“Open House Day in the Ellicott City Historic District”
As we continue to celebrate the 250th Anniversary
of the Founding of the United States
these sites in Historic Ellicott City
will be open on Saturday October 17th, 2026.
Merryman Street Log Home *– 8394 Main St. - Open 1pm to 4pm
Home of a free African American family in the early 1850’s.
Ellicott City Firehouse Museum *– 3829 Church Rd.- Open 1pm to 4pm
Ellicott City & Howard County’s 1st Firehouse operating from 1889 to 1923.
Ellicott City Colored School Museum *– 8683 Frederick Rd. - Open 1pm to 4pm
First publicly funded school for African Americans in Howard County – 1880 – 1953.
Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park* - 3655 Church Rd. Open 1pm to 4pm
A school offering a revolutionary curriculum to young women – 1837-1891
* Docents on duty at these locations with full site information.
Museum of Howard County History - 8328 Court Ave. - Open 1pm to 5pm
Home to hundreds of objects that tell the story of Howard County’s history.
Ellicott Mills Children’s Museum - 3725 Park Ave. - Open 1pm to 5pm
Interactive, hands-on educational center on the history & culture of those who lived in town.
Centre Lodge #40 IOOF - 8134 Main St. (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) Open 9am to 1pm
Circa 1848 building acquired by the Odd Fellows in 1863 & still in use by them.
George Ellicott House - 24 Frederick Road (StoneBridge Advisors), Inc. – Open 11am to 3pm
1789 house built by the son of town founder Andrew Ellicott!
The Bridge Market – 8000 Main Street (Waverly Real Estate Group) – Open 1pm to 5pm
Believed to have been built in the late 1700’s; home to Radcliffe’s Emporium in 1878.
Jackie’s Dollhouses & Miniatures – 8098 Main St. Open Noon to 5pm
Patapsco National Bank was chartered in 1833 and built this building in 1905.
Today it Features Antique & Vintage Dolls, Accessories, Miniatures and Doll Houses.
Howard County Welcome Center – 8267 Main St. - Open 10am to 5pm
Located in a former Post Office Building (circa 1940) the Welcome Center is here to help visitors learn about the many amenities and highlights of Howard County. Currently featuring a very special exhibit presented by the Elkridge Assembly Rooms: A BOX OF MONKEYS and BEYOND - A Community's Evolution through Poster Art!
Artists’ Gallery – 8197 Main St. - Open 11am to 6pm
An artists owned Gallery today hosting two great exhibits: The Gift of Art 2026 - Original artwork by our gallery artists and a Special Photography Exhibit: The American West by Jay Moore
B & O Railroad Museum Ellicott City Station – 3711 Maryland Ave. - Open 10am to 5pm
Special exhibit exploring the history of the Ellicott City Station and how the oldest surviving railroad station in the United States was preserved. Look for a very special replica on loan from the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation!
Mt. Ida - 3691 Sarah’s Lane – Open Noon to 4pm
The last known home to have been built by an Ellicott in Ellicott City, Mt. Ida, circa 1828. Today The Inn at Mt. Ida continues to welcome guests as a refined and charming venue for special occasions! Capitoline Center – 8360 Court Ave. - Open – 10am to 4pm
A newly opened arts and cultural hub in the former Howard County Circuit Court building with portions dating from 1843 with additions added in 1937 & 1950. Today, 2 Howard County Arts Council Galleries Open!