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Welcome Center

The Howard County, Maryland Welcome Center is located in the Ellicott City Historic District at 8267 Main Street. This is in the basement of the former United States Post Office building and the entrance is on the side of the building off of Hamilton Street. You can reach us at 410-313-1900 or 1-800-288-8747.

The Howard County, Maryland Welcome Center hours are:

April through November
Monday through Thursday 10:00am to 5:00pm
Friday and Saturday 10:00am to 8:30pm
Sunday and most holidays Noon to 5:00pm

December through March:
Monday through Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday and most holidays Noon to 5:00pm

Items for sale:

Historic Ellicott City – A Walking Tour, by Joetta Cramm,This book is one of the most definitive histories of Ellicott City (Ellicott’s Mills) with many pictures that have been obtained by the author through extensive research of the town, Cost is $15.00

Remembering Ellicott City – Stories from the Patapsco River Valley by Janet Kusterer and Victoria Goeller. “Catch a glimpse of a community that is fiercely proud of its history” in the words of its inhabitants. A compilation of oral histories. Cost is $23.25

Images of America – Maryland’s Forest and Parks by Robert F. Bailey III. This book is intended to stand as a testament to the efforts of all those who have worked for Maryland State forests and parks over the past century. Includes information and photos from Patapsco Valley State Park. Cost is $21.25

Images of America – Maryland’s Amusement Parks by Jason Rhodes. Discover Maryland’s rich history in amusement park’s including Howard County’s own Enchanted Forest, the first theme park on the east coast and only one month behind Walt Disney’s first park in California. Cost is $21.25

Images of America – Sykesville by Bill Hall. Sykesville, resplendent in history proves that size really doe not matter, especially when it comes to national history and international intrigue within your borders. Cost is $21.25

Images of America – Carroll County by Catherine Baty. From its first days the county was primarily agricultural but the advent of railroads and modern roads boosted the economy of the county and its seven cities. Cost is $21.25

New City Upon a Hill – A History of Columbia, Maryland by J. R. Mitchell and D. L. Stebenne. “One may wonder why a city only 40 years old needs a history, but Columbia, Maryland is no ordinary place.” “It was intended to be both a model urban center and an experiment in free enterprise capitalism.” Cost is $21.25

America’s Road – A photographic journey across the National Road from Baltimore to East St. Louis by Russell C. Poole “The coming of the National Road allowed for the westward expansion of the nation by any American willing to make the venture, not just the few hardy pioneers who had blazed trails into previously unknown and hostile territory.” Cost is $42.50

Patapsco – Life Along Maryland’s Historic River Valley – text by Alison Kahn and photos by Peggy Fox. An oral history and photographic compilation. “Those whose voices you hear represent a cross section of the region in their work and education, their race and gender, their experience in and contribution to this historic valley.” Cost is $23.25

Little Patuxent Review - We carry several volumes of the Little Patuxent Review, central Maryland’s Arts and Literature Review. The Little Patuxent Review strives to promote the tradition of written and visual arts by creating a spirited magazine that reflects and draws upon the creativity and diversity within Howard County and the region. Cost is $21.25

Ellicott City, Maryland – Mill Town, U.S.A., by Celia M. Holland, 2003 Update By Janet P. Kusterer and Charlotte T. Holland, This book is another of the definitive histories of Ellicott City and also includes information about the families that lived here. Originally published in 1970, the book was updated in 2003 to add to the original book information about the changes in the town in the intervening 30 years. Cost is $19.00

The Ellicotts: Striving for A Holy Community, by Alison Ellicott Mylander, This book looks at the Ellicott family from the perspective of the family’s Quaker religion and its effect on the success of the family and that of the town. Cost is $2.15

A Pictorial History – Howard County, by Joetta M. Cramm, This book is exactly what the title says and then some. There are many pictures and stories of the families and buildings in Howard County. Originally published in 1987, this is the fourth printing which adds another chapter and many more pictures. Cost is $42.50

The Ellicott City B&O Railroad Station – A National Historic Landmark, by Janet P. Kusterer, Travis Harry, and Charles Kyler, This book is a brief history of and guide to the oldest railroad terminal in America. Cost is $10.55

Images of America - Columbia, by Barbara Kellner, This book is a history of the development of Columbia, Maryland by the Rouse Company. It covers the land acquisition beginning in 1962, the planning done by the Rouse Company, and intertwines many Howard County historic sites and the development of the Columbia community. Cost $21.25

Images of America - Ellicott City, by Marsha Wight Wise, Highlights in this book are many long-gone local landmarks as well as those that have stood the test of time & man. "These images & stories serve as a tribute to the lives and experiences of the area's past and present". The cost is $21.25

The Patapsco River Valley – Cradle of the Industrial Revolution in Maryland, by Henry K. Sharp, This book covers the variety of manufacturing facilities that lined the banks of the Patapsco River, e.g., flour, iron, paper, and textiles. Of particular interest is a panoramic view of the scenery on the Patapsco River with a key to the panoramic view’s features. Cost is $25.00

Patapsco Valley State Park – The Complete Trail Map, This map covers the entire Patapsco Valley State Park from Elkridge to Sykesville with pictures of significant features that are marked on the map and also covers over 170 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Cost is $6.40

Patapsco Valley State Park – Maryland Trail Guide, Covering the Avalon, Hilton, Glen Artney, and Orange Grove Areas,This map covers the Patapsco Valley State Park from Elkridge to Ilchester Road and Hilltop Road which includes the areas listed above. Trails are identified for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Cost is $3.20

Ellicott City, Maryland Main Street Architecture Poster - The poster depicts architectural elements from Main Street buildings in Historic Ellicott City, Maryland. This poster is reproduced from a larger poster produced by the Ellicott City Restoration Foundation. The poster is an 8.5” x 11” limited edition in blue ink on gray background. An accompanying text sheet provides locations and descriptive information on the architectural styles. Cost is $5.25

Historic Ellicott City Prints - These prints, by Carole Ann Zinc, are of various historic buildings in Ellicott City. They are matted and ready for framing. Cost is $21.25 to 31.80

Ellicott City, Maryland Caboose Poster - This poster (23” x 27”) is a photograph of the B&O caboose at the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum, Ellicott City Station. The photography is by Roger Core and the poster is from the former Margaret Smith Gallery (now Gallerie Elan). Cost is $10.55

Ellicott City Scenes - These scenes are from the work of local artist Mary Jo Tydlacka. There are four different scenes that are matted and ready for framing. Cost is $26.50