Our club members meetings are held in the meeting room of the Rural Heritage
Museum at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center in Hagerstown,
MD.
About the Museum
In 1994 the Washington County Commissioners signed a lease agreement with
the University of Maryland for 54 acres of ground located on the Sharpsburg
Pike. Within a year, construction was started on the first buildings of the
Agricultural Education Center.
 A
7,200 square-foot museum was dedicated on May 12, 2001. It contains more than
2,000 items. Most of the artifacts are on loan or have been gifted to the
museum by local residents.
Visitors are introduced to the museum through on orientation center where
they view a 20 minute video. The tour through the Museum is self-guided with
docents available to answer questions.
There are 26 exhibit areas depicting early rural life in Washington County.
On display are an early Conestoga
wagon which traveled the National Road from Baltimore to Wheeling, a 1914 post
office, a country
store, several good buggies, wagons,
and sleights,
three rooms of Victorian era home furnishings, and many items
used in farm operations.
Directions:
From I-70, exit 29, proceed south on Rt. 65 toward Sharpsburg for about 7
miles. The Agricultural Education Center is on the left. The Museum is located
immediately inside the entrance. Approached from the south, the location is
just 3 miles north of the Antietam Battlefield on Rt. 65.
Facilities:
The Museum is 100% handicap accessible. Loading and unloading at the front
entrance. Special parking for buses. Heated and air conditioned. Work is continuing
on a Rural Living History Area. A second museum building is planned.
Hours and Info:
Although the Museum keeps regular hours from April through October, a
number of special shows are held at other periods of the year. Information
is available by calling 240-420-1712.
Donations:
There is no admission charge but donations are accepted to help
support Museum programs.
Accessibility:
The Museum meets ADA accessibility requirements. Individuals with extra special
needs are requested to contact the museum office prior to visiting, 240-420-1712;
deaf and hard of hearing call 7-1-1 for Maryland relay.
Open April through October
Saturday and Sunday afternoons
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
All other times by appointment
Call 240-420-1712 Agricultural Education Center
A unit of the Washington County Park System
7313 Sharpsburg Pike
Boonsboro, MD 21713 |
