Laurel Historical Society

11/11/2025

11/04/2025

Today the Laurel Historical Society (LHS) turns 50! LHS was founded in 1975 as the Laurel Horizon Society as part of the city's 1976 Bicentennial preparations. On November 4, 1975, a meeting was held to organization the "horizon" groups that would preserve Laurel's rich history. At this meeting the Laurel Horizon Society (now LHS!) was established. Why was it called the Laurel Horizon Society? Laurel's Bicentennial celebration focused on three themes: heritage, festivals, and horizons. The "horizons" theme inspired the creation of organizations and projects dedicated to preserving the history of the community.

Photo caption: This article was published in the Newsletter of the Laurel Bicentennial Commission, Vol. 1, No. 4, in the winter of 1975.

10/31/2025

All of us at the Laurel Historical Society wish you a happy, safe, and spooky Halloween! We invite you to stop by the Laurel Museum TODAY before the evening's festivities for goodie bags with fun activities and treats for your trick-or-treaters. The goodie bags are free and first come, first served, so we encourage you to stop by early. The museum is open today from 12 to 4 PM.

10/30/2025

Don't forget to stop by the Laurel Museum tomorrow afternoon from 12 to 4 PM for a special Halloween treat! We are giving out free goodie bags tomorrow with hands-on activities your trick-or-treaters can enjoy.

10/28/2025

We invite you to stop by the Laurel Museum on Halloween (this Friday!) before the evening's festivities for goodie bags with fun activities and treats for your trick-or-treaters. These goodie bags are free and first come, first served, so we encourage you to stop by early. The museum will be open from noon to 4 PM this Friday.
Photo caption: Laurel Elementary School students on parade on October 31, 1983. Laurel Leader Photo Collection, LHS.

10/22/2025

Why Wednesday
"Volunteering at the Laurel Museum gives me a sense of purpose and an avenue of connection with my community. In trying, difficult times, it's now more important than ever to build rapport and solidarity with our neighbors and preserve local history. Serving as docent at the Laurel Museum has provided me with so much insight on the people and stories that make Laurel such a special place.-"Naomi McMillen, Volunteer Docent. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, email us at info@laurelhistoricalsociety.org

10/22/2025

Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 23 at 6 PM! Explore the legacy of the Patuxent Research Refuge with William O’Boyle and Erin Nealer in a compelling presentation about its people and history. This is a unique opportunity for nature and history enthusiasts alike. Register now to reserve your place: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speaker-series-patuxent-research-refuge-then-and-now-tickets-1740079728309?aff=FB

10/08/2025

Join us on Thursday, October 23 at 6PM for a fascinating presentation on the people and history behind the Patuxent Research Refuge with William O’Boyle and Erin Nealer. Register Today! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speaker-series-patuxent-research-refuge-then-and-now-tickets-1740079728309?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/01/2025

Join us on Thursday, October 23 at 6PM for a fascinating presentation on the people and history behind the Patuxent Research Refuge with William O’Boyle and Erin Nealer. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speaker-series-patuxent-research-refuge-then-and-now-tickets-1740079728309?aff=oddtdtcreatorPhoto Caption: B&W photo of Frank Hance on Patuxent Refuge, dated Sep. 1951 - LHS Archive, Eilliott Collection

09/24/2025

Why Wednesday! From our board member and docent volunteer, Dawn Turney, "Stories connect us—stories of love, struggle, adventure, and triumph. That’s what I treasure most about being a docent at the Laurel Museum: the chance to hear visitors share their lives and memories, while also discovering history together. Every time I volunteer, I learn something new about Laurel and feel part of keeping those stories alive. It’s such a privilege to be part of this living history." To show appreciation for our members and volunteers, we're introducing new events just for them! We hope you will join us throughout our anniversary year in celebrating our greatest supporters! For more information on member benefits and volunteer opportunities, please visit our website: www.laurelhistoricalsociety.org/volunteer

09/18/2025

Get your hands in the dirt and help care for the Laurel Museum’s gardens! 🌸 Together, we’ll clear weeds from the native garden beds and make space for new plantings. No gardening experience necessary—we’ll walk everyone through the process.

Dress for the outdoors: work clothes, gloves, and a hat. Hand tools are optional, but enthusiasm is a must.

Please fill out our volunteer waiver in advance: https://www.laurelforthepatuxent.org/forms

Don’t miss the chance to continue learning—join us at next week’s talk on native plants and our museum gardens: https://www.facebook.com/events/1046985263905154

09/15/2025

The United States first celebrated national Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 to recognize the rich histories and contributions of America's Hispanic and Latino communities. Twenty years later, under President Reagan, it expanded to the month-long celebration it is today.