2023 Newsletter
Upcoming 2023 Museum Events
February
Speaker Series: “Streetcars in Baltimore and Beyond”
Wednesday, February 15, 7 pm
Please join us at the Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River Museum for the first Speaker Series of 2023. Father Kevin Mueller, a longtime member of the Baltimore Streetcar Museum and streetcar enthusiast, will talk about the streetcar system that we had and what made it go away. He will also discuss cities that still have streetcars to this day. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Visitors are welcome to tour the Museum after the talk.
Museum Tours and Open House
Saturday, February 18, 11 am to 1 pm
This will be our first opening since the December Holiday Open House. Stop by for a tour or to browse our gift shop.
March
Monthly Membership Meeting
Thursday, March 2 at 7 pm
Speaker Series: “Rosie the Riveter”
Thursday, March 9 at 7 pm
Debi Wynn from the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum will discuss the important role of Rosie the Riveter in manufacturing during World War II. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Visitors are welcome to tour the Museum after the talk.
Open House
Saturday, March 11, 11 am to 1 pm
Stop by for a tour or to browse our gift shop.
Haunted History Night
Sat, March 18, Two Time Slots: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM and 7:15 PM – 8:15 PM
Please Join The Baltimore Paranormal Society for a night of haunted tales as we explore our historic building and exhibits while learning about the haunted happenings experienced by our guests and local paranormal teams. Your night will begin with a brief overview of ghost hunting equipment before being led on a candlelight tour of the museum where museum staff and BPS members will regale you with tales of the supernatural that have been reported within our 103-year-old building.
*FREE but reservations are required and space is limited.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-history-night-tickets-537829651967.
April
Monthly Membership Meeting
Thursday, April 6 at 7 pm
Earth Day Open House
Saturday, April 22, 11 am to 1 pm
Join us for Museum tours and special activities geared towards celebrating our earth.
Museum visitors will join us to plant sunflower seeds and take them home to watch them grow. Kids will get to participate in a scavenger hunt along with other fun activities!
May
Monthly Membership Meeting
Thursday, May 4 at 7 pm
First Responders’ Appreciation Day
Saturday, May 6, 12 to 2 pm
Local police and fire stations along with MDTA police will have their emergency vehicles set up out front for all to explore. Purkey’s Party Pumper fire-throwing, bubble blowing fire engine will also set up outside the museum. First Responders will be treated to lunch.
Speaker Series: “Todd’s Inheritance”
Monday, May 15 at 7 pm
Please join the volunteers from Todd’s Inheritance Historic Site to learn about this exciting new museum and interpretive property located at 9000 North Point Rd. Edgemere, Maryland 21219. Enjoy an introduction to the history of the North Point Peninsula from early Native American presence, Todd family settlement in 1664, the War of 1812-Battle of North Point and more. Information about upcoming events, lectures and openings will be shared. We look forward to seeing you. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Visitors may tour the Museum after the event.
June
Monthly Membership Meeting
Thursday, June 1 at 7 pm
Open House
Saturday, June 10, 11 am to 1 pm
Stop by for a tour or to browse our gift shop.
Speaker Series: “Flag History”
Thursday, June 15 at 7 pm
Local flag collector and historian Dale Grimes shares our history of flags and offers a peek at his collection.
Did you know? Someone who studies flags is a called a vexillologist.
July
Monthly Membership Meeting
Thursday, July 6 at 7 pm
Christmas in July
Saturday, July 22, 11 am to 1 pm
We will have our special guest The Grinch ready for photo opps, along with craft vendors, special activities for the kids and Museum tours!
August
Monthly Membership Meeting
Thursday, August 3 at 7 pm
Back to School Open House
Saturday, August 19, 11 am to 1 pm
Stop by for a tour or to browse our gift shop.
September
Monthly Membership Meeting
Thursday, September 7 at 7 pm
Speaker Series: “Up the Line”
Thursday, September 14 at 7 pm
Local Author Howard Smith will discuss his book “Up the Line,” the history of the Philadelphia, Wilmington, Baltimore Railroad which was the major transportation in the area in the 1840s.
Doors open at 6:30 pm. Visitors are welcome to tour the Museum after the talk.
ESSEX DAY
Saturday, September 16, 10 am to 6 pm
400 & 500 blocks Eastern Blvd.
Visit the Museum on Essex Day!
The Heritage Society Museum will be open from 11 am to 4 pm for Essex Day.
Our gift shop will be open and we will be selling books, magnets and other memorabilia in addition to the new ESSEX-opoly games!
October
Monthly Membership Meeting
Thursday, October 5 at 7 pm
Speaker Series: “Route 40 Then and Now”
Thursday, October 12 at 7 pm
Rosedale historian Bob Dean will discuss Route 40. Learn the importance of this road with the advent of the automobile. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Visitors are welcome to tour the Museum after the talk.
A Night of Frights
Saturday, October 28
Tours Starting at 6 pm
Spooky season is upon us and the spirits are waiting to meet you at The Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River. Join The Baltimore Paranormal Society on Saturday, October 28th for an unforgettable night of chills and thrills as you are led through the museum’s rooms, where the spirits of the past are dying to meet you! The night starts off with a stroll through the haunted halls where you will come face to face with the ghouls who still call the museum home. These haunted walking tours are sure to send chills down your spine as you turn each corner wondering what may be waiting for you just ahead. Tours will depart every 30 minutes from 6-8 pm and are $20 per person. Limited spots available for each timeslot.
Starting at 8:30 pm, the lights go down and members of the Baltimore Paranormal Society will guide you through the museum as they attempt to make contact with the spirits that still reside in the building. Using the latest in paranormal research equipment, they will lead you on an investigation of the museum where you will visit areas of the museum that are known to have paranormal activity. Tickets for the investigation are $40 per person and are extremely limited.
Ronnie Alder Memorial
Sunday, October 29 at 6 pm
Please join us in the courtyard for a Memorial celebrating the life of Ronnie “Daddy Kool” Alder, a Lifetime Member of the Heritage Society and a man who was loved by the community. Light refreshments to follow.
November
Monthly Membership Meeting
Thursday, November 2 at 7 pm
December
2023 Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 2, 5 pm to 7 pm
Please join us for the most wonderful night of the year as we host the Essex Community Tree Lighting. This fun-filled event will include gifts for the kids, fire trucks, a DJ, and of course, photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Monthly Membership Meeting
Thursday, December 7 at 7 pm
Speaker Series: “Baltimore County’s Role in The Civil War”
Thursday, December 14 at 7 pm
Heritage Society Historian Paul M. Blitz shares the little-known and the important facts about our area’s role in The Civil War.
Doors open at 6:30 pm. Visitors are welcome to tour the Museum after the talk.