The Sandy Spring Museum was established in 1980 as the community was experiencing a rapid change in population and personality. A rural setting of farms, pastureland and, winding roads was becoming a bedroom community of four intersections and upscale commuters. As the museum has grown, it has become a focus for both long-time residents and newcomers—a link, like the spring itself, to a fascinating past. Ours is a history rich in social reform, progressive farming techniques, inventions, education, and cultural achievement. You are invited to share in the past by visiting the exhibits of the Sandy Spring Museum.
The Museum welcomes researchers to the Ladson Library, a top quality research and storage facility built by the Museum in 2007. The Sandy Spring area has a long tradition of innovation, including 18th century action to manumit enslaved people, innovations in fertilizing and farming that foreshadowed the 20th century, and leadership in the women’s suffrage movement starting right after the Civil War. These stories are reflected in the Ladson Library collections.
Our community programs, the historic house tour, Appraisal Day, and others, bring resources of historical knowledge to bear on the way people live their lives. Whether you gain a better understanding of an heirloom you own, or the sense of place that comes from knowing the landscape around you, Community Programs at the Museum will help you claim a place for yourself in the community’s past, present, and future.
The Sandy Spring Museum Shops sells a unique variety of handmade treasures, all of them American made, and many made by local artists and craftspeople. Choose from hand-thrown pottery, carved wooden kitchenware, quilted placemats, one-of-a-kind jewelry, scarves, books, textile art, and photographs. Whatever you pick, it will be a one-of-a-kind gift for your family, friends and neighbors. For kids, find weaving looms, cross stitch kits, doll and quilt kits, and wooden toys and games, or hand-knitted hats and mittens to keep them warm all winter.
Don’t forget -- your purchases at the Shop support gifted artisans, the local economy, and the Museum, helping each dollar go further. And isn’t that something we all need these days?
The Museum Shop is open M, W, and Thurs, 9-4, and Sat/Sun 12-4. Show your membership card for a 10% discount on purchases over $10.
artifacts of 19th century rural Sandy Spring
farming equipment
photographs
local history
rare books
textiles
documents
local artwork
archaeological items
The Sandy Spring Museum is a not for profit private organization governed by a Board of Trustees, who are elected by the membership each September.
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: True
Gift Shop
Event Rental
Group Tours