HCHS Research & Archive Overview

The Howard County Historical Society’s library and archive contains tens of thousands of documents, photographs, slides, maps, books, and other materials that can help your search for genealogical and historical information. Our research team works with historians, authors, reporters, research organizations, and the general public in their efforts to uncover the past. Come and explore our resources, with original source materials dating back to the 18th Century.

As of 2014, The Howard County Historical Society is nationally registered as a historic “stop” on the Underground Railroad. Researchers can obtain copies of original manumission documents, slave ledgers, court records, marriage certificates, historic plantation information and photographs.

Archive & Research Library Location & Hours

Location: The Charles E. Miller Branch and Historical Center
9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042
(The Historical Society is located on the second floor of the Charles E. Miller Branch Library)

Mondays – Fridays: 10:00AM-5:00PM

By appointment for group or school tours.

The HCHS Archive follows the closure schedule of the Miller Branch Library of the Howard County Library System, and therefore will be closed most federal holidays. The archive is also closed Christmas Eve through January 2nd.

Fees apply for photo reproductions and photocopies.