4.5B&O Railroad Museum(852 reviews) - Great place for kids and adults Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
The B&O Railroad Museum, a full affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the birthplace of American Railroading, is home to the oldest, most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere including an unparalleled roster of 19th and 20th century railroad equipment. You’ll enjoy exploring our expansive Museum campus, known as the Mount Clare Shops and Station and was the original railroading complex of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O). Founded in 1827, the B&O had a dramatic economic, social, and cultural impact on our society. Its nearly 200-year history is deeply intertwined with the story of America and helped shaped our nation through invention, innovation, and ingenuity. Experience two centuries of American railroading history throughout our campus of historic buildings, exhibitions, interactive displays, and our world-class collection of rolling stock —locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, and maintenance vehicles. All Aboard!See more..
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is the premier center for the study and research of medical innovation during the American Civil War. Exhibits, programs lecture and research facilities look at innovations in science, medical logistics, medical organization, nursing, civilian medical relief and much more.See more..
4.5Baltimore Museum of Industry(311 reviews) - You'll be amazed at what you learn Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
The Baltimore Museum of Industry celebrates the innovators, entrepreneurs and workers who propelled this port city into the industrial age and beyond. From garment making to airplane manufacturing, food canning to video game design, visitors to the museum will discover how Baltimore's pioneering spirit built the region's manufacturing might and continues to shape Maryland today. Located in an 1860s oyster cannery on a five-acre waterfront campus, the BMI offers dynamic exhibitions, live demonstrations, engaging tours and hands-on activities for guests of all ages.See more..
4.5Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center(234 reviews) - Excellent interpretive exhibit that pulls you into the story of Harriett Tubman's life and moves visitors. Saturday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM History Museums
Right now reservations are required due to COVID 19 and there is plenty of hand sanitizer and few enough people to allow for social distancing. We met a few family members there ranging from senior citizens to tweens and they were all moved by the experience of visiting the museum. Harriet Tubman suffered through horrific conditions and situations and persevered. The exhibits recount these situations but leave visitors with profound respect for Harriet's accomplishments as well as a sense of hope and inspiration. I hope to be able to return soon to complete the driving tour.See more..
5.0National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton(172 reviews) - A Historical and Intriguing Visit Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites • Monuments & Statues • History Museums
Historic site that's the home of the first American-born saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton.See more..
Note: Full access to the lighthouse is limited due to COVID-19. Please visit welcome.cbmm.org for details. Ascend the steps of the Hooper Strait Lighthouse and travel back in time to learn how 19th century lighthouse keepers tended their station in the middle of the Bay. Through this hands-on exhibit, visitors can climb the sea hatch, tend the huge lens, or stand watch on the lookout for ships or fog, experiencing firsthand the solitary, often heroic lives of Hooper Strait lighthouse keepers. The 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, now standing on Navy Point, was originally built in 1879 to light the way for boats passing through the shallow, dangerous shoals of Hooper Strait, a thoroughfare for boats bound from the Chesapeake Bay across Tangier Sound to Deal Island or places along the Nanticoke and Wicomico Rivers. As a “screwpile” lighthouse, it is built on special iron pilings which were tipped with a screw that could be turned into the muddy bottom for a depth of 10 feet or more.See more..
4.5Historic St. Mary's City(149 reviews) - On the edge of the Chesapeakel a mini-Williamsburg Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
Historic St. Mary's City is a museum of living history and archaeology on the site of Maryland's first capital. The living history exhibits are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.See more..
Opened in March 2017, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center invites visitors to experience Tubman’s world through exhibits that are informative and emotive. Visitors have the opportunity to understand Tubman’s early years spent in the Choptank River region of Maryland along with the resistance movement of the Underground Railroad.See more..
