News and Upcoming Events
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.
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.
News Announcement: May 2017
On Sunday, May 7, HEC held its Annual Membership Meeting during which the new leadership for the 2017-2018 year was voted-in. HEC is pleased to announce the following Executive Committee, Board of Directors and Advisory Council.
Officers
President: Joan Becker
Vice President: Karen Learmouth
Secretary: Peg Maxson
Treasurer: Valerie Hyer
Click on Read More for the complete list.
News Announcement: 5/8/2017
On Sunday, May 7, HEC held its Annual Membership Meeting. The meeting began with a tree dedication led by Ed Lilley in memory of Roland Bounds for his contributions over 50 years of service to historic preservation, the Historic Ellicott City community and HEC as a Past President. The tree and plaque are located near the Courthouse and the Howard County Historical Society Museum. After the ceremony and remarks, HEC conducted its Annual Meeting…
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Join us at HEC’s Annual Membership Meeting to celebrate our 2016 successes and take a look at what is on the horizon
Mt. Ida
Have you always been curious about the yellow stucco mansion on the hill high above Ellicott City and next to the Courthouse? It’s called Mt. Ida and its the home of the administrative offices of both Historic Ellicott City, Inc. and the Friends of the Patapsco Female Institute.
The story of of this lovely home begins in 1833. Architect Robert Carey Long, Jr and Charles Timanus, Jr., the Principal builder of the Patapsco Female Institute, erected this yellow-stucco house of rubble stone for William Ellicott, grandson of Andrew Ellicott, a founder of Ellicott’s Mills. Mt.Ida’s style was gleaned from the Greek Revival and Italianate periods, reminiscent of that which pervaded the South during its Ante-bellum Period. It was the last Ellicott home built within the Historic District, a magnificent specimen of architectural excellence, and remains for us a living monument to the history and lifestyle we call our heritage.
Tours can be booked by request and the home can be rented for certain approved events, not to exceed 60 guests, again by request. Email: Historicec@hotmail.com or leave a message at: 410-461-6908.