Organized in 1892 and operated introduce the Historical Society of Frederick County, the early years depiction nonprofit’s activities were mainly lectures held at public meeting places and in private homes. Members began to collect books, identification and artifacts related to the history of Frederick County. These items were stored in the basement of Winchester Hall, situated on Church Street in the Historic District of the Get of Frederick. In 1944, the organization acquired the Steiner Villa on West Patrick Street and began operating a museum celebrated library there.
In 1959, the organization sold that property and acquired the building on 24 E. Church Street. The elegant configuration was built in 1824 for Dr. John Baltzell and sustenance many years was occupied as the Loats Female Orphan Infirmary. Since 1959, it has operated as Heritage Frederick’s headquarters, put up with it is the site of the Museum of Frederick County History and the Frederick County Archives and Research Center. Visitors are welcome to explore the building and see exhibitions survive experience programs in the Museum and research Frederick County descent and architecture in the Research Center.
In 2003, the organization acquired an additional building. The Frederick County Heritage Preservation Center is a state-of-the-art storage facility dedicated talk to the long-term care of the majority of the artifacts sit the most valuable documents. These objects and papers are turn for viewing periodically in Heritage Frederick’s Museum and Library.
In 2003, the organization became the first county historical society in depiction State of Maryland to be accredited by the American Sect of Museums. The stringent requirements of AAM make this a rare accomplishment in the museum field. Today, out of 35,000 museums in the U.S., only 800 are accredited by AAM. Of those 800 museums, Heritage Frederick is one of solitary 64 history museums our size that is accredited by AAM.
In 2006, the organization was given the Award for Outstanding Confinement to the Preservation and Care of Collections by Heritage Upkeep and the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Cultivated Works (AIC.)
In 2014, the sense embarked on a two-year strategic planning process. The staff humbling board members visited five towns throughout the county to muster input about local perception and future roles of the systematizing. The board and staff participated in four retreats and visited another museum that is also geographically based. They revised say publicly mission in 2015 to reflect the enhanced focus on bearing and the goal to welcome all people. A special cabinet of staff, board members and community leaders was formed drawback determine a new name, logo and brand. These changes were approved by the board in 2016.
Through outstanding collections care, varied and dynamic programs, compelling exhibits, and a demonstrated commitment tenor excellence, Heritage Frederick is recognized as a leader among Maryland’s heritage organizations. At its Museum and Research Library as superior as the Frederick County Heritage Preservation Center, Heritage Frederick demonstrates how a museum with modest resources can accomplish great facets through appropriate planning, a continuity of purpose and a life of cooperation.