New Exhibits Opening in March 2026

Ongoing Exhibitions (reopening in March 2026)

Timeless Toys

Childhood Artifacts from Frederick County

Spanning 140 years from the mid-1800s to the early 1980s, this exhibit showcases the variety of toys and games that have been a part of leisure time for Frederick Countians. From dolls and toy soldiers, to board games like Monopoly, this selection of local artifacts will reawaken the child inside all of us.

Above displays of hundreds of historic toys and games, visitors can view photographs of the children who played with many of the items on display.

Timeless Toys will be on view through December 12, 2026.

24 East Church Street

A Home for Frederick County’s History

Constructed between 1824 and 1826, the Federal styled building which Heritage Frederick has called home since 1960 has a multi-generational link to Frederick County’s history. The very ground on which the building stands can be traced back to the ownership of John Thomas and Margaret Schley, Frederick’s first permanent European settlers. Before their arrival, it was home for thousands of years to Indigenous people who inhabited the Monocacy River Valley.

This exhibit explores the varied experiences of the people who called this building home, from its builders and owners to enslaved people who worked at the property and orphaned girls who grew up in this house. 24 East Church Street is an evolving story, informed by artifacts, ongoing documentary research, and archaeological efforts on this property at the heart of Frederick.

24 East Church Street: A Home for Frederick County’s History is a long term exhibition.

Etchison Connections

A Family’s Hand in Frederick’s Evolution

Frederick County was built through the ingenuity, determination, and vision of generations of local families like the Etchisons. From the end of the Civil War through the mid-twentieth century, three generations of Etchisons were integrally involved in the industrial, civic, and commercial development of Frederick. Etchison Connections explores the family’s furniture and undertaking business, involvement with fraternal organizations, industries, civic institutions, and the public library as well as the stories of their colleagues in these endeavors.

A lasting legacy of the Etchison’s place in Frederick’s story is the extensive collection of artwork, antique furniture, archival resources, and a unique assemblage of early-nineteenth century lusterware which were given to Heritage Frederick by the Estate of Marshall Lingan Etchison in 1960. These beautiful artifacts of Frederick’s history are displayed in concert with the Etchison’s story in this exhibit.

Etchison Connections: A Family’s Hand in Frederick’s Evolution is a long term exhibition.

Frederick County Decorative Arts

Since the earliest days of European colonization, Frederick County has been a crossroads of diverse cultural experiences and traditions. Frederick’s position as a market town in the growing Piedmont Region of eighteenth century Maryland encouraged skilled artisans and craftspeople to settle and work in this community. The material culture of our county, from everyday utilitarian goods to finely-crafted luxury furnishings, reflects the blending of skilled English, German, and African craftwork and decorating styles.

Upon this foundation, generations of cabinetmakers, glassblowers, clockmakers, artists, potters, and textile manufactures continued producing both fine and utilitarian goods for centuries thereafter. Frederick County Decorative Arts illustrates this rich tradition with locally-produced furniture, clocks, glassware, silverware, metalwork, textiles, and portraiture.

Frederick County Decorative Arts is a long term exhibition.