Our History
The Taneytown Revitalization Committee met for the first time on August 12, 1986 and was joined by several residents of the community interested in participating in planning for Carroll County’s 150th Anniversary celebration. At the second meeting on August 27th, Mayor Henry Reindollar designated this group to serve as the Carroll County Sesqui-Centennial Committee for the municipality. With long-term goals and wishing to become a more permanent committee, the group voted to change their name to Taneytown Heritage Committee. Dues were set at individual membership-$10.00.
After addressing their immediate charge of planning for the 150th Anniversary of Carroll County Celebration in Taneytown on June 20-21, 1987, the Heritage Committee invited everyone to become a member or to volunteer their services and began several on-going community projects. By fall 1987 the Committee had set a schedule of meetings and, in order to meet their goal of preserving the character and integrity of the designated historic district and surrounding properties, adopted the following objectives:
- Encourage pride of ownership through upkeep of properties
- Aid the City council on historic projects
- Provide educational opportunities
- Continue research and inquiry into the history of Taneytown
The first officers were elected in September, 1987. The Heritage Committee was very active with Candlelight Holly Home Tours, an Old Tyme Country Fair, door decorating contests and many informative speakers. They obtained 501(C)3 non-profit status in 1989.
In the fall of 2003 Chamber of Commerce members George Crouse and George Naylor initiated plans to study and develop a Taneytown-based museum and visitor center. In January 2004 a lease was negotiated with the City of Taneytown to use the city-owned building at 24 East Baltimore Street for the purpose of establishing the Taneytown History Museum and Visitor Center and Chamber of Commerce office. The Taneytown History Museum obtained non-profit status under the Carroll County Community Foundation. Modifications began immediately—one door and one wall removed, one wall and one door added, a little plaster work, some paint, help from a carpet professional—and the building was readied for the first displays. Time was short, as Taneytown’s 250th Anniversary celebration was coming up in August. As the building was being prepared, the curator was busy making contacts and researching the location of artifacts. Others were busy building display cases and planning the opening. A call went out for volunteer docents. The Museum Committee members each had a job to do! On August 1, 2004 the Museum opened to the public. Just in time for Taneytown’s 250th Celebration, it was a grand day!
Joining Forces
The Taneytown Heritage and Museum Association, Inc. was established in 2014. It is a “marriage” of two local groups dedicated to preserving, sharing and learning more about the history of Taneytown and the surrounding area. The Taneytown Heritage Committee was established in 1986 and the Taneytown History Museum in 2004. Each was dedicated to furthering public interest and knowledge of local history—the Heritage Committee through lectures and community pride while the Museum strived to preserve and display artifacts and ephemera. With many shared interests, goals and members, it seemed only natural they should join forces. The new organization is a 501(c)3 non-profit and the objectives remain the same as the original groups’, but the two now work as one.
In October, 2013 the Association was honored to be the beneficiary of the very generous donation of the property at 340 East Baltimore Street in Taneytown.
Taneytown Heritage and Museum Association is dependent upon donations, memberships and fund-raising to finance the property, the History Museum and all other activities. T.H.M.A. has several fund-raisers and also sponsors two major events during the year.