4.5National Museum of Health & Medicine(116 reviews) - Hidden gem Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Science Museums • History Museums
The National Museum of Health and Medicine was established during the Civil War as the Army Medical Museum, a center for the collection of specimens and artifacts for research related to trauma and pathology. The museum's mission to preserve and explore the impact of military medicine spans more than 150 years and includes each major U.S. armed conflict. However, military medicine does not exist in a vacuum, and it is the museum's vision to preserve, inspire, and inform the history, research, and advancement of military as well as civilian medicine through world-class collections, digital technology, and public engagement. Visit the museum to learn about topics ranging from combat casualty care and traumatic brain injury, to the history of vaccine development and techniques in forensic identification.See more..
4.5Surratt House Museum(82 reviews) - Nice bit of history; well-maintained site Saturday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Built in 1852 as a middle-class plantation home, historic Surratt House recaptures life during the mid-19th century and features the fascinating web of the Lincoln conspiracy. Tours & Museum Shop Monday & Tuesday: closed Wednesday-Friday: 11 am - 3 pm Saturday & Sunday: noon - 4 pm Tours depart from the Visitor Center every half hour and the last tour begins one half hour prior to closing. Office Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm and during weekend open hours. Group Tours Group tours of 10 or more may be scheduled in advance. Please call the office to schedule your group.See more..
4.5Sotterley Historic Plantation(66 reviews) - Historic Sotterly Plantation Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums
An 18th-century house that sits on a high bluff with wonderful views of the Patuxent River.See more..
5.0Banneker-Douglass Museum(60 reviews) - Pieces of the African American Historical Puzzle Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums
My husband planned a wonderful and memorable birthday celebration for me which included tours of African American sites in Annapolis. One tour was this incredible museum. What made the experience memorable was the private tour led by Mr. LeRonn Herbert, a member of the administrative team at the museum. His enthusiasm, knowledge, and expertise were impeccable. We learned so much about the important historical figures who are among the heroes and heroines of African American history and how their courage and tenacity made our liberation possible. Depending on your current knowledge of African American history, you may or may not need a guide. If you need a private guide, please request Mr. Herbert.See more..
This is an adjunct to the larger and main Civil War medical museum but well worth the visit. Excellent 'view' of some medical practices used during the Civil WarSee more..
4.5Fire Museum of Maryland(41 reviews) - Fire trucks and more! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
Showcasing over 250 years of urban firefighting in America, the Fire Museum of Maryland is a nationally significant treasure. One of the largest fire Museums in the country you can see over 40 pieces of apparatus as well as a working fire alarm office, Baltimore Cities 1871 Engine 8 fire house, Discovery Room, and more! Come for a visit, tour, or let us host your next event/party. Come see the hottest museum in town!See more..
4.5C&D Canal Museum(39 reviews) - Well Done Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
While not a large museum, the C&D Canal Museum covers it's subject matter very well. There were two videos to watch and displays that told the history of the canal. We had a teen and tween with us who didn't find it quite as interesting as we did. This museum is easily done in an hour's time.See more..
Tour the Museum of Frederick County History and immerse yourself into an exciting story of people, places and events that molded the county into what you see today. With historical artifacts, works of art, photographs and other materials from the past, visitors experience the county's rich history and meet interesting characters from the past. Enjoy a family friendly, completely hands-on exhibit with over 15 activities that encourage learning, adventure, and fun. "Snallygaster's Exploritorium" is a must see for ALL AGES! Also, come research your family history, historic properties, or general Frederick County History in our Library and Archives. If you are a first time researcher, fear not! Our Library is always staffed with knowledgeable volunteers and museum professionals.See more..
This combination museum and state park includes more than 70 archaeological sites from the prehistoric period 9,000 years ago through the Colonial period.See more..
4.0Talbot Historical Society(30 reviews) - A historical gem in downtown Easton Saturday: Gardens • Educational sites • History Museums
The Talbot Historical Society is located in Talbot County, MD. Its purpose is to offer historically significant and educational exhibits, research opportunities, programs and outreach to and for the benefit of Talbot County residents and visitors.See more..
4.5The Oakland B&O Railroad Museum(29 reviews) - This would fall into my "hidden gem" category! Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums
We stopped in initially since we heard they had restrooms! A tour was underway by one of the volunteer docents and we were hooked! So much history is packed in this small space. You are walked through section, by section - the ladies waiting room, the ticket masters office, and the baggage storage area. So much railroad memorabilia! Some very interesting model railroad equipment. If you take the tour, or read the information sheet on the in the office you will learn why John Hopkins took women into medical school from the start! One of the highlights of the visit.See more..
Try the Apple Dumpling. It is so delicious. You might have to wait 5 minutes or so to be seated, but your food will be brought out with a smile and trust me when I tell you that all of it is very tasty.See more..
The Museum preserves and exhibits Maryland's aviation and aerospace contributions, and provides educational and entertaining indoor exhibits and outdoor flightline and education programs designed to inspire and uplift the mind, imagination, and spirit. Exhibits include those on aviation pioneer Glenn L. Martin and his aircraft manufacturing company, the WWII homefront, Maryland astronauts, and the Maryland Air National Guard. Public visiting hours in 2022 are Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays 11am -3pm, other days available by appointment, Admission $6 for Adults and $3 for Children 11 yrs old and younger. For the Open Cockpit Days Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children.See more..
4.5St. Clement's Island Museum(18 reviews) - St. Clement's Island Museum Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
St. Clement’s Island Museum traces the history of English colonization and the landing on nearby St. Clement’s Island on March 25, 1634. The museum grounds is also home to a 19th century one-room schoolhouse, pier and docking facility. Water taxi service to St. Clement’s Island State Park is available most days June-October, weather permitting. Please call museum for water taxi availability.See more..
More than a museum! The layout of a 1800s to early 1900s in a village and specific focus areas is an excellent show of early americana and the way of life. Antique autos well displayed and explained as is early agricultural machinery and tools. The village is a nice informative show of early buildings and purposes of a typical community is not a static display and very informative. The staff of volunteer is enthusiastic, knowledgeable and informative. They clearly like what they do.See more..
4.5Old Wye Mill(13 reviews) - Fascinating living history Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums
We will be closed Sept 4-6 due to the Labor Day Holiday. Our Mission To preserve and operate the Old Wye Mill as a working grist mill and interpret the water-powered grist mill to explore, with the public, its history, technology, and cultural significance.See more..
4.5St. Clement's Island State Park(12 reviews) - pleasant, affordable excursion but bring water! State Parks • History Museums
A small state park that is the site where Maryland colonists first landed.See more..
5.0Howard County Historical Society Museum(12 reviews) - Free parking near museum then easy walk to downtown. Saturday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
This free museum is only open during the busy weekend afternoons so easy access is the problem. From Rt #40, we took Rogers Ave. to Court House Dr. (1.2miles) directly to the large free parking behind the Howard Co. Courthouse. Then a level 500' walk passes the 1851 jail and courthouse, to this distinctive church built in 1894. Here were scores of pictured descriptions and artifact displays about early Ellicott, its role in the Civil War, and its struggle with 17 significant floods since 1772. After watching one of the flood videos and seeing its beautiful organ-dominated sanctuary (continues as a wedding chapel), we exited to descend the new stairway. Its direct access to Main Street makes it a short walk, passing the Firehouse Museum to the free B&O City Station Museum built in 1831. We had a very informative and enjoyable visit to this historic city of pretty buildings along a narrow corridor filled with visitors and a constant parade of autos.See more..
4.5Miller House Museum(12 reviews) - Museum and Constitution week Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
The Miller House Museum serves as the headquarters of the Washington County Historical Society. This 1825 brick townhouse is located in the heart of Hagerstown, Maryland. Visitors to the museum will step back into the Federal Period and experience life in the early 1800s for one of Maryland's prominent families. Changing historical exhibits highlight local history from the construction of the C&O Canal to the Civil War and beyond. Researchers are welcome at the kinship Family Heritage Research Center, and the WCHS archives feature over 10,000 photographs and documents detailing important events in local history. Special events, held on a monthly basis, are sure to please the whole family from the history enthusiast to the artist.See more..
