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 preserve, educate and restore historic properties, primarily in the Historic District of Ellicott City.
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
HEC Awards $50,000 in grants to preservation projects in Ellicott City
News Announcement
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – In response to the devastating July 2016 flood in Ellicott City, Preservation Maryland and Historic Ellicott City, Inc. created and funded the Historic Ellicott City Revitalization Grant Program to support projects in the community. Funding for the grant program was provided by our 2016 Decorator Show House. Additional funding support came from the generous donors to Preservation Maryland’s Ellicott City Flood Recovery Fund. $50,000 in grants was awarded to the following recipient: Patapsco Heritage Greenway, Howard County Historical Society, Ellicott City Historic District Partnership,Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, Howard County Historic Preservation Commission, Howard County Tourism Council,
and St. Luke’s A.M.E. Church. The complete press release and project details can be found on Preservation Maryland’s website: here.
Press Release on 2017 Show House
September 24 to October 22, 2017
Since 1987, the Historic Ellicott City Decorator Show House has invited local interior designers to design and decorate the rooms of magnificent Howard County properties. This year, the stunning 19th -century mansion “White Hall” has been selected as the 2017 Decorator Show House.
Nearly 20 local interior designers will have complete artistic autonomy over 26 rooms to showcase their expertise and creativity. From choosing upholstery to selecting paintings from local artists, these designers will take inspiration from the house, its surrounding grounds, and their own imaginations. Most furnishings and accessories are also available for purchase. The estate was also a HEC Show House in 1998 and visitors will see before and after pictures of how interior design has evolved over the past twenty years.
“We’re thrilled to return to White Hall for this year’s Show House,” says Joan Becker, chair of the General Show House Committee. “Not only is it a beautiful home, but also there are captivating stories that accompany every room, stairwell and hallway. This 200-year-old estate allows our designers the perfect opportunity to merge contemporary design with classic period architecture. The results are sure to be as dramatic as White Hall itself.”
This year’s proceeds will serve to fund two significant efforts: Historic Ellicott Revitalization Grant Program as well as the restoration of Carrollton Hall, located on the grounds of The Shrine of St. Anthony.
Show House Dirty Work Party
Friday, July 14
Would you like to see what an Historic Ellicott City Decorator Show House looks like before our designers work their magic? You are invited to join us at White Hall for an exclusive insiders peek at our 2017 Decorator Show House “Dirty Work” party on Friday, July 14th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. In addition to enjoying wine, beer and light casual fare, you’ll get the chance to meet our designers and check out their decorating vision and plans for each room.
Admission: $5, cash, per person, at the door.
Show House
White Hall – 2017
White Hall was part of the early land grant called Freeborn’s Progress. The house was constructed prior to 1822 and family lore suggests that the east wing was used as a hospital during the War of 1812. In 1977 the house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Show House will be open to the public from September 24, 2017 to October 22, 2017.
The proceeds from this year’s Show House will serve to fund two significant efforts: The Historic Ellicott Revitalization Grant Program as well as the restoration of Carrollton Hall. Carrollton Hall is an historic building on the grounds of The Shrine of St. Anthony, and was built by Charles Carroll and completed in 1832.
White Hall is located at 4130 Chatham Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042.
More information is available by clicking “Learn More” below. Ticket sales and information about visiting White Hall can be found by clicking on “Show House Tickets” under the Show House tab of the Main Menu.
Support Our Mission
For membership information, visit our membership page. For a one-time contribution, use the link below: