milliner, shopkeeper, and a mill worker will visit the Museum to engage young visitors in the careers of early Ellicott Mills.  Junior Scouts may earn the “Playing the Past” badge.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.