Historical Society

Historical Society

Botanical Garden, Cemetery, Culture, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Library

The Catonsville Historical Society Inc., is a non-profit organization that was organized in 1973 after the late Mrs. Robert Townsend had bequeathed her home and, her collection of 18th and early 19th century antiques to the Society. Her decorator workshop, which was next to the house, was later remodeled and enlarged for an office, meeting room, and museum to house Catonsville memorabilia. The enlarged and remodeled area ultimately became the Pullen Museum. The Society currently maintains a membership of over 700 people, runs tours of the Townsend House and Pullen Museum, and hosts a variety of activities. Additionally there is a Genealogy Section of the Society that meets once a month.

Historical Society

Culture, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Library

The Captain Avery Museum property is uniquely significant for its dual period of interpretation. From 1860 to 1890, the property was owned by Captain Salem Avery and the property remained in the family until 1920. Avery came to the Chesapeake from Long Island where his family had been sea captains for several generations. The Museum’s collections include artifacts from the Avery family, notably the family Bible given to Mrs. Avery as a wedding gift. Other artifacts in the Avery family house reflect the furnishings of the time, many having been donated by local families. The house is typical of many watermen’s families in the area and the history of their daily life is interpreted by artifacts in common use during the period.

Historical Society

Historical Society

Culture, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Park

A group of volunteers committed to preserving life as it was known by the people living in the Clear Spring area generations ago. This group of volunteers have preserved Plumb Grove, once a dilapidated house, and filled the rooms with period furniture from other local homes, furniture made in Clear Spring, and Maryland made furniture. The Plumb Grove lawn contains 126 heritage roses and heritage flowers, vegetables and herbs, all enjoyed centuries ago by other people. Out buildings include a barn displaying a collection of items used by the people who once worked the land, tended stores, and manufactured items in the Clear Spring community. There is also a summer kitchen and a deluxe outhouse.