Historical and Genealogical Research Resources:

A core initiative in support of our mission to preserve and interpret the history of Burkittsville at South Mountain Heritage Society is the collection and curation of primary and secondary sources which together record and narrate the heritage of our region. For over twenty-five years, we have amassed a library of resources which are free and available to the public for research, including vertical files containing property and genealogical resources, our reference library of volumes on regional and Civil War history, and our museum collection which both supports historical research as well as public and digital exhibitions. In addition to the resources the heritage society offers, there are also many repositories of information that support historical research in Frederick County, including:

Resources for Historic Preservation:

If you are the owner of a historic property or are interested in historic preservation as an economic and cultural driver in our community, South Mountain Heritage Society is here to help steer you in the direction of the most current information and resources available. For property owners, we encourage you to visit the heritage society as you are in the process of researching your property's history. Our archives and vertical files offer information on many historic structures in and around the town of Burkittsville which can support the preparation of narratives for Frederick County Landmarks Foundation, Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties, or National Register of Historic Places nominations. Visit the links below for more specialized information regarding historic preservation funding and property protection programs.
The Maryland Historical Trust is the state agency dedicated to preserving and interpreting the legacy of Maryland’s past. The trust serves as Maryland’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Visit the Maryland Historical Trust site for information regarding tax credits for private commercial and residential rehabilitation projects, grants for preservation projects, or loans. 
Preservation Maryland is a private organization which supports historic preservation work throughout the state of Maryland. Visit the Preservation Maryland site for information regarding the need for preservation, grant and tax credit programs, and examples of how preservation has positively impacted the culture and economy of our state.
The Historic Preservation Commission was created in 1998 and consists of 11 members and 2 alternate members who serve 1 to 3 year terms.  The Commission's duties include reviewing all petitions for designation to the Frederick County Register of Historic Places and submit recommendations on the petitions to the County Council, acting upon all applications for Certificates of Appropriateness, and reviewing and recommend for action by the County Council the acquisition of historic preservation easements on designated landmarks, structures or sites
Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program provides funding to preserve large, contiguous tracts of land and to enhance natural resource, agricultural, forestry and environmental protection while supporting a sustainable land base for natural resource based industries. The program creates public-private partnerships and allows those who know the landscape best – land trusts and local governments – to determine the best way to protect the landscapes that are critical to our economy, environment and quality of life.