HCHS Education Programs & Activities

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.

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.

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.