Visited Point Lookout Lighthouse and as a lighthouse enthusiast I wasn't too disappointed. The lighthouse has a gate all the way around it which is not accessible by the public but the location was beautiful. It's a bit more fun down than I had expected, but that gives it more character.See more..
4.0The Old Jail Museum(11 reviews) - Old Jail Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers • Historic Sites • History Museums
Built in 1876 and in use until 1945 by the oldest sheriff’s office in the nation, this granite block and brick structure retains its original upstairs cells where prisoners were once segregated by gender and race. Site on the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.See more..
4.5Calvin B. Taylor House Museum(11 reviews) - Step Back in Time Saturday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums
I visited the Rackliffe House and the docent recommended the Taylor House. I am so glad she did as I enjoyed the tour more than expected. While it is a ‘small’ house there is so much to learn and see. The attention to detail, how the Taylor’s weren’t huge fans of wooden floors and this painted over it, it was so enlightening. The town of Berlin is just darling. So clean, preserved, and welcoming. Take a tour, leave a recommended donation of $5 per adult and leave knowing more than when you arrived.See more..
4.5Riversdale House Museum(10 reviews) - History with Imagination Saturday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • History Museums
Riversdale, a National Historic Landmark, is a restored, five-part, stucco-covered brick plantation home built between 1801 and 1807. Construction of this elegant manor house was begun by Henri Stier, a Flemish aristocrat, and was completed by his daughter Rosalie and her husband George Calvert, grandson of the fifth Lord Baltimore. The Federal style mansion has particularly fine interior decorative detail. Numerous nationally significant figures later lived there. Riversdale was also home to the Plummer Family. The museum is open to the public for docent-guided tours and for a variety of special events. Tours & Museum Shop: Fri & Sun, tours depart on quarter hour: 12:15, 12:45, 1:15, 1:45, 2:15, 2:45, and 3:15 pm. Visitor Center & Offices: Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm and during Sunday open hours Grounds & Gardens: Sun-Sat, dawn-dusk (occasionally closed for programs and private rentals)See more..
This is the escape route of John Wilkes Booth, a must drive for history buffs. Very scenic ride with plaques marking the routeSee more..
3.5Marietta House Museum(9 reviews) - A Great Historic Site Saturday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
Marietta House Museum houses the histories of multiple generations of families, free and enslaved, who lived and labored on the roughly 600 acres that made up Marietta Manor. The historic site holds the stories of how life was lived in agricultural Maryland from the Federal Era, Antebellum years, Civil War period, Jim Crow and Reconstruction through to the rise of the modern Civil Rights era in the early 20th centurySee more..
When white and black children were taught separate. This is the actual schoolhouse we’d. It is stocked with things used during those times.See more..
5.0Museum Of Historic Annapolis(9 reviews) - Start here! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Visit the Museum of Historic Annapolis and explore three floors of exhibitions and stories in our historic building at 99 Main Street. Annapolis: An American Story is the perfect first stop where you can begin your discovery of Annapolis, A Museum Without Walls™.See more..
5.0Jonathan Hager House(8 reviews) - Maryland history Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Very interesting pre colonial restoration. Fully reconstructed house that was first in this county. Well presented tour and very interesting history. Lovely park setting.See more..
Beautiful period gardens and 3 historic buildings open for interpretation. Best to call ahead to get an excellent docent, but also galleries available for self-guided tours. Rentals available for group meetings, weddings, showers, etc. Kid-friendly exhibit area with touchable objects. New hours, open Wednesdays through Sundays. Excellent accurate and authentic information about all of Carroll County.See more..
4.5Neild Museum and Herb Garden(7 reviews) - A short drive from the center but worth it Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums • Gardens • History Museums
Very interesting farming exhibit and local history. We went to a crab festival here and walked around. Very good.See more..
Cool static exhibits (such as the two C-119 Flying Boxcars) and friendly staff. But the best part was the Museum’s sponsorship and hosting of the Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF’s) WWII B-17 bomber “Sentimental Journey”—riding in that baby was the experience of a lifetime!! Many thanks to the Museum and the CAF crews alike!See more..
