FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Allegany County Office of Tourism
701 Kelly Road
Cumberland, MD 21502
aworkman@alleganygov.org
www.mdmountainside.com
 

The 4th Annual Mountain Maryland Museum Week Returns June 13-22

June 4, 2025 - CUMBERLAND, MD – Allegany County Tourism is pleased to announce the return of Mountain Maryland Museum Week, taking place June 13–22, 2025, at participating museums and attractions throughout the region. This 10-day annual celebration showcases more than three centuries of American history in Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, through its museums, historical sites, and heritage-focused experiences.
The Mountain Maryland region is deeply rooted in the story of America’s early transportation milestones—told through its rivers, rails, trails, mountains, and historic towns. Before the Industrial Revolution, Allegany County’s natural topography served as a vital corridor for westward migration and exploration. It is home to the final stop on the C&O Canal, Mile Marker “0” of the National Road, and a major crossroads in the development of America’s railroad system. During the Industrial Revolution, the county emerged as a hub for exporting coal, ore, timber, and other natural resources. But Allegany County’s legacy extends beyond commerce. Beneath the surface, the original Fort Cumberland tunnels provided safe passage for enslaved people seeking freedom across the nearby Mason-Dixon Line, marking the area as a significant part of the Underground Railroad.

“Museum Week was created as an opportunity to celebrate our region’s rich heritage tourism assets,” said Ashli Workman, Director of Tourism. “Our goal is to raise awareness of our historical attractions and inspire travel through meaningful, educational experiences.”

Participating Museums:

  • Allegany Museum
  • C&O Canal Museum
  • C. William Gilchrist Museum of the Arts
  • Emmanuel Episcopal Church
  • Evergreen Heritage Center
  • Frostburg Museum
  • George Washington’s Headquarters
  • Mountain City Traditional Arts
  • National Road LaVale Toll Gate House
  • Thrasher Carriage Museum 
  • Wills Creek Museum 

Each participating museum has committed to being open at least four of the 10 days, including both weekends of the promotion.

Special Events and Programs:
 Visitors can look forward to a variety of events throughout Museum Week, including:

  • History on Tap: Baseball Edition featuring the story of Lefty Groves at the Allegany Museum
  • History of Local Brewing at the History Discovery Center
  • Fireballs and Fast Freight: A History of the Western Maryland Around Cumberland with Cameron Stefan, hosted by the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Additional Historic Sites of Interest:
In addition to museums, visitors are encouraged to explore local landmarks such as:

  • The Coal Miner’s Memorial
  • Brownsville Monument
  • Lonaconing Iron Furnace
  • Paw Paw Tunnel
  • Historic gravesites of Captain David Lynn, a Revolutionary War officer, and Jane Gates, the first Black woman in Allegany County to own property and open a bank account


Allegany County is part of the Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area, one of Maryland’s 13 certified Heritage Areas, and spans three of the state’s Scenic Byways—ideal for a summer road trip filled with history and culture.

For a complete schedule of events, museum hours, and a list of historic attractions, visit: www.mdmountainside.com/museum-week.

 

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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 3,600 jobs in Allegany County, generating $202 million in visitor spending and $50 million in tourism tax revenues annually. Source: Tourism Economics