Who We Are
Historic Ellicott City, Inc.
For over 50 years, Historic Ellicott City, Inc. has strived to preserve and restore the Ellicott City Historic District and other historic Howard County landmarks.
Founded in 1973, Historic Ellicott City, Inc. (HEC) is a non-profit organization that has dedicated itself to the preservation and promotion of the historical and cultural heritage of Ellicott City and Howard County. Over the years, HEC, Inc. has raised well over 2 million dollars in funds to protect and preserve historical landmarks, educate residents on the town’s history and advocate for policies and initiatives that support historic preservation at the local and state levels.
HEC, Inc. is best known for its decorator show houses, a fund raising initiative that has resulted in the restoration of historic homes and raised funds to support other preservation projects in Ellicott City and Howard County.
Preservation Achievements
Preservation & Restoration Projects Over The Years
Historic Ellicott City, Inc.’s very first project was the restoration of the B&0 Railroad Station. HEC, Inc. and Howard County banded together to raise over $140,000 dollars to complete phase one of this project.
Over the years, HEC, Inc. has supported restoration efforts including the George Ellicott House, the Merryman Street (Thomas Isaac) Cabin and renovation efforts at Carrollton Hall. To learn more about our preservation achievements, explore the interactive history of each achievement by clicking the link below.
Contribute to Our Preservation & Restoration Mission
HEC, Inc. continues to actively find new fundraising projects and ways to support Ellicott City and Howard County preservation efforts so that future generations can understand and appreciate the history of our community. We hope you will consider participating in this effort with us.
Become a Member
Become a Volunteer
Donate to Our Cause
Visit Our Gift Shop
Fundraising Initiative
Annual Decorator Show Houses
Our passion for preservation is best known by our annual Decorator Show House. With over 30 successful show houses and counting, our efforts have led to successful partnerships with property owners in restoring our county’s historic homes and preserving them for future generations.
youtu.be/y5BM_yIdusc?si=0i8fPtNk53xKhDhS ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you for sharing such a meaningful story. Your intersection of life with Mr. Olin has proved a godsend for our town's preservation on canvas even if floods, fires or the vagaries of politics interfere. Vive Messrs. Olin and Purkey!
Colonel Kenneth Olin retired from the U.S. Army, Artillery Division, after 20 years of service. He opened Olin’s 5 & 10 on Main Street, Ellicott City in the building that later housed Chez Fernand Restaurant until it was destroyed by fire in 1984. Mr. Olin expanded into the second floor and added an art supply store. He later closed the 5 & 10 and moved 3 buildings up the street and opened Olin’s Art Shop where he sold art supplies and offered custom picture framing. He did the four drawings between 1967 and 1969 and sold prints for one dollar. He was the first person that I remember that had any kind of interest in local history and architecture. Mr Olin, along with his drawings and paintings is the reason that Ellicott City became my primary subject matter as an artist.
Good “GIVING TUESDAY” morning! What better gift than contributing to the preservation of our beautiful Ellicott City!
You can join our organization (with as much or as little involvement as you choose), buy a gift from our gift store, or simply contribute with a check. Every dollar goes toward our preservation efforts.
Happy Giving Tuesday!
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Historic Ellicott City | Preserve, Educate and Restore
www.historicec.com
Who We Are Historic Ellicott City, Inc. For over 50 years, Historic Ellicott City, Inc. has strived to preserve and restore the Ellicott City Historic District and other historic Howard County landmar...1 CommentComment on Facebook
Here's to all of our past, present and future supporters! Thank you and Bravo!
Don't go out in the Black Friday craziness! Just tap our link to find unique, Ellicott City themed gifts for...hostess gifts...the office holiday gift exchange...your book club gift exchange...the friend/relative that visited you and fell in love with our town...
You can order and pay online, then pick up locally in Ellicott City!
Also, if you would like to become a member of HEC, Inc., you'll get a free gift with your membership! As a member, you'll be the first to know about a Show House! You'll have an insiders view on the preservation projects that we're known for!
Click on our link below for access to the gift shop, information on HEC, Inc., and membership. We would love you to be part of preserving our beautiful, historic hometown!
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Historic Ellicott City | Preserve, Educate and Restore
www.historicec.com
Who We Are Historic Ellicott City, Inc. For over 50 years, Historic Ellicott City, Inc. has strived to preserve and restore the Ellicott City Historic District and other historic Howard County landmar...1 CommentComment on Facebook
Just delivered our first order of 4 tote bags. Thank you!
Visit our online shop for some unique Ellicott City gifts! Great for local friends and family, and also for those out of state to remember our beautiful town! ❤️
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Gift Shop - Historic Ellicott City
historicec.com
HEC Gift Shop Gift Items Now Available Items are available through our partners or can be ordered directly through HEC. Members enjoy a 20% discount off all retail prices when purchasing directly from...1 CommentComment on Facebook
We're happy to arrange a convenient pick up site for your purchases. Support our preservation mission with these unique gifts. 🎁
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Ten days left to get your tickets to this fun event! ... See MoreSee Less
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This display is at the Miller Branch of the Howard County Library thru October. It is the work of artist Alice Webb who we lost in November 2022. Alice was immensely gifted in the difficult art of etching and many other mediums. I am working with her family to find a permanent home for her work including these images of Howard County and Historic Ellicott City. So stop be the library to visit the display as this may be the last public display of her work for some time. The display was assembled by members of Historic Ellicott City Inc. ... See MoreSee Less
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Alice's art should be permanently displayed at the new art gallery planned for the Old Courthouse building so all Howard Countians could enjoy them. Thank you to fellow artist Wiley Purkey and Karen and Hank Griffith for installing this display at the Miller library on display throughout October.
Wonderful! How do you inquire about bringing one of Alice’s works home?
So sorry to hear of her passing. Alice created two very personal and significant pieces for our family, which we cherish. What a talented and giving artist. I am so sorry for your loss.
If you have never attended a Tea, co-sponsored by Historic Ellicott City, Inc. and the Howard County Historical Society, you really should make a point to go!
Today’s Tea was lovely. The food is always good and there’s a nice selection of tea.
Mark Stout, of the Historical Society, gave a very informative talk about the Hobbs School
mystery! Really interesting.
Watch this page and the HoCo Historical Society page for news on the next Tea, probably in Jan 2025. ... See MoreSee Less
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It was a delicious Tea & excellent presentation.by Mark Stout! Thank you to both organizations for an excellent event.
Thanks for attending, Ellen. Always great seeing you. Glad you enjoyed the informative lecture, lots of new research on Mr. Oliver (Kelly) Gilbert.
Please join us! ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Upon leaving the museum tea, I happened upon this half of a locket on the stairs leading to the Court Ave. parking lot. I thought it might be important to someone.