Maryland Historical Societies

350+ local history organizations across the Old Line State

Maryland is home to over 350 historical societies, preservation organizations, and heritage groups. From major institutions in Annapolis and Baltimore to small-town societies preserving local heritage, these organizations maintain vital connections to Maryland's rich past.

Featured Historical Societies

Annapolis Maritime Museum

Location: Annapolis, MD

Founded: 1984

Preserves Chesapeake Bay waterman heritage and boatbuilding traditions. Located in historic oyster-packing plant with exhibits on maritime industries and bay ecology. The museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore local history through carefully curated exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs

Fort McHenry National Monument

Location: Baltimore, MD

Founded: 1925

Star-shaped fort successfully defending Baltimore in War of 1812. Francis Scott Key witnessed bombardment and wrote Star-Spangled Banner during 1814 battle. The organization's collections and programs illuminate important aspects of Maryland's heritage, including War of 1812, colonial founding

Website: nps.gov/fomc

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

Location: Church Creek, MD

Founded: 2013

Preserves landscape where Tubman was born enslaved and later led dozens to freedom. Interprets Underground Railroad and Eastern Shore's role in freedom-seeking. The organization's collections and programs illuminate important aspects of Maryland's heritage, including religious tolerance, Civil War border state

Website: nps.gov/hatu

Maryland Historical Society

Location: Baltimore, MD

Founded: 1844

Museum and library documenting Maryland from colonial settlement through modern times

Website: mdhs.org

Historic Annapolis

Location: Annapolis, MD

Founded: 1952

Preserves and interprets Annapolis's rich history as Maryland's colonial and state capital. Operates historic house museums, archaeological sites, and promotes preservation in the historic district

Website: annapolis.org

National Museum of Civil War Medicine

Location: Frederick, MD

Founded: 1996

Documents medical innovations during America's bloodiest conflict. Exhibits cover battlefield surgery, nursing care, hospital design, and medical advances that transformed healthcare

Website: civilwarmed.org

Submit a Society

Know of other Maryland historical societies? Help us expand this directory by submitting organizations you're familiar with.

Submit a Society →

Additional Maryland History Resources