At the Heart of Burkittsville

The 190th Anniversary of the Building of the Union Church

On display from May 4 through September 7, 2019 

In 1829, while much of Burkittsville was still undeveloped fields and timber lots, local families joined their efforts to build the Union Church, a common place of worship to be shared by the newly-organized German Reformed and Lutheran congregations. The building they constructed still stands today, comprising approximately half of the former Resurrection Reformed Church, today home to South Mountain Heritage Society. This special exhibition, featuring many recently-acquired artifacts, traces the history of the Union Church as well as the Reformed and Lutheran congregations and their role their in Burkittsville community. 

Discover the History of Burkittsville

​Ongoing​

South Mountain Heritage Society presents our permanent exhibits Discover the History of Burkittsville. Trace the evolution of one of Maryland's best-preserved rural communities over three centuries of intriguing stories, unique people, and significant events. This exhibit incorporates a significant cross-section of the museum's collections, featuring over two hundred historic photographs, documents, and artifacts. Discover the History of Burkittsville follows a chronological arrangement extending from the first European settlement of the area to the present day, incorporating the stories of diverse communities including women and African Americans throughout this narrative.  

For the Kids...

General Store Exhibit

​Ongoing

The South Mountain Heritage Society collections include a large amount of ephemera from the many general stores that operated in the town over 19th and 20th centuries. These artifacts along with period pieces are displayed in an interactive exhibit designed to give children an idea of how people purchased daily items in a bygone era. Assuming the role of a storekeeper or customer, kids can purchase items like penny candy, postcards, or small toys. Purchases are recorded in a handwritten ledger book. Since the town post office was historically located within one of its general stores, children can also lend a hand sorting the mail using historically-themed letters and real Burkittsville people from the past.