Seven good reasons to visit the Historical Society of Harford County.
1. It is a tourist destination. Really. Each year, people travel to the Historical Society of Harford County to research family histories. They arrive from around Maryland as well as from points all over the country. Authors, teachers and researchers are other frequent customers. The Society’s collection includes books, photographs, files, scrapbooks, maps, plats, newspapers and correspondence that cover matters both public and private. Even if your family history contains a few ne’er-do-wells, they’ve got you covered: court records here cover crime, debt and other indiscretions since the 1700s.
2. They have 11,000 photos in their archives. Better yet, digital copies are available to the public for a reasonable fee.
3. There are 30 volunteers who have donated over 7,928 hours in 2011. According to Director Maryanna Skowronski, there are many more hours not recorded including travel time and work done at home including baking, sewing, research and response to researcher queries.They are knowledgeable, passionate about history and unfailingly helpful.
4. There is a secret catwalk in the building. The Historical Society is located in the former Bel Air Post Office. During its operation, postal inspectors secretly entered the building from an outside rear entrance. They climbed into an observation gallery with one-way glass to watch workers perform their duties. Look up while in the main area of the Society to see the small windows.
5. They are civilized. The Society hosts several lectures, book signings and other historical events each year. The events are typically free but, for a $10 charge, attendees can stay for tea and dessert, served in real china plates and cups. Events are publicized on the Web, by e-mail and on the Facebook page.
6. They are online. Some research can be done without leaving home. The Society’s online card catalogue contains court, cemetery, land, marriage and other public records, available for free viewing.
7. The building needs help. The Historical Society of Harford County recently kicked off Restoration Campaign 2012. Though structurally sound, this Georgian Revival Style structure needs repairs and updates in order to properly preserve its holdings into the future. The “old” Bel Air Post Office opened in 1937 on the former property of Steven Archer Williams, a local attorney who died in 1932. In subsequent years, windows have aged and the roof needs an overhaul. (The distinctive cupola that tops the building was restored in 2009.)
The Historical Society also plans to update lighting, resurface the parking lot and set up an Artifact Conservation Studio in the basement. The Society and its volunteers also operate the Hays House at 324 Kenmore Ave. For inquiries and donations: The Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N. Main St., Bel Air, MD 21014. Phone 410 – 838-7691. See www.harfordhistory.net. Photo above: Volunteer Jeanne Poole is often on hand to greet visitors.
