Christmas in Old Baltimore with Historian Wayne Schaumburg

On Thursday, December 12, 2019 we welcomed Baltimore historian and educator Wayne R. Schaumburg for a talk on “Christmas In Old Baltimore” to learn all about Baltimore holiday traditions and how they have changed over the years! Mr. Schaumburg focused on some of Baltimore’s great holiday customs from the 1940s to the 1960s, including downtown shopping, visiting Santa, the Toytown Parade, firehouse train gardens, aluminum trees and more.

Before Mr. Schaumberg’s talk, we welcomed visitors to tour the Heritage Society — all decked out for the holidays — and enjoy light refreshments.

2019 Heritage Society Annual Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting

We are holding our annual Essex Tree Lighting & Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 7th, 2019 from 5 to 7 pm.  Please join us for this fun family event featuring a fire truck parade for Santa’s arrival, special gifts for the kids, photos with Santa, a DJ, snacks and more. This event is always FREE for the community, and last year we had more than 400 guests! It’s a great way to kick off the holidays!

2018 Museum Christmas Tree Lighting


Dec. 8th, 2018: Holiday Tree Lighting and Museum Open House
For our 2019 Annual Open House and Tree Lighting we planned a fun family event with a visit from Santa courtesy of Essex Volunteer Fire Company, gifts for the kids, music by DJ Leon Moses and MC Karie May, snacks and more. Our tree has been generously donated by Paul Stiffler of Frostee Tree Farm in memory of its founders, George and Helen Winter who ran the business for more than 30 years. Special thanks to our tree lighting committee members from The CORE Group, CLIFF’S HI-TECH AUTO BODY SHOP INC., Weavers Marine Service Inc, Back River Restoration Committee, and Stiffler’s Service Center.

Dec. 13th and Dec. 20th, 2019: Holiday Open House

2017 Holiday Tree Lighting

Essex Community Tree Lights Up the Night

By Devin Crum (East County Times, 12/2017)

Community leaders, elected officials and residents of Essex and Middle River gathered Saturday, Dec. 9, for what has become a grand event in recent years – the lighting of the community tree at the Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River in Essex.

Feelings of warmth and community were evident as the tree was lit even though the weather was snowy and cold. And many in attendance agreed that the tree looked even more beautiful with its dusting of snow.

Sam Weaver, owner of Weaver’s Marine Service, again donated this year’s tree, a 27-foot spruce which is three feet taller than last year’s.

Weaver, Cliff O’Connell of Cliff’s Hi-Tech and Cliff’s Direct Effect, and workers from Baltimore County combined their efforts to deliver and install the tree at the Heritage Society museum at 516 Eastern Blvd. And O’Connell, Back River Restoration Committee volunteers and others all helped to decorate the giant tree.

Joining the crowd on behalf of Governor Larry Hogan was Maryland’s deputy secretary of state and Essex resident, Luis Borunda, who remarked that the Heritage Society’s tree lighting is an excellent community tradition that helps – along with the snow – to put all into the holiday spirit.

Also in attendance were State Delegates Robin Grammer, Bob Long and Ric Metzgar and County Councilman Todd Crandell – all of whom represent Essex – as well as Del. Pat McDonough, who is running for Baltimore County Executive.

Crandell noted his awe at the size and beauty of the tree, along with the size and energy of the crowd gathered. He said although he is from Dundalk, “Essex is doing it better” when it comes to community Christmas trees.

Guests were also treated to cookies, tours and visits with Santa.

Ron Alder Receives 2016 Joe Schield Volunteer Award

Delegate Ric Metzgar, Joe Schield Volunteer Award recipient Ronnie Alder and Heritage Society President Terri Knachel.

At our June meeting, Ronnie Alder was named the recipient of the Joe Schield Volunteer Award for his 125 hours of service to the Heritage Society. Ronnie was also presented with a citation from Delegate Ric Metzgar for his dedication to our organization.

Super Hero Day 2017


Hosted by Museum President Terri Knachel, Cheryl Rosedale and Angel Ball, Super Hero Day 2017 featured face painting and crafting for local kids, one of the many ways the Heritage Museum gives back to our community. Become a member.

Museum President Terri Knachel and Angel Ball.

Community Leaders Ric Metzgar (far right) Doug Anderson, Delegate Ned Carey and Community/Civic Leader Nic Queen from Marley/Brooklyn Park, Glen Burnie paid the Heritage Museum a visit on Super Hero Day!


Click any photo to enlarge

The only way to stay out of our jail cell is to become a member!

Bad guys get water ballooned!

Angel Ball teaches the kids how to paint “Essex Rocks”.

Our museum has the best jail cell photo ops!

Cheryl Rosedale as Poison Ivy


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Aero Acres resident Ron Alder stands next to his homemade UFO, 2016

Aero Acres yard is out of this world
Aero Acres resident Ron Alder stands next to his homemade UFO and R2-D2. For 17 years Alder’s UFO has been a staple in the 1000 block of Orems Road. According to Adler, he built the UFO for his grandchildren to play in. It is made of two microwave dishes, PVC tubing, dog bowls and other recycled items. When it is not being kept in his front yard, Alder showcases his UFO during the Dundalk Fourth of July Parade and the Middle River Baseball Parade.

Author – Dan Baldwin
“Aero Acres yard is out of this world,” Avenue News
3/17/2016