Cart is empty Mary Shellman:
Civil War to Suffrage Bedroom Exhibit
On May 26, 2025, the Historical Society of Carroll County will open its new exhibit Mary Shellman: Civil War to Suffrage in the Sherman-Fisher-Shellman House. HSCC will invite visitors up to the second-floor bedroom of the Sherman-Fisher-Shellman House where they will leave the 19th century behind and encounter Mary Bostwick Shellman’s life in her bedroom in1920. A poet, activist, and suffragist, Shellman challenged 19th-century gender norms, fought for the poor, honored Civil War memory, and championed women’s voting rights. Her story invites visitors to explore the enduring themes of civic duty, post-war black experiences, and the evolving fight for equality. The room will feature artifacts and manuscripts from Mary Shellman’s life. The exhibit will highlight her remarkable story as a young woman witnessing the impacts of the Civil War and becoming a leader of the suffragist movement in Maryland in the 1920s. A virtual exhibit experience will also be available for visitors on the first floor to make the exhibit accessible to all. The exhibit is generously funded through a grant from the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area. Help continue our interpretive expansion on the second floor of the Shellman House by giving to our Campaign Shellman Tour Expansion Fund.
Library Move to Cockey’s
HSCC has started preliminary planning to move the Society’s library and manuscripts to Cockey’s and open the Shriver-Weybright Room in Kimmey for temporary exhibits, receptions, and special programs. In Cockey’s, we plan to present a classic “private” library aesthetic and provide modern research technology for patrons and researchers. Our goal is to start this move by the end of 2025. Help make this library move goal a reality by considering a gift to the Campaign Library Move Fund.
Walkways and Accessibility Upgrades
The Society is commencing accessibility improvements of our walkways, entrances, and parking lot to enhance the visitor experience for patrons and school group tours. An outpouring of Gift for the Cause support at the 2024 Gala resulted in $75,600 in seed monies raised for this work, which will be matched dollar for dollar from the generous 2023 Shipley family and Bare family bequests. Additional funds will be required to complete the project. You can help complete these crucial improvements by selecting the Campaign Accessibility Fund.
Auditorium Exhibits Installation
Soon after the Society’s research library moves to Cockey’s, HSCC will create a hybrid reception and temporary exhibit space in the Shriver-Weybright Auditorium. The current plan is to open a Semiquincentennial (America 250) temporary exhibit in the space by July 2026. Donors interested in helping with this part of the Society’s campus improvements may do so by contributing to the Acquisitions and Exhibits Fund