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.
News & Advocacy
HEC, Inc. Annual Membership Meeting 5/3/25
Despite a threatening forecast HEC, Inc. members attended an afternoon Annual Meeting in the garden of Nancy and Steve Grabowski, the sun shone through, and we managed to conduct the business of electing our new officers and board members all the while enjoying some...
Mill Town Tea: “Secrets of the Chocolate Maker” 3/27/2025
On March 27, 2025 speaking to a packed house, food historian, Tiffany Fisk presented “Secrets of the Chocolate Maker”. Having made chocolate herself during her tenure in Colonial Williamsburg from the cacao pod, she was able to fully engage the audience in the...
Fall Mill Town Tea 9/26/24
September is Underground Railroad Month. To commemorate, Mark Stout presented “Journey to Freedom: Solving the Mystery of the Hobbs Schoolhouse”. Local Howard County site investigated in the daring escape and journey to freedom. With an interesting...
Preservationist Bench Dedication 9/19/24
HEC, Inc. invited the family members and friends of the persons named on five benches around Ellicott City. Jean O. Hannon, founder of Historic Ellicott Mills, Inc. and founding member of HEC, Inc. Jean won the "Paint It" program sponsored by Sears which began the...
Events
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.
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