The Historical Society of Cecil County is fully open to the public.


For patrons submitting research requests, the first half-hour of research is free of charge. Additional research can be purchased for $10.00 per additional half hour. Use of the library by non-members for in person research will remain at $5.00. Payment in advance is requested.

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Volume 2 of Cecil Snippets has just been released –

Get both and help support the HSCC!


The Historical Society of Cecil County has put together a collection of articles written by past and current members, as well as some directly from newspapers of the times. Cecil Snippets: History, Folklore, and Humor of Cecil County’s Past, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2  are now available for purchase – just in time for the holidays!

Each volume is $25, but buy both for just $45!

All proceeds of the book will go toward the funding of HSCC projects. Here’s where to order:

Cecil Snippets Paperback books – volume 1 and 2
Call for Local ad

Win this beautiful hooked rug!

Designed and created by local artist Colleen Tiefenthal with support in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org), this beautiful hooked rug was donated to the Historical Society of Cecil County to help preserve the craft and share information about rug hooking.
The rug is going to be raffled off as a fundraiser for the Historical Society. The tickets are $5.00 each. Buy your tickets now for your chance to own a true work of art. (click the link to find out how)

Rev. Duke Re-Dedication

To watch the video, click on the Reverend Duke (above)

Rev. Duke Cabin is COMPLETE!


A HUGE thanks to all who generously donated to the restoration project – we’re please to say the project is complete!
If you happened to miss the re-dedication on May 5th 2023, watch the video of Reverend Duke himself (well…) presiding over the ceremony.

Also…

Have a look at some of the in-progress pictures showing the disassembled parts of the historic structure.

HSCC receives $10,000 grant!

The Historical Society of Cecil County has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Maryland Humanities’ SHARP Recovery Fund Grant. The Society was one of 91 organizations chosen from many worthwhile applicants based on significant humanities focus and demonstration of need.  Funding for these grants has been provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and Maryland Humanities as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the NEH sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan (SHARP) initiative. This grant is specifically to be used for the refurbishment of the John F. DeWitt Military Museum Refurbish the DeWitt Military Museum to create an educational tool and a more interactive experience for patrons with children specifically in mind.

Progress on the DeWitt Museum renovation… the installation of custom-built cabinets and displays!

#MDHumanitiesSHARP, #MDHHumanities, #SHARP, #AmericanRescuePlan, @MDHumanities, and @NEHgov

Volunteer Opportunities


The Historical Society of Cecil County is looking for volunteers who are willing to help us fulfill our mission of preserving and interpreting our Cecil County history. Following are the volunteer positions we need to fill:

  • Corresponding Secretary
  • Event Coordinator
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Editor of the Inkwell
  • Website Manager
  • Research Assistant
  • Library Assistant
  • Gardener
  • Publicity/Social Media
  • Coordinator
  • Curator’s Assistant

If any of these positions are of interest to you, please contact us at 410-398-1790 or cecilhistory@gmail.com

Barry Sawyer interview screen capture

Barry Sawyer talks about The Price Collection of Indian Artifacts

Check out Paula Newton’s conversation with Barry Sawyer.

Welcome!

Welcome to the online home of the Historical Society of Cecil County. We are pleased to curate, interpret and make available information on Cecil County history and genealogy. As you — the genealogist, researcher, or person simply interested in local culture and heritage — explore our resources, we invite your comments and suggestions.

We also invite to you to become a member of the Society. Since we’re 100% volunteer-based, joining the HSCC is great way to contribute to your community and learn some valuable history in the process. Find out more HERE.

Our Collection
and how to see it

Visit the Historical Society of Cecil County! We’re open Mondays and Thursdays, 10: a.m to 4:00 p.m. and on the first Saturday of each month, 10:00a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Historical Society of Cecil County Exterior image

Need research?
We can help!

If you can’t visit the Historical Society of Cecil County in person, we have a group of volunteers who will help out! Please see our research section for details.

HSCC collection files image

The Latest from HSCC

Refurbish the DeWitt Military Museum

CURRENT EXHIBIT: Form, Function & Finesse, Art through the Craftsman Eye

A look at Cecil County artisans of the 18th, 19th, & 20th centuries. Find out about it here…

The Inkwell

JUST ADDED! Past editions of The Inkwell

Added to our online archives – Read them here…

Great Reads Home Page image

Our GREAT READS! section features previously published articles from the Cecil Whig

Contemporary Writings about Historic Subjects – Read them here…

Gardens at 135 promo

Check out the Gardens at 135!

While the weather is beautiful, come see the Gardens at 135 (full details here)

Video Presentations

Presentations about Maryland’s History

Courtesy of the Cecil County Public Library, “Capturing Cecil County History” provides video recordings of local history programming. View the program online and share with friends and family. – Watch videos here…

Cecil’s Got History

Just who IS this little guy and where is he from? Get the whole story here…

Collaboration With The University Of Delaware Continues

Collaboration between the Historical Society and the University of Delaware’s Museum Studies Department continues with the internship of Bridget Killian. Read more here…

Family Heritage Day 2018

Check out images from HSCC Family Heritage Day

April 29, 2018 was Family Heritage Day at Big Elk Chapel outside of Fair Hill, MD. See more here…

First Fridays image

First Fridays On Hold…

We’re temporarily suspending our First Fridays events until after December 31, 2020. But don’t worry – they’ll be back!

Ten Dollar Bill

Please Donate to the HSCC!

As a 100% volunteer organization, we really rely on your generous donations!

Here’s how…

Free Stuff at the HSCC

Did you know we have a table of FREE STUFF?

Yup, you read that right!  C’mon in anytime during the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday, Thursday or Saturday (until 2:00 pm)

Our Members Say…

“Joining the HSCC was the best $20 I’ve spent in a long time… I get invitations to all their special events and can bring guests as well as have complete access to their archives for my geneology research!”

Bill Horne, Elkton, MD

2024 Holiday Closing Schedule

The Historical Society is closed on the following Federal holidays:

January 4 – Society reopens
January 15 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
May 27 – Memorial Day
July 4 – Independence Day
September 2 – Labor Day 
November 28 – Thanksgiving Day
Dec. 13-Jan. 1 – Christmas-New Year’s, Society closed
January 2, 2025 – Society reopens

Monitor our Facebook page and local media for detailed information on events and last minute changes.

Snow Closing Policy: Whenever Cecil County schools and/or Cecil College are closed, anticipate that the Society is also closed.