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
Coming Soon: 2019 Show House
News Update
HEC is excited to announce our 33rd Annual Show House coming in September 2019!
Designers interested in seeing the space: click “Read More” below.
Interested in volunteering? Email: showhouse@historicec.com
Visitors: stay tuned for details.
Supporting the Rehabilitation of Carrollton Hall
March 2019
On Friday, February 22nd, HEC board members and officers toured historic Carrollton Hall and presented a check for $30,000 to Joseph Hamilton, Director of Mission Advancement for the Franciscan Friars Conventual of the Our Lady of the Angels Province.
These funds, combined with a past HEC donation, are going toward the continued renovation and establishment of The Heritage Room in Carrollton Hall.
Historic Ellicott City, Inc. is proud to be a part of this effort to preserve and share this landmark with the community and visitors alike.
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
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: