The Historical Society is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M., by appointment only.

At Home at the Hay’s House

Hays House 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, United States

On Sunday, April 28 from 1:00 – 3:30 pm the Hays House will be open to visitors — honoring 1874 and the incorporation of Bel Air. Admission is free! WHAT WOULD SUNDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY LIFE LOOK LIKE IN 1874? Come see what the fashionable family would be wearing in 1874! Play some period games. Enjoy […]

Genealogy Workshop with Mary Schweers

The Historical Society of Harford County 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, United States

Learn how to trace those long-lost relatives, use the computer research programs to make the task easier, and keep track of all of that data. Let our experts help you with your search.

$15 – $20

Canceled Trivia & Tea with Mom

The Historical Society of Harford County 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, United States

Looking for a way to show mom how much you care? Sign up for a special afternoon tea at the Historical Society complete with a true trivia challenge. This promises to be fun for everyone with a combination of fine food, sweet treats and great competition. Space is limited, so you are encouraged to register […]

$25

How to Protect Harford’s History

Hays House 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, United States

Jacob Bensen, Historic Preservation Planner for Harford County government. In celebration of Historic Preservation Month, Jacob will share “How to Protect Harford’s History.” Jacob will discuss a few of the places protected by the Harford County Historic Landmarks and Districts Program and the tools available to help you save the places that you love in […]

Free

Come See What We Do in the Garden

Hays House 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, United States

Governor William Paca Chapter NSDAR has maintained a Pollinator Garden at the Hays for several years. The garden was begun as a Conservation project and is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. Recently, the volunteers have adopted the Herb Garden, established by HSHC volunteers years ago. The Pollinator and Herb Garden volunteers invite the […]

Free

The Women Who Sewed the Star-Spangled Banner

Hays House 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, United States

The Star-Spangled Banner was sewn in Baltimore in 1813 by a women-owned business. Sandi will share the story of Mary Pickersgill, her mother Rebecca and daughter Caroline, her nieces, a free-African American apprentice, and the women of Baltimore who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner. Following the presentation visitors can tour the Hays House.

Open House at the Hays House

Hays House 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, United States

Graces is not a game we play every day, but games like Hopscotch are more familiar! Come be surprised by how people entertained themselves 200 years ago!

Open House at the Hays House

Hays House 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, United States

Investigate the Herbs in the Herb Garden. What were their uses in Early America?

Postponed Early American Education

Hays House 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, United States

Get ready to go back to school—in 1815!! How would the school year be different than today? This program will explore what school was like in the period from 1788 – mid 1800s.

Black Churches in Harford, featuring Reggie Bishop/Virtual Event

Online Event

Join us for a virtual presentation by guest speaker, Reggie Bishop on Tuesday, August 13 at 12:30 pm to learn about the central role that the church has played in African American life in Harford County since the 1800s. Harford’s Black Churches provided much more that religious instruction. They were the center of the community, […]

Free

Open House at the Hays House

Hays House 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, United States

What do you know about the Hays House?  Who owned it? Who lived in it? Where was it originally located? How was it moved? What are the plans for the future? Add your thoughts for the programs that you’d like to see offered.

Bush Declaration Kick Off: Life in Harford County in 1774-1775

Hays House 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, United States

September 1774. The “shot heard round the world” would be fired in just seven months and the American Revolution would begin. What was the buzz in Harford County? Visit the Hays House as people go about their normal routine and share what they are learning about the coming revolution.

Constitution Day/Week

Hays House 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, United States

Constitution Day is September 17 (Tuesday). Learn more about the creation of our constitutional government from the perspective of 1787!

Annual Dinner and Show, featuring Alisa Dupuy as Adrienne de Lafayette

The Historical Society of Harford County 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, United States

The Historical Society’s 2024 Annual Dinner promises to be a grand occasion. This year’s dinner will be held at the Historical Society’s Headquarters, 143 N. Main Street in Bel Air. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the tremendous progress at the Society’s Museum, learn about upcoming Society projects and programs, enjoy a fine dining […]

$45 – $75

Bush Declaration Part II: Life in Harford County in 1774-1775

Hays House 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, United States

Winter is just around the corner! The family needs to prepare! Join people at the Hays House as they work to set aside the summer’s bounty to enjoy in the winter. Stir the kettle as we make apple butter! Listen to their conversation about the events of the times.

Canceled Annual Genealogy Workshop

The Historical Society of Harford County 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, United States

Join us for the Historical Society’s 2024 Annual Genealogy Workshop. This one-day event will include sessions on accessing Courthouse Records, using online resources and newspapers to discover details about your family’s past and the ancestors who molded your family’s personal history. Workshop sessions begin at 9 am with a break at noon followed by time […]

Free – $15

Lafayette in Harford County Reprised

The Historical Society of Harford County 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, United States

In 1931, J. Alexis Shriver wrote a book entitled Lafayette in Harford County that recounted the Marquis de Lafayette’s travels through Harford County, Maryland during the Revolution and his stop in Havre de Grace on his Farewell Tour. Today, local historical researchers dispute some of Shriver’s claims. Learn more about these visits and explore the […]

Free