Step back in time and explore our museum collections, featuring the grand reopening of our newly updated “Toy Shop” exhibit! It’s the perfect weekend outing for history buffs and families alike. While you’re here, visit our gift shop to pick up unique local treasures, from our newly-designed Essex/Middle River flag and custom holiday ornaments to … Read more
We take pride in our ongoing achievements at The Heritage Society and present to you our yearly events calendar. Our mission: To investigate, collect and preserve the history of the Essex and Middle River areas for ourselves and future generations; to support and promote programs and projects for the good of the people of these … Read more
Joshua Bell, amateur researcher and author of Mysterious Middle River, visited the museum to discuss the sudden wave of Sasquatch reports that swept through Baltimore County in May 1976. Though intense and short-lived, the sightings captured national attention and have since been chronicled across various books, magazines, and television programs. Squatchy, the official mascot of … Read more
Todd Peenstra, Owner/President of Peenstra Antique Appraisals visited the museum to offer appraisals, consultations, and advice on jewelry, silver, coins, timepieces, furniture, glass, porcelain, paintings, bronzes, toys, and more! Antiques Appraisal Day Saturday, April 25 at 1 pm The Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River hosted its first-ever Antiques Appraisal Day on Saturday, April … Read more
Batter Up! Batter up! It’s springtime in Essex, and the spirit of Opening Day is in the air once again. From the championship runs of the Essex Moose to the days when Orioles stars like Brooks Robinson visited Essex, the museum’s Baumgartner Collection Book #74: Baseball captures it all. Take a look at Essex baseball … Read more
In 2009, the East County Times published a special commemorative issue filled with incredible historical photos from the archives of the Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River. Want to dive deeper into our local history? Download the full Essex 100 Years Commemorative PDF. Explore vintage photos, historical timelines, and stories spanning a century of … Read more
Did you know that for nearly 40 years, a booming candle factory operated right in the heart of Essex? From 1931 to 1969, Frank and Hazel Spaeth ran the Essex Candle Company, supplying handmade tapers to some of the most famous department stores and hotels in Baltimore and D.C. Baumgartner Collection Book #291: Essex Candle … Read more
The Essex-Middle River flag was officially unveiled during a gala celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Heritage Society Museum. Designed by a local student, the flag symbolizes the community’s rich aviation and waterfront traditions through its colors and a white compass of unity. Local officials and Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River members gather … Read more
“I drove by the Fruitland produce stand on Eastern Boulevard in Essex today and saw that they were going up for auction. I decided to turn around and take some photos of this colorful landmark.” Photographer Kevin Moore Fruitland 2025 Photo Gallery by Kevin Moore Fruitland sketch, Herb Schwartz (Maryland Sketchbook, Baltimore Sun, 1995) Fruitland … Read more
Picnic beach. The Pospisils purchased four waterfront lots on Bay Drive in Bowleys Quarters in 1923, clearing trees and opening 200 feet of shoreline to the public as a swimming beach and picnic grounds. Mary Pospisil recalls the family closing up the nightclub late Saturday night, attending 2:30 a.m. Mass at St. Vincent’s church downtown … Read more
