History & Heritage in Howard County
Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge
1869 wrought and cast-iron bridge. The last remaining example of the Baltimore engineering design used all over the U.S. and Europe.
8600 Foundry Street Savage, MD 20763410-313-5131Visit website »Columbia Archives
A unique home to a one-of-a-kind collection of documents on the history and culture of the planned new town, Columbia, and the life of Jim Rouse, its founder. Open to the casual visitor or those interested in doing in-depth research.
10227 Wincopin Circle Columbia, MD 21044410-715-3043Visit website »Ellicott City Colored School Restored
Features the stabilized ruin of one of the most famous schools for girls in 19th century America.
8683 Frederick Road Ellicott City, MD 21043410-313-5131Visit website »Ellicott City Restoration Foundation
Dedicated to the historic preservation and economic revitalization of the Ellicott City historic district.
P.O. Box 92 Ellicott City, MD 21043410-303-2359Visit website »Friends of the Whipps Cemetary & Memorial Gardens
A public cemetery of common folk of early Ellicotts Mills – the blacksmiths, farmers and merchants.
3600 Block of St. Johns Lane Ellicott City, MD 21042410-465-2398Heritage Orientation Center
This historic structure was the county’s first court records building and is now home to a unique collection of exhibits on 18th and 19th century milling techniques, the floods of Ellicott Mills and the Ellicott family.
Corner of Main Street and Ellicott Mills Drive Ellicott City, MD 21043410-313-5131Visit website »Historic Ellicott City
Restores and preserves the historic beauty and significance of Ellicott City’s Historic District. Also annually restores a historic home in Howard County through the Decorator Show House program.
P.O. Box 244 Ellicott City, MD 21041410-461-6908Visit website »Historic Savage Mill
A historic complex of buildings home to speciality shops and artist’s studios.
8600 Foundry Street Box 2022Savage, MD 20763410-792-2820Visit website »Howard County Historical Society Library
A non-lending Library houses over 4,000 volumes on various aspects of the area now known as Howard County and its surrounding communities.
9421 Frederick Road Ellicott City, MD 21043410-480-3250Email »Howard County Historical Society Museum
The Museum is home to hundreds of objects that tell the story of Howard County’s history from before European settlement to recent events. From mills and businesses to homes, Native Americans to today’s diverse population, the railroad to the automotive age, the HCHS Museum has something to explore.
8328 Court Avenue Ellicott City, MD 21043410-480.-250Visit website »Patapsco Female Institute Historical Park
An 18th-century living history site that was once a mill workers residence and AME Church.
3655 Church Road Ellicott City, MD 21043410-313-5131Visit website »Patapsco Valley State Park
Nationally known for its trail opportunities and scenery, the park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, with 16,043 acres and eight developed recreational areas.
8020 Baltimore National Pike Ellicott City, MD 21043410-461-5005Visit website »Preservation Howard County
Dedicated to the preservation of Howard County’s historical and cultural heritage.
P.O. Box 6512 Ellicott City, MD 21042410-531-2460Visit website »The Maryland Historic National Road
The road that built the nation! Constructed in 1806, the Road begins in Baltimore City and continues west to Cumberland. Howard County’s portion includes wayside markers at key locations along the byway including the B&O Railroad Museum: Ellicott City Station, Thomas Isaac Log Cabin and the Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum.
Visit website »Thomas Isaac Log Cabin
An 18th-century living history site that was once a mill workers residence and AME Church.
Corner of Main Street and Ellicott Mills Drive Ellicott City, MD 21043410-313-5131Visit website »Thomas Viaduct
A National Historic Landmark and Maryland Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, this historic bridge is the oldest major railroad viaduct in North America and the first built on a curved alignment.
Levering Avenue, West of Route 1 Elkridge, MD 21043410-461-5005Visit website »
