Pioneers in Preservation
Historic Ellicott City, Inc. (HEC) is a non-profit volunteer organization founded in 1974. The organization is the result of a merger of Historic Ellicott Mills, Inc. and the Ellicott City Bicenntenial Association, Inc.. Our mission is to support the preservation and restoration of the Ellicott City Historic District as well as other historic Howard County properties, and to promote a greater awareness of Ellicott City and Howard County history.
Our passion for preservation is best known by our Annual Decorator Show House. Our accomplishments in restoration and fundraising have led to successful partnerships with property owners in restoring our county’s historic homes and preserving them for future generations.
Recent News and Upcoming Events
Searching for the Next Show House
January 2019
HEC has started to look for the next historic home that will serve as our 2019 Show House. If you have a prospect for us to consider, please review the criteria below and send us an e-mail to let us know.
- The property must be located in Howard County
- Historic significance and age—generally at least 50 years old
- Exterior appeal that will attract visitors
- Adequate size to accommodate perhaps 100 visitors per day
- A floor plan that allows for a comfortable flow for visitors
- Adequate level parking for approx. 100 cars, preferably on the premises or safe off-street with safe ingress and egress to public roads
- Basement, barns or other outbuildings to accommodate vendors
- All utilities must be turned on with at least one working bathroom
- Homes in need of cosmetic not structural improvement
- We do not replace kitchens, baths or hardwood floors
- Homes that are or will be completely empty for the design work
- A home that will be vacated by owners July through late October
- The owner will be presented with a “design board” to review for each room
Announcement: Mt. Ida Estate Sale
November 10 & 11 - 2018
Mt. Ida Estate Sale
November 10th from 9:00 to 4:00
November 11th from 10:00 to 4:00
HEC was recently notified that the owner of Mt. Ida has signed a contract to sell the home. As our move is imminent, HEC and FPFI are hosting an Estate Sale. Items for sale include furniture, rugs, curtains, china, knick knacks, holiday decorations, vintage farmhouse decor, etc… Photos of many of the items will be posted on our Facebook Page: facebook.com/HistoricECinc and are listed on this Estate Sale site: https://bit.ly/2D90lf0.
Prices will be marked and available the day of the sale. Many of these items found a home in Mt. Ida after the 2013 Show House. Proceeds will go into HEC’s general fund. No phone calls, please. Mt. Ida is the historic yellow stucco house next to the Howard County Courthouse parking lot. The address is 3691 Sarahs Lane, Ellicott City.
Show House Merchandise Pick-UP
Announcement: October 25-28
HEC is pleased to announce that this year’s Decorator Show House was a success.
Merchandise pick-up days/times are:
Thursday, October 25: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, October 27: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, October 28: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Removal and transportation of all items are the buyer’s responsibility. No refunds and no returns.
Thank you to everyone who visited Wilderness Farm!
HEC’s Revitalization Grant Program: Now Accepting Applications
HEC has made proceeds from our 2018 Show House available to support projects in the community. HEC has partnered with Preservation Maryland to create and fund the Historic Ellicott City Revitalization Grant Program. Last year, the Program provided $50,000 in funding for seven important projects. The updated deadline for grant applications is January 31, 2019.
The program was renewed for another year and will provide direct assistance for the rehabilitation and preservation and promotion of cultural resources within the Ellicott City National Register Historic District and the surrounding area in Howard County. Eligible entities include non-profits, religious institutions, local businesses, and municipal agencies.
Click Here for information on what projects are eligible, a Grant Application, the Grant Guidelines, and information about previously funded programs.
Support Our Mission
For membership information, visit our membership page. For a one-time contribution, use the link below: