Welcome to the Baltimore County Public Library.

Baltimore County Executives

D=Democrat R=Republican
 

Baltimore County was governed by County Commissioners before 1956.

Sources for County Executive information:

• Brooks, Neal A. A History of Baltimore County

• Maryland Manuals

• Baltimore Sun

Community History

BCPL is pleased to provide these area histories by local contributors. However, the information has not been verified by BCPL for accuracy or omissions.

• Eastern Region
  Battle of North Point in the War of 1812
  History of Dundalk
  History of Essex and Middle River
  History of Rosedale
  History of White Marsh One of the newer of Baltimore County communities
   

• Central Region
  Carney History including 'Hamburger Junction'
  Glen Ellen A historian's essay on the ruined local mansion
  History of Loch Raven Village
  History Time Line of Towson created by the staff of the Towson Library
  Lutherville, Maryland Begun in 1852 on land originally part of the Ridgely Estate
  Parkville Area History First surveyed in 1735
  Perry Hall Area History From early settlement to contemporary times
  Perry Hall Mansion From the Greater Perry Hall Community Alliance
  History of the Ruxton-Riderwood-Lake Roland Area
  Sanders' Corner began as a blacksmith shop in 1880's, it also house

• Western Region

  Arbutus Area Lansdowne, Relay, Farm School, Arbutus Oak
  History of Randallstown
  Castle Thunder Catonsville
  Catonsville History
  Fire and Faith: The Catonsville Nine File from the Maryland Digital Cultural Heritage project
  Granite Area History from Granite Historical Society
  Granite National Historic District Quarrying community; from Granite Historical Society
  Lansdowne - A railroad town
  Relay The Thomas Viaduct, Why the name Relay?
  Relay and Vicinity - Personal recollections of a local resident in 1911
  Reister's Town Reister family, founding of Reisterstown, 1st church and school
  Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area history, by Claudia J. Floyd
   

• African American Communities

African American History Research Links [PDF](opens in a new window)
Cites newspaper and other sources referring to local African Americans, local events, and buildings associated with local African Americans.

African American Survey Districts
Contains the history of African American neighborhoods in Baltimore County. Includes photographs.

Baltimore County Architectural Survey: African American Thematic Study [PDF](opens in a new window)
Includes information on architecture in our African American communities, a map of Baltimore County African American settlements and dates of settlement, lists of African American schools and churches, and African American surnames in Baltimore County.

• General History

Baltimore County This short history includes a color picture of the Baltimore County Seal
Baltimore County History Brief (1650-1854)
Bibliography of Baltimore County History [PDF](opens in a new window)  Extensive listing of historic publications available regionally Compiled by the Baltimore County Department of Planning.

Historical Associations

Historical Society of Baltimore County

Baltimore County Historical Trust, Inc.

Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission

Catonsville Historical Society

Dundalk-Patapsco Neck Historical Society, Inc.

Granite Historical Society

Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River, Inc.

Historic Glyndon, Inc.

Maryland Historical Trust: Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties

Selected Bibliography for Baltimore County History

(Links to BCPL catalog open in new window)

Anson, Melanie D.  Olmsted's Sudbrook: the Making of a Community.  Baltimore, MD: Sudbrook Park, Inc., 1997 Md 975.271A

Arbutus, a Historical Scrapbook.  Baltimore, MD: Greater Arbutus Community Alliance., 2001. Md(Ref) 975.271A

Baird, Hulett C. Edgemere. 1988. Md(Ref) 975.271B

Bartels, Fran. Violetville, the History of a Neighborhood. Baltimore, MD: Fran Bartels., 2002.  Md(Ref) 975.26.B.

Blum, Gayle Neville. Baltimore County. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Press, 2009. Md 975.271B

Board of Education of Baltimore County. Baltimore County in the State and Nation Towson, MD: Board of Education of Baltimore County, 1957 and 1962 Md 975.271 B

Bonnett, Logie. Baltimore County, its history, progress and opportunities.  1916  Md Ref 975.271B

Bready, Mary H.  Through all our days: a history of St. Paul's School for Girls. Baltimore, MD: Braun-Brumfield, 1999.  Md(Ref) 371.822B

Brinkmann, Walter S.  Never-to-be-forgotten tales of Catonsville. 1942  Md (Ref) 975.271B

Brooks, Neal A. and Richard Parsons. Baltimore County Panorama. Towson, MD: Baltimore County Public Library, 1988  Md (Ref) 975.271 B

Brooks, Neal A. History of Baltimore County. Towson, MD: Friends of the Towson Library Inc., 1979.  Md (Ref) 975.271 B

Brooks, E. Nelson. It couldn't have been better than this: memories of the childhood, family, and background of a fortunate boy  MD: E. Nelson Brooks, 1995. Ref B Brooks

Bunting, Elaine. Counties of Northern Maryland. Centerville, MD: Tidewater Publishers., 2000. JMd 975.27B

Clemens, Shirley B. From Marble Hill to Maryland Line: an Informal History of Northern Baltimore County. Baltimore, MD: Professional Printing Services., 1976, 1983, 1999.. Md(Ref) 975.271C

Coale, Joseph M. Middling Planters of Ruxton. Baltimore, MD: Maryland Historical Society., 1996. Md(Ref) 975.271C

County Directories of Maryland, Inc. 300th anniversary book of Baltimore County. 1959. Md (Ref)975.271C

Crewe, Amy Copper. No backward step was taken: highlights in the history of the public elementary schools of Baltimore County.  1949.  Md 379.75271C

Davidson, Isobel. Real Stories  From Baltimore County History. Hatboro, PA: Tradition Press, 1917 and 1967 Md 975.271 D 1967

Diggs, Louis S. From the Meadows to the Point: the Histories of the African American Community of Turner Station and what was the African American Community in Sparrows Point. Baltimore, MD: Louis Diggs., 2003. Md(Ref) 975.271D

Diggs, Louis S. Holding On to Their Heritage. 1996 Md 975.0049 D

Diggs, Louis S. It All Started on Winters Lane: a History of the Black Community in Catonsville, Maryland. 1995 Md 975.271 D

Diggs, Louis S. In Our Voices: a Folk History in Legacy. 1998  Md (Ref) 975.271D

Diggs, Louis S. North County: the History of African American Settlements in Northern Baltimore County's Scenic Horse Country.  Baltimore, MD: Louis S. Diggs., 2005. Md 975.271D

Diggs, Louis S. Our Struggles: Historic African American Communities in Southeast Baltimore County. Owings Mills, MD: Uptown Press., 2007. Md 975.271D

Diggs, Louis S. Since the Beginning: African American Communities in Towson . Owings Mills, MD: Uptown Press., 2000. Md(Ref) 975.271D

Diggs, Louis S. Surviving in America: Histories of 7 Black Communities in Baltimore County. Owings Mills, MD: Uptown Press., 2002. Md(Ref) 975.271D

Dundalk, the First Hundred Years 1895-1995. Baltimore: Patapsco Neck Historical Society., 1997.Md (Ref) 975271D

Essex 1909-1999: 90 Years of Yesterdays. Essex, MD; Essex Revitalization and Community Corporation,Inc. 1999.  Md (Ref) 975.271E

Esslinger, Dean. Towson University. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Press, 2005.  Md 975.2E 

Forbes, Marie. Speaking of Our Past (Owings Mills). Baltimore, MD; 1988. Md(Ref) 975.271F

Fox, Jimmy. Legacy of a Country Boy: Life on the Farm. Falcon, CO: Fox Meadow Pub., 2007 BFox

Frank, Beryl. A Pictorial History of Pikesville, Maryland. Towson, MD: Baltimore County Public Library, 1982 Md 975.271 F

Frank, Beryl. Way Back When in Sudbrook Park. Baltimore, MD: Sudbrook Park, Inc., 1997.  Md 975.271F

Gontrum, Edwin K. Sidelights on the History of Baltimore County. Towson, MD: Edwin K. Gontrum 1966 Md (Ref) 975.271 G

