The Hancock Historical Society Town Museum in Hancock, Maryland is a notable institution that captures the rich history of this small town. Incorporated in 1986, the museum opened a year later and is now housed in the lower level of the Municipal Building on High Street. It is dedicated to showcasing the town’s past, with a particular focus on transportation and local life.
The museum boasts a substantial collection of antique tools and memorabilia that paint a vivid picture of Hancock’s history. This includes items that illustrate the town’s significant role in transportation, with artifacts related to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal), the National Pike, and the Western Maryland Railroad. The museum also features a large library of genealogy files, business memorabilia, and newspaper archives, offering a detailed look into the town’s past.
Exhibits at the museum are periodically updated, and during the holiday season, there’s a special display of antique Christmas cards from local families, some dating back several generations. This touch adds a personal and intimate dimension to the town’s history.
The museum operates on a limited schedule, being open on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. from April through October. Visits can also be arranged by request, providing opportunities for more personalized exploration of Hancock’s history.
This museum is an essential stop for anyone interested in understanding the historical fabric of Hancock, Maryland, especially its role in transportation and the day-to-day lives of its past residents.