When people think about a historical museum, they may picture old photographs, artifacts, and exhibits. At the Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River, preserving history is only part of what we do.
We are an active, volunteer-powered organization that works throughout the year to bring people together, create family experiences, celebrate our community, and keep the history of Essex and Middle River alive.
Bringing Our Community Together
One of our proudest traditions is the Essex Community Christmas Tree Lighting. Now celebrating its 51st year, this free community event brings families together for an evening of music, fire trucks, children’s gifts, and photos with Santa, the Grinch, and Cubey.
It is more than a holiday celebration. It is a tradition that connects generations and reminds us what makes Essex a special place to call home.
We also participate in Essex Day Festival and host seasonal activities and holiday open houses.
Making Community Traditions Possible
Community traditions like the Essex Christmas Tree Lighting bring families, neighbors, and friends together and create memories that last for years. These special events are possible because of the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and community sponsors who believe in making Essex and Middle River a wonderful place to live and celebrate.
We are sincerely grateful to our sponsors for helping us continue these traditions. If your business or organization would like to be part of this community celebration, we invite you to learn more about becoming a sponsor.
Learn more about Tree Lighting sponsorship opportunities
Supporting and Recognizing Our Community
The Heritage Society believes in bringing community organizations and residents together. Our First Responders Appreciation Day is one example of how we recognize the people who serve and protect our community.
Learning Through History
Our museum provides educational programs throughout the year, featuring local historians, guest speakers, special presentations, and living history performances.
Our programs explore everything from the history of Eastern Baltimore County and Turner Station to Henrietta Lacks, the War of 1812, local mysteries, and stories from our own neighborhoods.
We believe history should be interesting, entertaining, and accessible to everyone.
Fun for Families and Visitors
There is always something interesting to discover at the museum.
Our open houses, family scavenger hunts, interactive exhibits, Toy Shop, and Paranormal Room offer experiences for visitors of different ages and interests.
We also welcome schools and community organizations for scheduled tours and educational visits.
Celebrating Our Community
Our America 250 celebration brought residents together for a patriotic program featuring an Honor Guard, flag dedication, and living history performance.
We also celebrated our 50th anniversary with the unveiling of the Essex-Middle River community flag, designed by a local student.
These milestones reflect our commitment to honoring the people, traditions, and shared identity that make Essex and Middle River special.
Keeping Our Local History Alive
Behind the events and activities is another important part of our work: preserving the memories of the people who built Essex and Middle River.
Our Baumgartner Archives contain nearly 300 categorical binders documenting community life, activities, businesses, and events from 1969 through the 1980s. We continue to preserve photographs, newspaper clippings, documents, and family memories and make more of this history available through our website.
We also assist residents with historical research, conduct tours, and share our knowledge with schools and community organizations.
A Community Organization Built on Volunteers
The Heritage Society is an all-volunteer nonprofit. Our events, exhibits, programs, archives, and community activities are made possible through the dedication of people who care about this area and its history.
We are proud to be part of the fabric of Essex and Middle River.
A strong community is built not only by preserving its buildings, but also by preserving its traditions, celebrating its people, creating opportunities for families, and giving residents places to connect.
Our Place in the Community
That is what the Heritage Society does. We preserve our past, celebrate our present, and help keep the spirit of Essex and Middle River alive for future generations.
Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River, Inc.
516 Eastern Boulevard
Essex, Maryland 21221
www.essexmuseum.com
Museum photos and clippings come from the Heritage Society Baumgartner Archives and other sources, scanned by Rita Gaunt, museum photos by Sue Carter and additional research by archivist Scott Huffines.
This print archive captures a historical snapshot of life in Essex and Middle River, Maryland. The archive contains nearly 300 categorical binders documenting our community activities with articles, pamphlets, and photographs from 1969 through the 1980s. The Heritage Society has been scanning the collection to our website to share with our extended community.
As we continue to build new collections, we are seeking new materials such as photographs and ephemera that pertain to the community and business history of Essex and Middle River. Please contact essexmuseum@gmail.com if you have historical memories or items to donate or would like to become a member.
Read more about the Heritage Society Baumgartner Archives.