Green Spring Valley, its History and Heritage, vol.1: a History; Historic Homes. Baltimore, MD: Maryland Historical Society 1978 Md (Ref) 975.271 G

Green Spring Valley, its History and Heritage, vol. 2: Genealogies. Baltimore, MD: Maryland Historical Society 1978 Md (Ref) 975.271.G

Hahn, Henry George. Towson, a pictorial history of a Maryland town. Norfolk, VA: The Donning Company, 1977.  Md (Ref) 975.271H

Hastings, Lynne Dakin. Hampton National Historic Site. Baltimore, MD : 1986.  Md( Ref) 975.271 H

Helton, Gary. Dundalk. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Press, 2005. Md 975.271H

Historic Long Green Valley, Baltimore County, Maryland: architecture, history. Cockeysville, MD: Baltimore County Historical Society, 1981.  Md(Ref) 975.271H

Hollifield, William.  Difficulties made easy: history of the turnpikes of Baltimore City & County. 1978. Md (Ref) 388.1H

Horine, Paige. Maryland State Fair: Celebrating 125 Years.  Charleston, SC: Arcadia Press., 2006. Md 975.2H

Huttenhauer, Helen G. Historical Resume: Baltimore County, Md 1659 Towson, MD: Office of Research and Public Affairs. 1977 Md 975.271 H

Jessop, Jennie E.  Origin names in Baltimore County. 1968   Md (Ref) 975.271J

Kaufman, J.G.  Growing Up In Catonsville in the 1940's: a Home in Eden Terrace.  2001.  Md(Ref)975.271K

Keidel, George C. Early Catonsville and the Caton Family. Baltimore, MD: 1944.  Md(Ref) 975.271K

Keidel, George C. Colonial History of Catonsville. Catonsville, MD: American Bicentennial Committee of Catonsville, Bicentennial Edition 1976 and 1983. Md(Ref) 975.271 K 1983

Lanman, Barry Allen. Baltimore County: Celebrating a Legacy 1659-2009. Cockeysville. MD: Historical Society of Baltimore County, 2009.  Md 975.21 L

Lanman, Barry Allen. Halethorpe Heritage: Story of a Maryland Community. Halethorpe, MD; Halethorpe Improvement Association., 2006. Md(Ref) 975.271L

Leifert, Donald L. Riggie: Journey from 5th Street. Parkville, MD: Donald L.Leifert.,2004. Md(Ref)BM

Marks, David. Crossroads: History of Perry Hall.  Baltimore, MD: Gateway Press, Inc., 1999. Md(Ref) 975.271M

Marks, Lillian Bayly. Reister's Desire. Baltimore, MD: Garamond/Pridemark Press, Inc., 1975 Md (Ref) 975.271 M

Martinak, M. Linda and Angela Martinak Sutherland. Essex and Middle River. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Press, 2007. Md (Ref) 975.271M

McGrain, John W. A Glossary of Place Names in Baltimore County. Towson, MD: Baltimore County Office of Planning, 1999 Md (Ref) 917.5271 M 1999

McGrain, John W. Grist Mills in Baltimore County, Maryland. Towson, MD: Baltimore County Public Library, 1980 (Md 664.72 M)

McKee, Ann Milkovich. Hampton National Historic Site. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Press, 2007. Md 975.271M

Mueller, Kevin A. Bay Shore Park: Fun on the Chesapeake.  Kevin Mueller., 2001.  Md(Ref)791.068M

Nickel, Jackie. Essex.  San Francisco, CA: Arcadia Press., 2007. Md 975.217N

Nickel, Jackie. "Old" Middle River: a Loving Look Back. Easton, MD: Chesapeake Publishing Company, 2002 Md (Ref) 975.271 N

Donovan, Molly. Towson and the Villages of  Ruxton and Lutherville. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Press, 1999. Md(Ref) 975.2O

Orser, Edward and Joseph Arnold. Catonsville 1880 to 1940 From Village to Suburb. Norfolk, VA: Donning Co., 1989 Md (Ref) 975.271 O

Perkins, I.B. Picturesque Catonsville.  Baltimore, MD: I.B.Perkins, 1895.  Md Ref 975.271P

