3 Unique Exhibits from the Howard County Historical Society

At the Wayside Inn, we’re a prime home base for trips to so many American history sites. We’re particularly proud of our own county. The Howard County Historical Society preserves and presents our area’s storied past.

This fall, consider reserving a getaway to Wayside Inn that coincides with one of these Howard County Historical Society exhibits:

Historic Walking Tour

August 8 & 22
September 12 & 26
October 10 & 24

Running on the second and fourth Saturdays from June through October, the Howard County Historical Society walking tours start at 11am. Tour group participants will meet at historic Mt. Ida (3691 Sarah’s Lane, Ellicott City) and will finish at the B & O Railroad Museum on Main Street.

At just ¾ of a mile, this walking tour is suitable for everyone—but there’s plenty of history packed in. Led by a local historian, tour groups see some of the most interesting sites in the Historic District and on Main Street.

Tickets are $10 per person, $5 for Howard County Historical Society Members. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

Tickets must be reserved ahead of time. For more information call 410-480-3250.

Appraisal Roadshow & Antiques Fair

Sunday, October 11
Session I : 10-11:30am
Session II : 11:30am-1pm

Miller Branch of the Howard County Library System
9421 Frederick Road
Ellicott City, MD 21042

“Curious about the value of treasures in your attic? Start searching the house now for items to be appraised by qualified professionals.” –from the Howard County Historical Society website

Bringing your treasures to the Howard County Historical Society appraisal roadshow will be well worth the effort.

Led by professional appraiser Todd Peenstra and gemologist Steve Gouterman from Paradigm Experts, you can expect a thorough examination of your item, an assessment of age and value, and advice for repair or restoration if needed.

Ticket prices:
$12 General Admission + 1 Appraisal
$8 Member Admission + 1 Appraisal
$5 General Admission

 

Bootlegger’s Paradise: Ellicott City during Prohibition

Just like most of the nation during the Prohibition era, Howard County was divided between “drys” (Prohibition supporters) and “wets” (opponents).

The Howard County Historical Society explains:

“Ellicott City was a town without saloons, but nevertheless was identified by famous Evangelical preacher Billy Sunday due to the ease at which prescribed alcohol could be attained through pharmacists on Main Street and throughout the county. This exhibit looks at the stories, the people, and the places from Ellicott City that gave it the moniker, A Bootlegger’s Paradise.”

Bootlegger’s Paradise has proved to be one of the museum’s most popular exhibits.

 

Howard County Curiosities

The Howard County Historical Society is home to a number of curiosities with some amusement as well as historical value attached to them.

One of our favorites is a set of dentures belonging to Thomas Johnson, a delegate to the Continental Congress. Although because of poor health he declined an appointment to secretary of state from Thomas Jefferson, he (and his teeth!) played a role in the founding of our nation.

To see more of Howard County Historical Society’s featured interesting objects, click here: Featured Objects

 

To book a stay at the Wayside Inn, click here. For more information on area attractions, request our free Vacation Guide. We’d love to see you this fall!

 

Photo Credit: Jon Dawson / 8000 Main Street Ellicott City / Flickr