The Historical Society of Baltimore County collects, preserves and interprets more than 360 years of Baltimore County history for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations. We pursue our mission through lectures and workshops, publications, tours, and exhibits, and providing weekly public hours at our research center. Our mission also includes caring for our growing collections, which currently include some 9,000 museum artifacts, 8,000 historic photographs, a 4,000-volume library, 500 historic maps and atlases, and hundreds of archival collections. We partner with like-minded organizations and advocate for a more historically minded, educated and aware society. Founded in 1959, the Society is headquartered in the Almshouse, the third and final such building built by Baltimore County. Dating to 1872, the Almshouse, a beautiful limestone building, was built to accommodate up to 100 poor, indigent, or sick "inmates," as residents were called. It now houses the Society's research center and offices and serves as the character-filled backdrop for most of our public programs.