Laurel Historical Society

02/09/2026

02/02/2026

Celebrate Black History Month with LHS!

Image Text: Located at the site of the former Laurel Cotton Mill, the pool at 9th & Main Street opened in 1949 as a private, segregated facility. There was a period of racial tension and violence during the summer of 1967, and a community association group formed in the historically Black community of The Grove. The association appealed to the city for neighborhood improvements, and having access to recreational facilities was among them. The City of Laurel purchased the pool in 1967 and re-opened it as a desegregated facility.

01/28/2026

The Laurel Historical Society (LHS) is honored to have been selected as one of 30 recipients of the 2026 Hatza Memorial SHINE Grant! We are thrilled to be recognized alongside such an outstanding group of organizations.

This marks the second year in a row that LHS has received support through this impactful program. In 2025, funding from our SHINE grant helped us plan and deliver a wide range of educational programs, from our Annual Summer Camps to Main Street Walking Tours! This support came at a critical moment, as we navigated the cancellation of a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant.

Continued support from statewide partners like Maryland Humanities has been essential to achieving our mission of sharing and preserving Laurel’s architectural and cultural heritage. All of us at LHS send our sincere thanks to Maryland Humanities for their continued commitment to our mission, and for helping us shine a light on Laurel’s rich and diverse history.✨🏛️

Please stay tuned for updates on how we will put these funds to work for our community!

Congratulations to our 2026 Hatza Memorial SHINE Grantees!

We’re thrilled to have awarded 30 general operating grants throughout Maryland. Grantees are small and mid‐size nonprofits conducting exceptional work in the humanities. We’re honored to support these organizations contributing to a strong, equitable Maryland!

Thank you to the State of Maryland via the Maryland Historical Trust for funding these grants and helping to invest in a healthier and stronger humanities landscape statewide.

Visit our website to see the full list of our 2026 SHINE grantees: https://www.mdhumanities.org/grants/awarded-grants/

01/19/2026

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day was itself a hard-fought milestone, reflecting the struggles Dr. King challenged us to confront. Preserving these stories and experiences is essential to understanding our shared past. To learn more about the history behind this federal holiday, we invite you to visit: https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/15-year-battle-martin-luther-king-jr-day

📷: This historic photograph of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was taken on October 31, 1964, in nearby Baltimore, Maryland, where he is surrounded by supporters in the street. Photographer: Leonard Freed. Courtesy of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

12/21/2025

This evening marks the eighth night of Hanukkah, or Chanukah. To all who celebrate- may your celebrations be warm and meaningful, and may peace and light be always in your hearts.

12/18/2025

🚨 Last Call! All Aboard! 🚨 Take a trip through Laurel’s rail history before Laurel Rides the Rails: Tales of Trains and Trolleys departs for good. Last chance to experience this year's exhibit is Sunday, December 21! 🚂✨

12/14/2025

Important notice! 🚨 We are closed today, Sunday, December 14, to give our team a well-deserved break and some extra time to recharge after our Holiday House Tour. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to serving you again on our next business day, Friday December 19! 😊

12/13/2025

The Holiday House Tour is here—today’s the day! Explore Laurel’s beautifully decorated historic homes and enjoy festive community spirit. Tickets are $35 at the door for all guests. Celebrate the season with us: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-holiday-house-tour-tickets-1830980896149?aff=LHSWebsite

12/12/2025

Final hours for advance tickets! Holiday House Tour online sales close on 12/12 at midnight. Take advantage of discounted pricing and join us for a festive journey through Laurel’s beautiful historic homes. Secure your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-holiday-house-tour-tickets-1830980896149?aff=LHSWebsite

Photo credit: St. Philip's Church, undated from the Hessler Collection

12/11/2025

✨ Unlock the magic of the season! ✨ There’s still time to reserve your spot on our enchanting **Holiday House Tour on Sat Dec. 13!** at a discounted price! 🎄

To purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-holiday-house-tour-tickets-1830980896149?aff=socials

Join us Friday, Dec. 12 (Noon–4PM) or Saturday, Dec. 13 (delayed opening: 12:30–4PM) for festive décor, seasonal stories, and warm holiday charm. 🎁

📅 Please note: We’ll be closed Sunday, Dec. 14 — so plan your visit early!

12/09/2025

🎉 Celebrate nearly 50 years of the Laurel Historical Society’s House Tours this Saturday, December 13, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM!

❄️ Experience the magic of the season and tour FIVE stunning homes, St. Philip's Episcopal Church, and Laurel Elementary school.

🎟️Purchase tickets online via the link below, or in-person at the Laurel Museum before Saturday to take advantage of early bird pricing.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-holiday-house-tour-tickets-1830980896149?aff=socials

Photo Credit: St. Philip's Church, undated from the Hessler Collection.

12/05/2025

Due to the inclement weather, the museum will be closed today, Friday, December 5, to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Please stay warm and safe, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon! ☁️❄️