The Library--- has occupied the Weir Building or Old School House since 1988. The building originally housed the Ellicott Mills Quaker School. It is believed to be the oldest structure in Ellicott City. It features elaborate iron grille work on its porch. The library houses a rich research collection of books, journals, and documents featuring local history and genealogy.

On exhibit are materials from five generations of Ellicotts, beginning with Andrew Ellicott "the surveyor" , including a wooden case pocket compass that he made. Clippings of Andrew Ellicott's and his wife Sarah Ellicott's hair with memorial notes, hair jewelry and other treasured mementoes that were saved for generations are on view, along with a quilt (circa 1840) made by Andrew's daughter in law Sarah Griffith Ellicott. Objects in the exhibition include many personal items such as beaded purses, Bohemian glass perfume bottles, tortoise shell cases, and ivory aide de memoir. Photographs from early daguerreotypes to modern prints of Henry Ellicott Magill, the descendant from whom the collection came, along with letters, newspaper clippings and everyday objects help to trace life of an important American family.

The preservation of the museum is an on-going project. From 1978 to date there has been extensive restoration on the building. Roof repair, replastering and painting, refinishing of floors and woodwork, and a new entrance installed. The Mellor entrance was cut into the old rector’s office to allow for handicap access.

The Museum--is housed in the former First Presbyterian Church, a building constructed in the Gothic style with a 100 foot bell tower, a roof characterized by steeply pitched intersecting gables with the south end of the building being semi-hexagonal in shape and having a semi-conical roof. The original structure begun in 1837 collapsed during renovations in 1894. The new structure was designed by George Archer. Frederick A. Wayland was the builder and Thomas Kirby the stone quarrier. The new church was dedicated December 23, 1894. The windows are stained and leaded glass and include a rose window picturing two angles behind the organ. (Two cherubs depicting Henry and Melissa, children of Rev. Branch, who died in infancy.) The organ was originally built in 1885 by the A.B. Felgemacher Organ Company of Erie, PA.

Early in 2006 the Society was the fortunate recipient of artifacts, photographs, and documents from a direct decendant of Andrew Ellicott, one of the founders of Ellicott City and early America's foremost surveyor.

The library houses Howard County’s official archive of retired documents of historical value many of which date to the early 19th Century. These include deeds, marriage licenses, and property records.

• artifacts
• books
• voting records
• registers
• deeds
• marriage licenses

• Candlelight Tour
• educational programs
• Spring Dinner Dance
• tours
• School classroom program

• The Legacy - newspaper