4.0The Hays House Museum(6 reviews) - A historical patina on well-maintained grounds Spent < 1 hour History Museums
Bel Air grew from the mid 18th Century, and the county seat is surrounded by older towns and historical places. Hayes House is considered one of the oldest structures in town at around 230+ years. It was moved to the present site in front of the High School 60 years ago, so any concept of original context within the town would not be clear without explanation by Historical Society staff on the once weekly opening during the warmer months. At present the grounds are very well-maintained and peonies are blooming in the front. The building could use a little refurbishing, but does have a historical "patina". A good sized parking lot is located on the north side. BTW, there is a 2019 review on this page that implies Hayes Hoyse is B&B. It is not. I contacted the writer who acknowledged mistaking this for another place they actually stayed. To date, that incorrect review has not been removed.See more..
5.0Classic Motor Museum(5 reviews) - Nice unexpected collection Saturday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
We love classic cars, and this was an unexpected surprise. While it is not a huge collection, they do have some interesting pieces, and all of them are in excellent condition. The model T "truck" was probably my favorite, followed by the 1940 Ford Convertible. It's worth a stop for a car enthusiast! See more..
3.5Airmen Memorial Museum(4 reviews) - SHould go History Museums Great place to go and see what the air force is all about. Not a long trip and great way to spend the afternoon.See more..
The Howard County Luving Farm Heritage Museum appears to be an integral part of West Friendship Park. An old white, well-kept woodframe farmhouse welcomes visitors. We were fortunate that a drive-through display of old tractors, farm equipment, and even an old school bus, train engine, and fire engines set up for the recent holidays was still set up. The rolling farmland provides an ideal setting.See more..
5.0Historic Colored Schoolhouse(3 reviews) - Great educational tour and step back in time Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
We came here with my young child during the weekday on a personally scheduled your with the amazing Pat Greenwald, who coordinates and manages the schoolhouse. We read the history ahead of time, as well as the storybook provided (I recommend getting a copy of that). We learned a lot of details about the schoolhouse, including the fact that a small handful of its original students are still living. While the visit was free, I would recommend making a donation to the schoolhouse. It does take resources to maintain and make this important landmark available to the public. It is a wonderful resource to the community -- including for those who homeschool.See more..
4.5Basillica(3 reviews) - Very Beautiful History Museums In the same location as the visitors center for the Seton shrine. Beautiful architecture, stained glass and sound system. .Well worth the side trip to Emmitsburg to see it. Give yourself about an hour to roam aroundSee more..
4.5South Mountain Heritage Society Museum(2 reviews) - The old white church caught my eye while passing through Burkittsville Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
South Mountain Heritage Society preserves the historic Resurrection Reformed Church, an architectural landmark located in scenic Burkittsville, Maryland. Erected in 1829-1831, the church was the site of a field hospital following the Battles of South Mountain and Antietam in 1862. The museum includes exhibits which tell the unique heritage of Burkittsville, its people, and the surrounding country.See more..
4.0Westernport Heritage Society(2 reviews) - A unique piece of local history in Western Maryland History Museums The museum is in the circa-1940 Western Maryland Station. There is a preserved Western Maryland Caboose on display nearby, as well as a unique cast iron crossing sign. Inside, the look and feel of the station is preserved, and there are interpretive displays. It is open on the 2nd & 4th weekends of the month from 1 - 4 PM.See more..
4.0Rodgers Tavern Museum(2 reviews) - Historic Revolutionary War Inn at River's Edge Saturday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums
Rodgers Tavern, a vital link along one of the most important roadways in America's early history, preserves and shares the inimitable stories of tavern residents and travelers through dynamic, engaging experiences that encourage exploration of our area's rich cultural and natural legacy.See more..
Excellent collection of physical objects from the town's history as well as a linear overview of major changes from colonial times to present. Curator Jack White is extremely knowledgable about town events past and present. Plenty of parking in two small nearby lots and along the dead-end street.See more..
