News and Upcoming Events
Historic Ellicott City, Inc. (HEC) will unveil the transformation of its 2018 Decorator Show House, Wilderness Farm, at its Preview Day Garden Party on Thursday, September 20, 11:30am to 4:00pm. Guests of the Preview Day Garden Party will get an exclusive first look at the home’s dramatic new look. Interior designers have masterfully designed and decorated 20 unique spaces in the 20th century farmhouse. Guests will enjoy catering from popular Ellicott City eatery, Georgia Grace cafe and the annual Antique Shop.
The complete Press Release can be read by clicking Read More below.
JULY 30, 2018 (Ellicott City, MD): Historic Ellicott City (HEC) announced today the selection of its 32nd Annual Decorator Show House, Wilderness Farm. The annual event aims to preserve historic homes in the area for future generations, while also raising funds to support missions dedicated to the preservation and restoration of historic Howard County. This year’s Decorator Show House will benefit Ellicott City flood relief efforts.
The complete Press Release can be read by clicking Read More below.
The Ellicott City Old Town Market will be located at the parking lot and on grounds of HEC’s home office, the historic Mt. Ida mansion, until then end of July.
HEC will also be opening the historic home for Tours on July 21st and August 4th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Admission is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for teens (12 and under are free). Cash is preferred.
Click on Read More for more information about Mt. Ida
HEC was pleased to partner with Clarks Ace Hardware of Ellicott City and offer $5,000 in supplies and equipment to assist with the recovery of the Old Ellicott City community in the aftermath of the May 27, 2018 flood. Items provided ranged from dehumidifiers, large fans, electrical cords, wheel barrows, and face masks. The complete Press Release can be read by clicking Read More below.
Wilderness Farm will open its doors on September 21, 2018 and will run through October 21, 2018.
Click Read More for information about: the address of the House, ticket information, hours, including days the house will be closed this year, and other logistics.
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.