The Essex-Middle River flag was officially unveiled during a gala celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Heritage Society Museum. Designed by a local student, the flag symbolizes the community’s rich aviation and waterfront traditions through its colors and a white compass of unity.
Local officials and Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River members gather for a picture. The new flag of Essex and Middle River is displayed in the background.
More than 80 supporters of the Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River gathered at Buon Appetito on Saturday, June 14 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Heritage Society Museum.
The Heritage Society was founded in September 1968, and the museum opened its doors in September 1975 in the building which served as the original Essex Fire Station, Police Station and Courthouse.
The event started with Baltimore baritone and longtime Essex resident Joe DiCara singing the National Anthem. Flag historian Dale Grimes led the Pledge of Allegiance to commemorate Flag Day. The program featured heritage society officers, elected officials and the unveiling of the new Essex-Middle River flag.
Paul M. Blitz, Heritage Society Historian, served as master of ceremonies. He gave a brief history of the building and founder Alex Baumgartner, his family and early volunteers who were responsible for making the museum a reality five decades ago.
Lisa Harlow, president of the Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River, introduced and thanked the volunteer officers and supporters and gave an update of recent Museum renovations. With Maryland state funding, the museum was able to install a new HVAC system on the first floor, have the entire inside of the building painted and replace a set of stairs.
Thanks to a grant from Baltimore County and the tireless efforts of Cliff O’Connell, the heritage society was able to save the Essex Cube and have it moved from its previous location and installed in its courtyard. These improvements also included four new outdoor benches.
This year, the board has refreshed older exhibits and added new exhibits, including the Paranormal Room to further strengthen the museum’s partnership with the Baltimore Paranormal Society.
New signage has been added to all of the exhibits to make self-guided tours more comprehensive. New window treatments have been installed on the second floor of the building.
In 2024, with a grant from the Baltimore Community Foundation and a personal donation from George Lang, the museum was able to purchase a new, fully decorated commercial grade tree for the community tree lighting that will light up the boulevard for many years to come.
Del. Ric Metzgar (R-Baltimore County), the museum’s longest serving trustee, reminisced about Bob Romadka, who was in attendance, Clarence Cox, Brooks Ramsey, Sam Weaver Sr., and others whom he considered some of the early “movers and shakers” of the Essex-Middle River community.
Essex-Middle River Flags now available!
Our community flag’s compass motif represents the nautical and aeronautical community aspects of Essex and Middle River. Full-sized 3’x5′ flags ($50) and mini flags ($5) are now available in the gift shop or buy online:
Large Essex Flag: $55 ($50 + $5 shipping)
Mini Essex Flag: $7 ($5 + $2 shipping)