Perry Hall, reflections from the past.  Perry Hall, MD: Mercantile Bank & Trust, 1979.  Md(Ref) 975.271P

Pollack, Carol.  Reisterstown.  1976 and 1986.  Md(Ref) 975.271P

Reflections, Sparrows Point, Md. 1887-1975. Dundalk, MD: Dundalk-Patapsco Neck Historical Society, 1976 Md (Ref) 975.271 R

Roberts, L. Keith. History of the Back River Neck Peninsula. Baltimore, MD: Best Press, 1993. Md (Ref) 975.271 R

Scharf, John Thomas. History of Baltimore City and County, 2 vols. 1881. Md(Ref) 975.2S.

Seitz, M. Patricia C.  Tanyard, Windsor and beyond, 1702-1989.  MD: M.P.C.Seitz., 1996. Md(Ref) 975.271S

Staab, Bob.  Growing Up in Dundalk: Precious Memories. Baltimore, MD: Bob Staab., 2007. BStaab

Steffen, Charles G. From Gentlemen to Townsmen: the Gentry of Baltimore County, Maryland, 1660-1776. University Press of Kentucky, 1993. Md 975.271 S

Toomey, Daniel Carro.  History of Relay, Md and the Thomas Viaduct. 1975,1984 and 1995. Md(Ref) 975.271T

Villages of Northeast Baltimore County, Origins to c. 1940. Greater Northeast Baltimore County Historical District Committee Md (Ref) 975.271 V

Watson, Jerome.  Turner Station. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Press, 2008. Md(Ref)975.271W

Wise, Marsha Wight. Catonsville. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Press, 2005.  Md 975.271W

Associations and Research Facilities

Maryland Association of History Museums
Provides very basic info such as hours, location, contact for local museums.
 

Maryland Department
Comprehensive collection of resources available from the State Library Resource Center (Enoch Pratt Free Library)
 

Maryland Historical Society
Museum, library, calendar of events, school programs, children's page 

 Maryland State Archives
"Historical agency for Maryland and serves as the central depository for government records of permanent value. Records date from the founding of the colony in 1634"
 

Researching the History of Your House
How-To Guide from the Maryland Department of the Enoch Pratt Free Library/State Library Resource Center. Resources for exploring the history of a house, including maps, deed research, and tax assessments.

Maryland and Regional History

Baltimore "America's City of Firsts"
Impressive list of "Firsts" in medicine, science & Technology, sports, transportation, military, entertainment, monuments and much more.
 

Baltimore Neighborhood Histories
From LiveBaltimore
 

Howard County Historic Highlights
Includes communities of Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Lisbon, Savage and West Friendship
 

Maryland History
Includes Maryland Historic Figures
 

Maryland Kids' Page
Lots of info about Maryland's geography, places to visit and counties, brought to you from the Maryland Office of the Secretary of State
 

Maryland the Seventh State
The website provides basic historic information with some illustrations about Maryland, it's symbols and founders. Also a book by John T. Marck, Maryland The Seventh State can be found in BCPL collections (Md (Ref) 975.2 M) and contains much more including histories of each Maryland County.
 

Maryland's Regions
and by county within each region; founding and history of each.

The Ma and Pa Railroad Historical Society
The Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad operated in the Baltimore area, including several stations and miles of track in Baltimore County

Maryland Department-Enoch Pratt Free Library
State Library Resource Center's in-depth collection of resources on Maryland and her counties

Maryland State Archives
Official home for all historical records for the State of Maryland including Maryland Manual, Legislative records, Maryland history, elected officials

Quick Facts

Great Seal of Maryland
from Maryland the Seventh State site
 

History of the State Flag
from Maryland the Seventh State site
 

Maryland at a Glance
Why the name Maryland, nicknames, statehood, museums, capital and lots more; from the Maryland Archives
 

Maryland Historical Chronology
Maryland history in a nutshell; from the Maryland Archives
 

Maryland Facts
Explanations of our state names such as 'America in Miniature', symbols, etc.
 

