1st Friday ‘Lunch Date with History’ Lecture Series

Against the backdrop of a tumultuous election, a beloved hero of the American Revolution returned to America for the first time in forty years. From August 1824 to September 1825, the Marquis de Lafayette traveled throughout the United States. Public historian and author Elizabeth Reese traces Lafayette’s route throughout the National Capital Region, highlighting the locations and people the famous General held closest to his heart.

BA-79 was an anti-aircraft missile site located 30 miles northwest of Baltimore and tasked with defending the city from long-range, nuclear-armed Soviet bombers. It was part of a network of Nike sites designed to protect major cities and strategic sites around the country. The Civil Air Patrol has been working to preserve and restore the launch area, to include the magazines, Missile Assembly Building, Warhead Assembly Building, and Generator Building. Join us to learn about the history of the Nike program, the BA-79 site itself, and CAP’s efforts to restore it and open it up to the public.

Small towns across America and around the world face mounting challenges with flood risk, a result of not only climate change but also poorly adapted landscapes, sprawl, overdevelopment and poor planning. After the Floods is about Ellicott City, a small town in central Maryland that experienced two devastating flash floods just 22 months apart. Despite the town’s many advantages―wealth, access to expertise, a mobilized community, and a stout identity steeped in 250 years of history―Ellicott City found itself mired in a deeply divisive argument over what to do in the aftermath. As a resident, Ken Conca bore firsthand witness to the conflict that took root when the flood waters receded.

The Safe and Sound initiative is not just a plan, it’s a promise — a steadfast commitment to every resident, business owner, and visitor. Our dual mission is clear: to implement state-of-the-art flood mitigation measures ensuring the safety and well-being of all, and to celebrate and preserve the rich historical tapestry that makes Ellicott City unique. Through comprehensive research, community collaboration, and a focus on sustainability, we have devised a plan that aims to minimize future flood risks while honoring our town’s past

Historical research on the Underground Railroad is notoriously difficult for multiple reasons. While there is little evidence of an organized Underground Railroad in Howard County, there were local efforts to assist freedom seekers wishing to escape enslavement. If these efforts were made known to local law enforcement, those assisting, enticing, persuading, or inciting these escapes were charged with crimes. The Howard County Historical Society research team focused on these documented cases from our own collections to tell the stories of the brave men and women who attempted to help enslaved people escape to freedom.

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.

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.