FOCAL POINT FOR HOWARD COUNTY HISTORY
The SOCIETY is the proud custodian of two historic buildings perched atop Mt. Misery (Capitoline Hill) in the heart of Ellicott City, a 1772 mill town founded by the Ellicott Brothers, and the County seat named for Revolutionary War hero, John Eager Howard.
LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
The Museum–is housed in the former First Presbyterian Church, a building constructed in the Gothic style with a 100 foot bell tower, a roof characterized by steeply pitched intersecting gables with the south end of the building being semi-hexagonal in shape and having a semi-conical roof. The original structure begun in 1837 collapsed during renovations in 1894. The new structure was designed by George Archer. Frederick A. Wayland was the builder and Thomas Kirby the stone quarrier. The new church was dedicated December 23, 1894. The windows are stained and leaded glass and include a rose window picturing two angles behind the organ. (Two cherubs depicting Henry and Melissa, children of Rev. Branch, who died in infancy.) The organ was originally built in 1885 by the A.B. Felgemacher Organ Company of Erie, PA.
The preservation of the museum is an on-going project. From 1978 to date there has been extensive restoration on the building. Roof repair, replastering and painting, refinishing of floors and woodwork, and a new entrance installed. The Mellor entrance was cut into the old rector’s office to allow for handicap access.
The Library— has occupied the Weir Building or Old School House since 1988. The building originally housed the Ellicott Mills Quaker School. It is believed to be the oldest structure in Ellicott City. It features elaborate iron grille work on its porch. The library houses a rich research collection of books, journals, and documents featuring local history and genealogy.
COUNTY ARCHIVES
The library houses Howard County’s official archive of retired documents of historical value many of which date to the early 19th Century. These include deeds, marriage licenses, and property records.