State Symbols
Great Seal of Maryland; also State Bird, Flag, Song, Tree and others; from the Maryland Archives
 

Maryland State Flag
Picture, history, and proper display
 

Maryland - Kids Page
Interesting facts about Maryland!  From the flag to the state bird--test your knowledge here
 

Baltimore City Mayors, 1797-
List with dates served, some pictures and biographical info. Md. Archives
 

Barons of Baltimore and Lords Proprietary
 

Maryland Governors
1634 - present
 

Constitutional Convention of 1776
Ninth Convention which framed Maryland 1st state constitution
 

Delegates to the Continental and Confederation Congresses
 

Signers of the Declaration of Independence, 1776
 

Signers of the Articles of Confederation, 1781
 

Signers of the Federal Constitution, 1787
 

Maryland Day - March 25
Celebrates the landing of the Ark and the Dove on March 25, 1634 on St. Clement's Island. A Charter was granted to Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Lord Baltimore on June 20, 1632 and finally the two vessels departed from Cowes, England on November 22, 1633.

Defenders' Day - September 12
Anniversary of the Battle of North Point, September 12, 1814 during the War of 1812.

Museums and Historic Sites

• African American

African American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation and Museum
1200 U Street, Northwest
Washington, District of Columbia 20009
The first and only national memorial and museum honoring African Americans who fought in the Civil War
 

African American Heritage Guide, Washington County, Maryland
from Hagerstown Convention Visitors Bureau
There are many historic African American sites in Washington County, Maryland.
 

African Art Museum of Maryland
5430 Vantage Point Road
in Historic Oakland at Town Center
Post Office Box 1105
Columbia, Maryland 21044
Call ahead for hours.
Exhibits of African art covering a variety of cultures and styles, lectures, workshops and courses for adults, children and families. Holds trips to Africa and hosts Literary Society.
 

Baltimore's African American Heritage and Attractions Guide
by Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association
Information about Baltimore's historic African American landmarks, performing arts centers, museums, colleges and universities
 

Baltimore Black Travel Guide
by SoulOfAmerica.com
Check out the listing of cultural sites, historic sites, and historic places of worship.
 

Baltimore Museum of Art
10 Art Museum Drive
Baltimore, Maryland 21218
One of the earliest and most important collections of African art and works by contemporary African Americans
 

Banneker-Douglass Museum
84 Franklin Street
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Dedicated to preserving Maryland's African American heritage. Serves as "State's official repository for African American artifacts".
 

Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum
300 Oella Avenue (at Old Frederick Road)
Oella, Maryland 21228
410-887-1081
Open Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
On the Banneker homestead, this 142-acre institution of cultural and natural history is dedicated to the noted colonial mathematician, surveyor, writer and astronomer Benjamin Banneker. Banneker was born in 1731 and was America's first black man of science. The Museum houses a permanent collection of Banneker's artifacts and biographical material.
 

The Emmart-Pierpont Safe House
3525 North Rolling Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21244
410-655-7821
Over 200 years old, a Baltimore County landmark, the Emmart-Pierpont Safe House is an 18th century farm house and a station on the Underground Railroad. See the on-site history and display of the Emmart family, their role in the Underground Railroad, the development of our area of Baltimore County, and its part in our history from colonial days to the present and beyond. Visitors welcome by appointment with lectures available for groups.
 

Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center
847 North Howard Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Exhibits showcase the life and music of jazz legends from Baltimore like Eubie Blake, Billy Holliday and Cab Calloway. Live jazz performances, dance classes, music classes and special events.
 

Frederick Douglass Isaac Myers Maritime Park
1417 Thames Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21231
Highlights African American maritime history, Douglass's life in Baltimore as a enslaved child and young man working the Baltimore docks and Myers, a free born African American who became a national leader. Find also information about the first African American owned and operated shipyard. Includes artifacts, maps and images, audio, and more.
 

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
1411 West Street Southeast
Washington, District of Columbia 20020
Cedar Hill, Douglass' former home, has more than a dozen rooms containing a variety of personal items.
 

