Washington County Historical Society

Join us in adopting our third Adopt an Artifact—or, in this case, artifacts: seven quilts made between 1832 and the 1880s by Washington County residents from Hagerstown, Brownsville, Funkstown, and St. James!

The Washington County Historical Society textile collection contains nearly 80 quilts and quilted artifacts. We selected seven of these quilts that require archival, acid-free boxes and tissue paper for safe storage.

The cost of this Adopt an Artifact is $750.00. This amount will allow us to purchase seven acid-free textile boxes and a roll of unbuffered, acid-free tissue paper. Your monetary donation will directly support these artifacts!

Q013, ca. 1845, Barber Family, Hagerstown.

Q074, ca. 1880s, Crazy quilt with ribbon fringe.

Q033, ca. 1832, Burkhart Family Leitersburg.

Q008, ca. 1880s, Crazy quilt on glazed red cotton backing.

Q014, ca. 1847-60, Carson Family, Funkstown.

Q005, ca. 1870, Wagaman Family.

Q006, ca. 1849, Castle Family, Brownsville.

Help the WCHS save history by donating to our Ransom of Hagerstown Fundraiser!

In conjunction with our Ransom of Hagerstown Exhibit, Dinner-Auction on June 22nd, and Public History Day on June 29th, the Society has set a $20,000 fundraising goal! The amount symbolizes Brigadier General John McCausland's original 1864 ransom demand.

McCausland's ransom note demanded $20,000 and 1,500 sets of men's clothing for his Confederate soldiers and further stated that if Hagerstown's residents did not meet the demand within four hours, the town would be burned down!

Whether you attend our Ransom events or support us from a distance, your contribution directly aids our ongoing efforts to preserve Washington County's rich history.

2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the building of the Miller House in 1825. Located at 135 W Washington St. in Hagerstown, MD, the Miller House has been owned by the Washington County Historical Society (WCHS) and open to the public as the Miller House Museum, since 1966. Generations of Washington County residents have learned about their ancestors, families and local history because of this unique place. In honor of the 200th anniversary of the building of the Miller House, WCHS is launching the 2025 Miller House Anniversary Capital Campaign, to raise $100,000 to pay for badly needed repairs to the Miller House roof & gutters, basement and facilities. The funds will also be used for upgrades and improvements to help keep the Miller House well maintained and functioning for generations to come. The work we do on the Miller House now, will have positive benefits for our community that will go on in perpetuity. Please consider contributing.