Calendar of Events

Please contact the Historical Society at (410) 848-6494 for information about the many events offered during the year.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
Bus trip - Historic Elk Landing and Havre de Grace
On Wednesday, June 3, enjoy springtime in Maryland as we travel to beautiful Harford County. Our first stop is Historic Elk Landing. British troops passed through the area in August 1777 on their way to capture the American capitol in Philadelphia. In the early 19th century, it was a port for boats loaded with supplies heading for Baltimore and returning with coal, molasses, coffee, and whiskey. Here we will visit two house museums.

Next, we’ll head to Havre de Grace for lunch at the Tidewater Grill and the spectacular view of the Susquehanna River as it becomes the Chesapeake Bay. The lunch buffet will include appetizers, pork loin, tilapia francaise, primavera pasta, salad, mashed potatoes, ratatouille and dessert.

In the afternoon, choose one – or all – of three distinct museums. The Havre de Grace Maritime Museum tells the story of the rich maritime heritage and history of the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum houses one of the finest collections of working and decorative Chesapeake Bay decoys, including decoys and decorative carvings dating from 1930 to 1990, as well as boats, guns, textiles, books, documents and photographs. Concord Point Lighthouse, constructed in 1827, is the oldest continuously operated lighthouse in the State of Maryland. Everyone is free to spend as much or as little time in the museums that interest them. Each person is responsible for paying their own admission to these museums.

The bus leaves from the parking lot on Ralph St. behind the Church of the Ascension at 8:30 and arrives back in Westminster at 5:30. Cost for the trip [includes transportation, admission to Elk Landing and lunch] is $65 for HSCC members and $75 for non-members. Reservations are required by May 22. No refunds can be given for cancellations received after the reservation deadline. Call HSCC at 410-848-6494 to reserve your seats.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9

Fun with the 4-H Fair

Beginning in 1869, an annual county agricultural fair was held on the fairgrounds in Westminster. Today, the Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair continues to highlight the role of farming in the County. Bob Shirley, who has been involved in the fair for over 35 years, will present the history of the fair and highlight some of the amusing events that have occurred over the years. Noon to 1:00. Admission is $1.00 for HSCC members; $4.00 for non-members. At Carroll Post, American Legion, corner of Green and Sycamore Streets in Westminster. Bring a lunch, dessert and beverages provided. Or buy lunch at the Legion. Lunches must be ordered by 11:30; call the Legion at (410) 857-7953 for selections and to place an order.

TUESDAY, JULY 14
The Politics of Forming a New County – Carroll County – 1837
The process of forming a new county in this region was a major political controversy during the first four decades of the 1800s. Former member of the House of Delegates, Joe Getty, will discuss the 19th century political process that led to the creation of Carroll County in 1837. Admission is $1.00 for HSCC members; $4.00 for non-members. At Carroll Post, American Legion, corner of Green and Sycamore Streets in Westminster. Bring a lunch, dessert and beverages provided. Or buy lunch at the Legion. Lunches must be ordered by 11:30; call the Legion at (410) 857-7953 for selections and to place an order.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
Maryland, Miss Maryland
In 1955, Westminster resident Carol Jennette [now Shook] became Carroll County’s first and only Miss Maryland. Since 1936, the state-wide pageant has sent representatives to the national Miss USA competition. Carol will tell tales about her experience in the pageants, the strong local support she received, her numerous appearances and the climatic trip to Atlantic City. Noon to 1:00. Admission is $1.00 for HSCC members; $4.00 for non-members. At Carroll Post, American Legion, corner of Green and Sycamore Streets in Westminster. Bring a lunch, dessert and beverages provided. Or buy lunch at the Legion. Lunches must be ordered by 11:30; call the Legion at (410) 857-7953 for selections and to place an order.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Googling Your Ancestors
Instead of burying their noses in musty old books, today’s genealogists stare at computer screens. Sue Bundy, a volunteer in the HSCC Research Library, will provide an overview of the resources that are available on-line, how to find the best websites with the most reliable information and how to share your information with other researchers. Noon to 1:00. Admission is $1.00 for HSCC members; $4.00 for non-members. At Carroll Post, American Legion, corner of Green and Sycamore Streets in Westminster. Bring a lunch, dessert and beverages provided. Or buy lunch at the Legion. Lunches must be ordered by 11:30; call the Legion at (410) 857-7953 for selections and to place an order.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Antiques Appraisal Day
Whether you have a pieced quilt that belonged to your great grandmother, an old wooden trunk in the basement, a treasured dinner service, an old toy you played with as a child, or a rocking chair that belonged to your great aunt, come to the Antiques Appraisal Day and discover the value of your family heirlooms. The Antiques Appraisal Day event features a panel of accredited appraisers and national experts in the areas of American furniture, folk art and primitives, glassware and porcelain, silver, pewter, jewelry and clocks who will examine your item and give you a verbal estimate of its worth. Cost is $20 for the first item and $5 each for up to two additional items. Watch for the list of appraisers and their specialties.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Bus trip - Riversdale and Hillwood
Reservations required. Cost is $70 for HSCC members; $80 for non-members. Watch for details.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13
The Ghost of Legh Furnace
Over the years, legends and ghost stories abounded in Carroll County about the wicked deeds of Legh Master, a wealthy English ironmaster who settled near Westminster about 1771. Don Riley, author of the new book The Ghost of Legh Furnace, presents the findings from his research into Master’s life in England and Maryland. Noon to 1:00. Admission is $1.00 for HSCC members; $4.00 for non-members. At Carroll Post, American Legion, corner of Green and Sycamore Streets in Westminster. Bring a lunch, dessert and beverages provided. Or buy lunch at the Legion. Lunches must be ordered by 11:30; call the Legion at (410) 857-7953 for selections and to place an order.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Town & Country: Commercial Buildings in Carroll County
Carroll County’s rich heritage of residential and agricultural architecture has been the subject of many studies. Architectural historian Ken Short examines the less well-known story of the county’s commercial and industrial buildings and their development from the 1830s through the 1920s. Noon to 1:00. Admission is $1.00 for HSCC members; $4.00 for non-members. At Carroll Post, American Legion, corner of Green and Sycamore Streets in Westminster. Bring a lunch, dessert and beverages provided. Or buy lunch at the Legion. Lunches must be ordered by 11:30; call the Legion at (410) 857-7953 for selections and to place an order.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8

Farm Life in Carroll County

Farming - and related industries such as milling and canning - have been the backbone of Carroll County’s economy since the first settlers moved into the region. Lyndi McNulty, author of the new book Images of America: Farming in Carroll County, presents the story of the county’s farm families in the 19th and 20th centuries. Noon to 1:00. Admission is $1.00 for HSCC members; $4.00 for non-members. At Carroll Post, American Legion, corner of Green and Sycamore Streets in Westminster. Bring a lunch, dessert and beverages provided. Or buy lunch at the Legion. Lunches must be ordered by 11:30; call the Legion at (410) 857-7953 for selections and to place an order.

Last updated: May 28, 2009 Historical Society of Carroll County 210 East Main Street, Westminster MD 21157 (410) 848-6494