Hampton National Historic Site
535 Hampton Lane
Towson, Maryland 21286
Original slave quarters are dwarfed by this Georgian mansion. When it was finished in 1790, Hampton was the largest house in the United States.
 

James E Lewis Museum of Art
Morgan State University
Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center
2201 Argonne Drive
Baltimore, MD 21251
443-885-3030
Collection of African and African American art and art of faculty and students
 

Lutherville Historical Colored School Number 24 Museum
1426 School Lane
Lutherville, Maryland 21093
410-825-6114
Built in the early 1900's, the Lutherville Colored School Number 24 was a grade school for "Colored" children until the 1950's. The Lutherville historical schoolhouse serves as a monument of the rich history of African-Americans in Baltimore County. Artifacts include books original to the school, report cards, oral histories, antique furnishings and oil lamps.
 

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
1318 Vermont Avenue Northwest
Washington, District of Columbia 20005
Permanent exhibits profile influential black women and chronicles Bethune's life as a educator, presidential advisor, and political activist. A separate building houses the National Archives for Black Women's History, one of the country's largest collections of manuscripts relating to African American women.
 

Maryland's African-American Heritage Guide [PDF](opens in a new window)
from Maryland Office of Tourism Development
Introduce yourself to the Maryland African American experience. Here you'll find museums and other destinations across the state.
 

National Great Blacks in Wax Museum
1601-3 East North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21213
First wax museum of African American history in the nation. Exhibit of historical figures presents the struggles and achievements of African people from ancient Egypt to the present.
 

National Museum of African Art
950 Independence Avenue Southwest
Washington, District of Columbia 20560
Museum and library containing artifacts, photographs and memorabilia on African art from ancient to contemporary times
 

Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture
830 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Three galleries of Maryland’s black heritage
 

Samuel and Ida Torsell Mini-Museum
79 Winters Lane
Catonsville, Maryland 21228
410-744-9478 for hours and appointment
Presents the history of the Winters Lane community in Baltimore County dating back to the time of slavery. The community grew as freed slaves moved into the area establishing businesses, churches, lodges and schools. Winters Lane is the only black community in Baltimore County that is on the National Register of Historic Places.
 

Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
1901 Fort Place, Southeast
Washington, District of Columbia 20020
Documents and interprets the effect of historical and contemporary social and cultural issues on communities. Major African American historical and cultural artifacts and photographs, documents and other materials relevant to District of Columbia neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River. 
 

Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards
Exhibits of Baltimore's recent sports history and its "rich Negro League history"

• Baltimore County

Ballestone Manor Museum of 1780-1880 period. Located at Rocky Point Golf Course, 1935 Back River Neck Rd, Baltimore MD 21221.
 

Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum
 

Fire Museum of Maryland Hand-pulled, horse-drawn and motorized fire equipment dating from 1822
 

Hampton National Historic Site Georgian mansion with original furnishings.
 

Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River Museum Situated in a 1920 fire house, museum features general store, candle shop, music shop, toy shop, schoolroom, and drug store, 516 Eastern Blvd., Essex, MD 21221
 

Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum Aviation history in Maryland
 

Lutherville Historical Colored School Number 24 Museum
1426 School Lane
Lutherville, Maryland 21093
410-825-6114
Built in the early 1900's, the Lutherville Colored School Number 24 was a grade school for "Colored" children until the 1950's. The Lutherville historical schoolhouse serves as a monument of the rich history of African-Americans in Baltimore County. Artifacts include books original to the school, report cards, oral histories, antique furnishings and oil lamps.
 

Museum of the Historical Society of Baltimore County 1659 to present. Six museum rooms in former Almshouse include country kitchen, bedroom, children's room, country store, schoolroom, as well as agricultural related materials in the Farm Museum.
 

Townsend House and Pullen Museum Townsend House has an eighteenth century floor plan and includes a variety of antiques from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, historic Homewood replica model dollhouse, Knot Garden. The Pullen Museum is currently the headquarters of the Catonsville Historical Society.

