HCHS Education Programs & Activities

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

At this event, children will experience the history of our state, then craft some of its symbols:  The Oriole, the Black-Eyed-Susan, the Flag.  The activities will satisfy the “Celebrating Community” badge of Brownies.

Join Historic Ellicott City and the Howard County Historical Society for their spring Mill Town Tea — Secrets of the Chocolate Maker. The theme is chocolate, as we will be sharing some treats from Sweet Cascades on Main Street in addition to our regular tea and sandwiches from Emma’s Tea Spot. Our speaker will be Tiffany Fisk  from the Historic and Cultural Resources division of Howard County Recreation and Parks.  She will share insights on the history of chocolate in America and the chocolate making process.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE. $45 for members of either group; $55 for non-members

The Historical Society is offering a special lecture from professional genealogist Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D, J.D. Come explore the many entertaining and engaging aspects of genetic genealogy and help raise money for the Howard County Historical Society and their mission to provide access to materials that aid in historical exploration, research and discovery for all ages and cultural groups. 

Learn how genetic insights connect you to your ancestors and provide new avenues to explore your family’s story.

• Using Autosomal DNA for 18th and 19th Century Mysteries – Howard County was settled by colonists in the 1700’s and free blacks and enslaved people made this county their home. Even though our 18th and 19th century ancestors have been dead for decades, their DNA still survives in their descendants. Learn how to use autosomal DNA to attack and potentially solve genealogical mysteries and brick walls for ancestors who were born or lived in the 1800s, 1700s, and beyond.

Program:  90 minute Presentation by renowned professional genealogist Dr. Blaine Bettinger. This event will be in-person only.

Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence and the use of artificial intelligence. He is the author of the blog The Genetic Genealogist. He also wrote The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy, and co-authored the award-winning Genetic Genealogy in Practice (with Debbie Parker Wayne).  His books will be available for sale at the event.

REGISTER HERE

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.

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 here

At this event, children will learn of Howard County’s farm tradition, then plant mini-gardens to take home.  They will also do some planting on the Museum grounds.  Junior Scouts may earn their “Gardener” badge

How can we use Black History of Howard County and Beyond as a vehicle to bring our community together in a time of so much division, social, political and racial division? Join college professor, educational leader, historian of African American History and healer activist Marcus “Sankofa” Nicks for a thought provoking presentation and discussion. 

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

MAY 10   “Fabric Arts”

Children will explore the early textiles in the Museum, then work with spinner Judy Rhoades and a quilter to try their hand at the traditional crafts.  They will help turn lamb’s wool into yarn.  Senior Scouts will earn the “Textile Artist” badge.

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.

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 HERE

“Art in the Museum” 

Children will explore the design elements of artifacts in the Museum, create an artistic bird’s nest to take home, and use repetitive heart cutouts to create Valentines.  This will satisfy the “Art and Design” badge requirements for Brownie and Junior Scouts.

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.

During 1773-1774, the tides of public opinion against British rule in America began to rise. The brigantine Peggy Stewart sailed in with this tide carrying 2,000 pounds of the noxious weed, tea, to the surprise of her owner, Anthony Stewart, and to the delight of those looking for an excuse to galvanize support to cast off the Crown’s grip on Maryland. The Sons of Liberty in and around Elkridge played a pivotal role in the destiny of this remarkable tenth American tea party.

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.

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

SEPTEMBER 13  “Bees and Butterflies”

Beekeeper Kathy Carr will intrigue participants with a demonstration on honeybees.  Children will observe native plants on the Museum grounds which are supporting pollinators and attracting butterflies.  Brownies will qualify for the “Bugs” badge.

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.

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.

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.  All Scout levels will qualify for the “Outdoor Art” badge.