Bringing History to Life, Inspiring Learning, Connecting Our Community.
Explore, Discover, and Learn:
Howard County History
At the Howard County Historical Society, we believe that history is for everyone and that learning about our past inspires a deeper understanding of our community, our shared experiences, and the stories that connect us. We are committed to fostering lifelong learning for all ages by bringing local history to life through engaging, meaningful, and accessible educational experiences.
Our mission is to steward and interpret Howard County’s rich history by bringing to life the artifacts, records, and stories that engage, inspire, and connect our diverse community. Through educational programs, classroom visits, and experiences at the Ellicott Children’s Museum, we invite learners of all ages to explore the people, places, and events that have shaped our county.
The educational materials on this page are designed to make discovering local history fun, interactive, and meaningful. Whether you’re an educator enriching classroom lessons, a homeschooling family looking for engaging learning opportunities, or a family seeking a new way to explore your community together, these resources offer opportunities to ask questions, uncover stories, and connect with the past.
We invite you to explore, learn, and discover the history right in your own backyard!
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Discover what life was like in our hometown long ago! Explore the everyday experiences, traditions, and activities of people who lived in Howard County during the 1800s through fun, hands-on activities for learners of all ages. Whether at home, in the classroom, or with family, there’s always something new to discover about our local past.
Family Life: Discover what family life was like in the 1800s and learn how families made everyday essentials from scratch. Explore the traditions and daily routines of the past, including the hands-on process of making your own butter!
Life as a Child in the Early 1800s: What was childhood like in the early 1800s? Discover the daily routines, chores, and responsibilities of children in the past, and explore the games and activities they enjoyed for fun. Compare life then and now to see just how much childhood has changed!
General Store: Step into the shoes of an 1800s shopkeeper or shopper! Discover what goods were sold in local stores, learn how much everyday groceries cost, and explore what it was like to buy and sell goods in the past.
Life as a Mill Worker: Step back in time to discover what life was like for mill workers in Ellicott’s Mills during the late 1700s and 1800s. Explore the daily work, challenges, and routines of mill life, and learn how the mills helped shape the growth and history of our county.
Teaching in a One Room Schoolhouse: What was a school day like in a one-room schoolhouse during the 1800s? Discover how teachers managed students of different ages, explore the subjects children studied, and learn about the rules, routines, and tools of early education. Imagine what it would be like to teach or learn in a classroom of the past!
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Celebrate the seasons with history-inspired holiday fun! Explore festive activities, creative projects, and traditions that bring the past to life. Perfect for classrooms, homeschool learning, or family time, these activities offer fun ways to celebrate, learn, and discover the history behind our favorite holidays.
Juneteenth: Discover the history and significance of Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Explore the traditions behind this important celebration, create a quilt-inspired craft, and try a recipe connected to Juneteenth food traditions. Learn how history, creativity, and food bring people together to honor freedom, resilience, and community.