• Throughout Maryland  

Antietam National Battlefield
Civil War battlefield
 

Baltimore: A National Register Travel Itinerary
Two centuries of history in these 40 plus locations
 

Baltimore Civil War Museum - President Street Station
1849 train station and the role Baltimore played in the Civil War
 

Baltimore Maritime Museum
Three historic ships:
Coast Guard Cutter Taney, Lightship Chesapeake, WWII submarine Torsk and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse
 

Baltimore Museum of Industry
250 years of the industrial or "work" history of Baltimore and surrounding areas
 

 Carroll County Farm Museum
 

Catoctin Mountain Park
Recreation area first developed by the WPA and the CCC in the 1930's
 

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Site
184.5 mile canal from Washington D.C. to Cumberland Maryland
 

Clara Barton National Historic Site
Home and former headquarters of the founder of the American Red Cross
 

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Official National Park site for Fort McHenry, birthplace of the national anthem
 

Fort Washington Park
Defense for our Nation's Capital
 

Great Blacks in Wax Museum
Life-size, life-like wax figures depicting African ancestry and history
 

Lighthouses: Mid Atlantic Coast
Publicly accessible lighthouses in Maryland, Delaware, southern New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina
 

Maryland Forts
Brief information on each fort and links when available. From American Forts East
 

Monocacy National Battlefield
"Battle That Saved Washington"
 

National Register of Historic Places: Maryland Listing
Select by county. Some are also designated as National Historic Landmarks. From Maryland Historical Trust
 

Sotterley Plantation
Dates from 1717
 

Thomas Stone National Historic Site
Plantation of Declaration of Independence signer from Maryland
 

U.S.S. Constellation
Last surviving ship of the Civil War, the Constellation has returned after two years of restoration to Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

Multi-Site Museum Listings
  

Museums
Listing for each County. From the Maryland Archives

Local History Materials at BCPL

Local History and Maryland Collection
 

Whether delving into history, locating government information, answering school assignment questions, or just browsing for photographic albums, and more, this collection includes a broad spectrum of material. All branches have collections of Maryland and some local items.

The Arbutus Branch, the Catonsville Branch, the Reisterstown Branch and the Towson Branch maintain historical archives on the local communities they serve. The historical information consists of rare and out-of-print books, newspaper clippings, and historical prints of local sites. These materials are non-circulating and may be accessible by appointment only; please call the branch to determine whether you need an appointment to use the historical collection.

Historic Newspapers 

The following newspaper databases are available online. Access requires a BCPL library card:

Historic Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper: 1893-1988
Founded by former slave John Henry Murphy Sr. when he merged three church publications, The Baltimore Afro-American became one of the most widely circulated African-American newspapers on the Atlantic Coast. In addition to featuring the first black female reporter (Murphy’s daughter) and female sportswriters, the paper’s contributors have included writer Langston Hughes, intellectual J. Saunders Redding, artist Romare Bearden, and sports editor Sam Lacy, whose column influenced the desegregation of professional sports.

Historic Baltimore Sun (1837-1985)
Founded by Arunah Shepherdson Abell as a paper devoted to the news that most directly affected the lives of its readers, The Baltimore Sun’s history is among the most distinguished in American journalism. It represented this bustling port city by reporting on pivotal issues and events of the 19th and early 20th centuries: immigration, the slave trade, commerce, the Civil War, Washington D.C. politics (The Baltimore Sun began publishing 40 years before the Washington Post), Americana, and literature. H.L. Mencken, the “Sage of Baltimore,” and one of the most influential American writers of the early 20th century, wrote for this renowned newspaper.

Microfilm Collections at BCPL

The Catonsville and Towson Branches have an historical collection of newspapers on microfilm and other archival material pertaining to Baltimore County and Maryland
 

Historic Photographs

Legacy Web
Search or browse a growing archive of annotated, digitized photographs of Baltimore County as well as Baltimore Magazine from the early years. All aspects of Baltimore County life for the last 130 years are contained in BCPL's photo archives, estimated to hold at least 15,500 images. Included are most aspects of rural living including photographs of people, building sites and events in the Baltimore County area. These photographs can be used for presentations, displays and publications and also make fine additions to personal collections. Prints are available for sale.