Archive & Research Library
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.
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.
Museum of Howard County History
8328 Court Avenue, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Parking is available on the street or in the Circuit Courthouse parking lot.
Saturdays and Sundays: 1:00PM-5:00PM
Admission is FREE.
The Museum of Howard County History is home to hundreds of objects that tell the story of Howard County’s history from before European settlement to recent events.
The Museum of Howard County History has something to explore from mills and businesses to homes, Native Americans to today’s diverse population, and the railroad to the automotive age,
Please contact us at 410.480.3250 or info@hchsmd.org for more information or to inquire about donating items.
Ellicott Mills Children’s Museum
3725 Park Avenue, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Parking is available on the street or in the Circuit Courthouse parking lot.
Saturdays and Sundays: 1:00PM-5:00PM
Admission is FREE. Guided group tours available by appointment only on Saturdays and Sundays($5/child)
The Ellicott Mills Children’s Museum (EMCM) is an interactive, hands-on educational center focusing on the history and culture of those who lived and worked in a 19th century mill town. EMCM is divided into four themed rooms and a garden: Quaker School; Great Room; Ellicott General Store; Mill Display; 1804 Garden. For children of all ages and their parents, plan a visit soon.
Please contact us at 410.480.3250 or info@hchsmd.org for more information or to inquire about donating items.
Pue-Fulton Farm Museum
3948 Cooks Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Open by appointment
This original construction of this historic farmhouse dates to 1850, with additions in 1865 and 1907. Once spanning over 50 acres, this property still includes the restored original house, as well as a spring house/smoke house. The house features a public meeting space and two exhibit rooms.
There are 2 exhibit spaces in the museum. The front room tells the history of the property, information about the owners, and features period-appropriate furniture. The former parlor depicts a mid-19th century farmhouse, with period appropriate furniture and panels describing the property and owners. The former dining room is dedicated to the history of agriculture in the county. The rear room tells the story of agriculture in Howard County with an illustrated timeline, as well as period-appropriate farm tools and medical equipment (Pue was a physician).
There is a meeting space with a kitchen, restroom, and a space for 25 people. It is available for free for Howard County non-profits. See our “Rentals” tab for more information or contact us via email at info@hchsmd.org or call us at 410.480.3250.