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.

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.

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. 

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.

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…