Historical Society

Mission
The Allegany County Historical Society was founded in 1937, following the Cumberland Sesquicentennial Celebration.  The purpose of the Society is to develop and preserve an awareness of history and traditions of Allegany County among its citizens and among visitors to the county. In fulfillment of this purpose, the Society shall acquire, catalogue, and preserve collections of objects and archival materials relating directly or indirectly to the history of the County, the surrounding area, and its peoples. 

In 1954 the Society purchased an 1867 house at 218 Washington Street to use for the Society headquarters.  The house soon became the repository for hundreds of items of local and national significance and was named "History House". Eventually, the museum evolved into a house museum depicting the only two families to occupy the home and was named the "Gordon-Roberts House".

Today the Society owns and operates as museums the Gordon-Roberts House at 218 Washington Street, the F. Brooke Whiting House of Art at 632 Washington Street and the Union Grove One Room School on Mason Road.  In September  2007 the Society opened the new Queen City Transportation Museum at 210 S. Centre Street in Cumberland, which includes portions of the Thrasher Carriage Collection which have been in storage for more than a decade.  In  the spring of 2009 the Society will begin the restoration work on a one-room school which will eventually open for school field trips and history camps.

Meetings
The Historical Society holds two General Membership Meetings a year for members and guests.

Annual Events
Heritage Days - second weekend of June. The festival extends from downtown Historic Cumberland to the Historic District of Washington Street. It features craftspeople, music, food, and tours. The Gordon - Roberts House is open at reduced admission.

Volunteer Opportunities
The Society welcomes volunteers at all of its museum sites.  Volunteers may be involved in all aspects of museum work including giving tours, hostesses or host for special events, garden work, archives, and more.

Download Membership Application Here 

Membership Categories
Individual $20.00
Joint (Couple) $30.00
Student $10.00
Family $35.00
Patron / Business $100.00
Life - Individual $300.00
Life - Couple $450.00
Corporate $500.00

Membership Benefits Include