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

Harford Civil Rights Project with Dr. James Karmel

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

Faculty and students at Harford Community College have worked on several civil rights projects since 2019. These included more than 500 students working on civil rights related projects in drama, English and history courses. Several of these courses looked at the civil rights struggle of the 50s and 60s and the impacts of segregation in […]

$10.00

The Archeology of the Bush Tavern & Surrounding Neighborhood

Online Event

In 2016, archeologists with the State Highway Administration initiated an archeological dig at the Bush Tavern on Route 7 in Abingdon. During the Revolutionary War, the tavern was part of the settlement known as Harford Town, the county seat from 1774 to 1791. French troops under Rochambeau camped nearby during the War. The Bush Declaration […]

Free

Annual Genealogy Conference: Finding the Story

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

This year has seen the return of the genealogy program "Who Do You Think You Are" (WDYTYA) which has touted the art of genealogy and the wonderful stories it can reveal. The show is sponsored by Ancestry.com but a lot of the seekers are sent to repositories to find out more information. In truth, there […]

$20.00

The Inside Story: Harford’s Court Houses, Judges and Lawyers

Ceremonial Courtroom 20 W. Courtland St., Bel Air, MD, United States

Each year the Historical Society concludes its Speakers Series with the Archer Lecture, named for one of the society’s prominent founding members. The speakers are generally chosen from local authors who have contributed in a very special way to our understanding of Harford’s history. We are pleased to announce this year’s speaker will be Judge […]

$10.00

The Concord Point Lighthouse

Online Event

Join us for this free virtual event to learn the story of Havre de Grace’s Concord Point Lighthouse – its past and future - as told by Lighthouse Director, Carol Allen. The Concord Point Lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse in Maryland and a time-honored symbol of Havre de Grace. Built in 1827, the lighthouse […]

Free

Genealogy Workshop

Online Event

On Wednesday November 9th, 2022 at 7:00 PM join us for virtual session where your genealogy questions are discussed. This will not be a Stump the Genealogist Session, instead it will provide you with the opportunity to discover other methods or resources to find your history. Hosted by Genealogist Mary Schweers.

Free

Proving Ground: Lecture and Book Signing featuring author, Kathy Kleiman

Havre de Grace High School 445 Lewis Lane, Havre de Grace, MD, United States

Free in person event After World War II, engineers and programmers rushed to make sure that the United States stayed ahead of the world in top-secret research into computing and ballistics. Officials at Aberdeen Proving Ground, located in Harford County, assigned six women to program the world’s first general-purpose, programmable, all-electronic computer ­– known as […]

Forever the Land

Online Event

On Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 12:30 pm, Trustee, Jacquelyn Seneschal will present a virtual program describing the lives and accomplishments of County residents, Russell and Kate Lord, both a major force in the national environmental movement and the local culture and art scenes. In the years following World War II, Russell and Kate Lord […]

Free

Genealogy Workshop Series Returns

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

On January 11th, 2023, at 7 pm, the 2023 Genealogy Workshop series will return with an in-person program hosted by the genealogist, Chris Smithson at the Historical Society Headquarters, 143 N. Main St. in Bel Air.  Mr. Smithson will present a class on “Finding your Ancestors on the Tax Rolls”. There are many vehicles to […]

History of Havre de Grace Colored High School

Online Event

On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 12:30 pm the Executive Director of the Havre de Grace Colored High School, Patricia Cole will present a virtual program sharing the story of Harford’s first public high school for African American students.  This is the story of not just a building, but also of the people whose lives and […]

Free

The Story of the Ma & Pa Railroad

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

Everyone is invited to an in-person presentation regaling all on the mysteries and legends of the Ma & Pa Railroad by railroad aficionado, Walt Holloway, on February 18, 2023, at 2 pm at the Historical Society’s Headquarters, 143 N. Main Street in Bel Air. Area residents have long been enamored by the unique rail line […]

$15

250 Years of Harford’s History

Online Event

On Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 12:30 pm Trustees Jacquelyn Seneschal and Carol Deibel will share Harford’s story from its earliest days as a colonial outpost to the current suburban hub that it has become. In this virtual talk, the speakers will provide a glimpse of the events and people that played significant roles in […]

Free

Genealogy Workshop

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

On March 15, 2023 at 7 pm, the Historical Society’s bi-monthly genealogy series will continue with a presentation by Genealogist Mary Schweers entitled Occupations and Crafts of our Ancestors. So much of our lives are dictated by the professions we choose or are chosen for us. One way to gain a better understanding of our […]

$15

Harford 250 Showcase First Look

Gala Event for anyone 21 and older. Join us for a journey through history! Get a first look at the community booths and art displays, hear addresses from our politicians and performances from local groups, enjoy drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres (2 drink vouchers are included with your ticket). We encourage you to dress to […]

Harford 250 Showcase Family Fun Day

Community Event Join our community in celebrating Harford County’s 250th anniversary. View community booths and art displays, listen to local musicians and purchase concessions. Families welcome, all children under 17 are FREE Purchase Tickets

Aberdeen Proving Ground’s Historical Role in Computer Development

On Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 12:30 pm Charles Nietubicz, a retired experimental and computational research scientist from the Army Research Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) and current President of the Discovery Center at Waters Edge, will take us on a journey from the beginning of the computing age to the supercomputers of today. […]

Free

The Mill That Built a Village

Jerusalem Mill 2813 Jerusalem Road, Kingsville, MD, United States

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 2 pm, the Historical Society is partnering with Jerusalem Mill to host a special Speakers Series event at Jerusalem Mill, 2813 Jerusalem Road in Kingsville. Participants will meet at the Mill for a guided tour of the Mill and the surrounding village. This National Register site is a unique […]

SOLD OUT

Genealogy Workshop

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

Records and Genealogy by Chris Smithson Learn the basics of genealogy and search for your ancestors. Register for free if you are a member, or purchase a $10 ticket if you are not. Please enter through the front entrance, the back entrance will be closed.

Free for Members

Spring into History: The Historical Society’s Grand Reopening

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

You’re invited!  Please join us on Saturday, May 20, 2023, 2 – 6 pm at the Historical Society Headquarters, 143 N. Main Street in Bel Air for our Grand Reopening.  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 […]