The South Mountain Heritage Society (SMHS) is dedicated
to the collection, preservation and dissemination of Burkittsville cultural
heritage. The primary focus of the Society is to present and preserve
the history of Burkittsville through the acquisitions and preservation
of historical objects and to offer aid in historical research. As a
Land Trust the SMHS is also actively committed to land preservation.
The Society is a volunteer, non-profit organization, and membership
is open to all. The Society was founded circa 1975 as the Burkittsville
District Heritage Society.
The historic German Reform Church building built in 1829 is the home
of the Society and the Society Museum (3 East Main St.). The Museum
includes a library/archive room and exhibits and is open the 1st Sunday
of the month, Noon until 3:30 (April - November)
In recent years the Society has received numerous donations and Grants
that has made it possible to restore the Church building to its 1829-1936
façade. The Society continues to raise monies to further stabilize the
building, to restore other features and to maintain it. Beginning in
the Spring of 2004 the church facility will be available for wedding
rentals. For information on rentals call 301-834-5303
The Society publishes a membership newsletter and participates annually
in the countywide Museums by Candlelight Program and participates in
other community activities including reenactment events. Research projects
on the history of the town are ongoing. Current research is focused
on family histories and on local Afro-American community history. The
library/archive houses research materials including books, letters,
diaries, scrapbooks, ledgers, newspaper clippings, artifacts, family
files, and property files. Volunteers are happy to help researchers.
Exhibits include permanent exhibits and rotating exhibits on a variety
of interesting local topics.
The Society welcomes all interested persons to enjoy its many activities,
services, and facilities. Memberships are as follows: Individual ($15),
Family ($25), Friend ($50), Donor ($100), Patron ($250), Lifetime ($500).
The Society has printed several publications for sale. They include
the following:
A Witch Came Knocking: A tongue-in-cheek retrospective about Burkittsville
history, including current topics. Tim Reese ($12)
The People of Burkittsville: A genealogical gem that will serve as a
'springboard' to research family history. It includes sources on area
persons from the late 18th century up until the middle 20th century.
Robert Young ($15)
Burkittsville Heritage Society Cookbook: A reprint of a 1976 book. ($10)
Letters from the Battlefield: A collection of letters written from the
battlef
ield and hospitals at the Battle of Cramptons Gap. Tim Reese
($10)
To order any of the publications (add $1 for postage) or to send in
a membership / donation, address your correspondence to: SMHS, P.O.
Box 509,Burkittsville, MD 21718
