Historical Society Of Harford County To Reopen Headquarters With Grand Opening Celebration, Showcasing New Exhibit And Interactive Displays

HARFORD COUNTY - The Historical Society of Harford County will welcome visitors back into its headquarters for the first time since 2020 at a grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 20.

The organization has been renovating its main building, the former Bel Air post office, since 2020. The historic building, built in the 1920s, was purchased by the historical society in 1955.

Renovations were delayed due to the pandemic, but the museum says it is thrilled to once again teach residents the history of Harford County.

"It has been a long time coming with the building restoration efforts complicated by Covid closures and the inevitable 'construction surprises,' but we believe you will find that the wait has been worthwhile."

The grand opening celebration is One of the county's Harford 250 celebrations. It will feature live music, a beer garden, and a variety of local food trucks.

What's New At HSHC?

At the grand opening ceremony, the HSHC will preview the new Harford County History Museum. The new exhibit will feature a curated display of artifacts from "Old Baltimore," the Harford County seat of government from the late 1600′s to the early 1700′s.

The artifacts were discovered during an archeological dig in 1999-2000 at Aberdeen Proving Ground (the site of Old Baltimore).

According to the historical society, they have been in storage at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in Calvert County, awaiting an opportunity for display.

HSHC will also unveil an array of interactive displays allowing attendees to vote on which exhibits they would like to see at the museum, choose their favorite photos, and test their knowledge of Harford County history.

Kids' activities include an archeological dig-themed sand table and a family scavenger hunt.

In recognition of National Preservation Month in May, the Harford County Government will present its 25th Historic Preservation Awards from 2 to 3 p.m. at the grand opening ceremony.

The awards honor excellence in historic preservation, separated into four categories:

• Preservation Project Awards

• Special Preservation Awards

• Local Government Preservation Awards

• Preservationist Honor Awards

Members of the HSHC restoration team will also share pictures and blueprints of the building dating back to the 1930s and discuss the restoration effort.

For more information about the grand opening event, visit the Historical Society of Harford County's Website.