Mountain Maryland Museum Week Marks Five Years and Launches the Road to 250
June 12–21 promotion highlights the people, places, and pathways that shaped America.
June 2, 2026 - CUMBERLAND, MD – Allegany County Tourism has announced the return of Mountain Maryland Museum Week, which will take place June 12-21, 2026. Now in its fifth year, this 10-day heritage tourism promotion invites visitors and residents to explore the museums, historic sites, and cultural attractions that preserve and share the stories of Mountain Maryland.
This year's Museum Week also serves as a kickoff to Allegany County's "Road to 250" initiative, connecting local history to the upcoming commemoration of America's 250th anniversary. Through exhibits, tours, special events, and expanded museum hours, Museum Week encourages exploration of the people, places, and pathways that helped shape both Maryland and the nation.
The story of Allegany County is, in many ways, the story of America's movement west. Long before modern highways connected the nation, the mountains of Western Maryland served as a natural gateway to the frontier. The region became a crossroads of transportation and industry, linking east and west through rivers, roads, canals, and railroads.
Home to Mile Marker 0 of the National Road, the terminus of the C&O Canal, and generations of railroad innovation, Allegany County played a vital role in the nation's growth and development. These stories and countless others, which have been preserved by local museums and historical organizations, continue to connect visitors with more than three centuries of American history.
“Over the past five years, Museum Week has become a tradition that shines a spotlight on our heritage attractions,” says Ashli Workman, Director of Tourism. “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this summer, Museum Week provides an opportunity to explore the places, people, and events that shaped our region and helped to influence our nation.”
The following museums will be participating in Museum Week:
- Allegany Museum
- C. William Gilchrist Museum of the Arts
- C&O Canal National Historical Park Museum and Visitor Center
- Emmanuel Episcopal Church
- Evergreen Heritage Center
- Frostburg Museum
- George Washington’s Headquarters
- History Discovery Center at Blue Spring
- Mountain City Traditional Arts
- National Road LaVale Toll Gate House
- The Gordon-Roberts House
- Thrasher Museum
Participating museums have committed to expanded availability and agreed to be open at least four of the 10 days of the promotion, which spans two weekends.
The public can expect events and programs offered during Museum Week, including special excursions along the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Visitors are encouraged to pair museum visits with exploration of historic landmarks, transportation heritage sites, scenic byways, and the county's growing collection of Maryland 250 experiences. Allegany County is also home to Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area (one of 13 of the state’s official Heritage Areas) and is a part of three of Maryland’s Scenic Byways, each with historical relevance and perfect for a summer road trip.
A complete list of participating museums, special events, hours of operation, and trip-planning resources can be found at www.mdmountainside.com/museumweek.
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Allegany County Tourism
Allegany County Tourism is the official tourism office for Allegany County, Maryland. Allegany County Tourism enhances the quality of life in Allegany County, Maryland, and strengthens destination awareness through promotion, development, and services that attract visitors to stay longer and spend more in our community. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging options, and community events can be found at www.mdmountainside.com. Tourism supports 3,000 jobs in Allegany County, generating $202 million in visitor spending and $50 million in tourism tax revenues annually. Source: Tourism Economics