South Mountain Heritage Society is committed to curating a rich collection representing our local culture and history. The collections at the heritage society museum include manuscripts, photographs, textiles, and artifacts spanning from the early-19th century through the present day. In addition to our archival collections, the heritage society maintains a vertical file catalog with genealogical and local history resources. All of these materials can be accessed in the exhibit room at the heritage society. 

Historic Photographs

Explore hundreds of historic photographs documenting over a century of life in Burkittsville and its surrounding communities. Photo galleries include images of Burkittsville, Locust Valley, Broad Run, Coatsville, Knoxville, Petersville, and Gapland.

The Battle of South Mountain

This collection includes original letters and documents from soldiers and civilians who witnessed the calamitous events of September 14, 1862 and dealt with the aftermath of the battle as Burkittsville became a hospital for the wounded.

Burkittsville 1975

The entire town of Burkittsville was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This digital collection includes a gallery of thirty-five color images capturing historic structures in town and scenes around the village which were used in the nomination form for the historic district.

Burkittsville Then and Now

Explore this gallery of contemporary photographs juxtaposed with historical images from our collections to see just how things have (and haven't) changed in the Burkittsville area over the past century!

Burkittsville Female Seminary

Learn about Burkittsville's Female Seminary, an institution of higher education for women founded in the years immediately following the Civil War. You can view an original diploma from the school and a course catalog from 1872-73.

Our Historic Post Office

Explore the long history of a property at the heart of Burkittsville's community. Damaged by fire on December 29, 2019, the post office has endured through many challenges over its nearly-200 year long operation. This gallery includes digital reproductions of numerous artifacts.