Stories That Stay: Why Museums Matter in Mountain Maryland

Honoring the Past. Inspiring the Future.

In today’s fast-paced, digital world, the quiet power of a local museum can feel almost radical. These are the places where stories are held, where generations connect, and where small towns and regions like Mountain Maryland keep the cultural heartbeat alive. That’s exactly what Mountain Maryland Museum Week is all about—celebrating the institutions that preserve, interpret, and share the unique identity of Allegany County, Maryland.

This year, Mountain Maryland Museum Week runs from June 13–22, 2025, with more than a dozen participating museums and heritage sites opening their doors for tours, programs, and unforgettable moments of discovery. But what makes these museums so vital beyond the artifacts behind the glass?

We asked local museum leaders to share why their work matters. What we heard was deeply personal and a testament to the importance of museums in rural communities.

Preserving the Heart of a Community

From the Evergreen Heritage Center to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, our museums are protecting historic structures and objects while preserving the soul of the region.

“The three museums at the Evergreen Heritage Center... document and preserve Western MD Appalachian history so that we may pass that history, and its culture and traditions, down to future generations,” shared Janice Keene, President and Founder of Evergreen Heritage Center Foundation. This commitment isn’t just about preservation; it’s about keeping heritage alive and relevant for the children and families who walk through the door.

At Emmanuel Episcopal Church, history intersects with faith, social justice, and art. “Many of our visitors are incredibly touched by the accounts of enslaved people at Emmanuel,” Barbara Crane, History Chair at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, wrote. “Viewing the remnants of the gallery for the enslaved in our sanctuary and hearing the story of the Underground Railroad has moved some guests to tears.” Our stories are a powerful reminder that history goes beyond what we study and becomes something we feel and connect with.

Moments That Matter

While museum staff often focus on curation and programming, it's the personal connections with visitors that stay with them.

At the Frostburg Museum, one visitor found a surprising connection in the coal mining exhibit: “She focused on a photo of miners from Eckhart in 1926 and said, ‘That’s my dad!’ She had not known that her father was a miner as a young man.” For that visitor, the museum experience offered a piece of her identity.

For Dr. Emily Kasecamp at the Allegany Museum, it’s joy of sparking curiosity in young learners that emphasizes the meaning and mission of the organization:

“That spark of realization in their eyes is even more precious... History, art, and engineering all come alive for all of us in museums.”

Museums as Community Catalysts

Museums in Allegany County are more than just a place to house and preserve historic collections—they are active participants in civic and cultural life. They host field trips, exhibitions, speaker series, theater, and even support genealogical research for families tracing their roots.

“We are so pleased that in our small rural community, we can host thousands of students every year on day-long field trips,” shared the Evergreen Heritage Center. Their “Time Travel” field trip for 4th graders recently won a Maryland Historical Trust Award for Excellence in Community Impact—a perfect example of how a rural museum can stand out as a leader statewide.

As the Allegany Museum noted, “Without our local museums, these stories and voices from the past go unheard. Every time I walk through the doors... I am overwhelmed with pride in our community.”

The Power of Museum Week

Mountain Maryland Museum Week brings these institutions into the spotlight to connect with new audiences, collaborate with each other, and share stories that might otherwise remain hidden.

“This event brings more visitors to the church and museum. It introduces Emmanuel to many who would not otherwise visit,” said Barb Crane. Liz Eshleman with the Frostburg Museum added, “Museum Week highlights all local museums and draws visitors who are interested in local history... Many are not aware of the history or topography of the area—especially if they’re from eastern Maryland.”

Step into the stories of your community this Museum Week to learn what has shaped your town, your family, and your future. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious kid, or someone searching for a deeper connection to the region, Mountain Maryland Museum Week invites you to look closer, dig deeper, and discover the unexpected.

Visit the official landing page to see hours, event listings, and participating sites. This is your chance to celebrate the places that help us remember where we came from—and imagine where we’re going.