Community Corner

Elkridge Heritage Society Seeks to Revitalize

A few dedicated souls hope to change dwindling membership with the help of social media and elbow grease.

After its founding in 1980, the Elkridge Heritage Society boasted its membership reached into the hundreds. But in the past few years, aging members have passed on or have been unable to get to meetings in the historic Brumbaugh House on Main Street.

Approximately 5 to 10 people make up the monthly meetings, according to the group's board of directors (who account for the bulk of attendees).

Enter Stephanie Graves, a graduate student who offered to help as part of her master’s program in instructional design.

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“We had to find a performance-related problem and develop a plan for solutions,” said Graves.

Her mother-in-law, Gail Sigel, is an active member of the heritage society and proposed the partnership.

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“The face of Elkridge is changing,” Graves said at the group’s March 15 meeting. “From my understanding, it used to be that you were born here, you grew up here, you lived here, and…” she trailed off. Other members filled in the blank: “You died here.”

That trend is no longer, according to Graves, whose online market research indicated that the average Elkridge residents are in their mid-30s, with 69 percent of the population raising a family.

To increase participation, Graves said the group would have to meet people where they live, literally. That meant holding meetings beyond the doors of the Brumbaugh House, she explained.

She suggested keeping potential members up-to-date on Facebook or Twitter and building an Elkridge Heritage Society website.

As it so happens, treasurer Michele Miller created the group’s Facebook page in January.

"We're also in the process of putting up a website," said Sigel, a programmer by trade.

And the group has taken Graves’ recommendation of starting a membership campaign. As of March 28, membership chair Carol Bateman said she had just mailed a fresh batch of membership applications to the 100 or so people on the group's most recent mailing list.

"In the past, we had 25 active members and 250 on the books," said president Dave Grabowski. Anyone is welcome to join, he wrote in a letter to encourage participation. People can also be a part of the group and receive updates on Facebook.

In the meantime, Grabowski has turned his attention to things decidedly less digital.

He is working with an architect specializing in historic renovations to update the exterior of the Brumbaugh House, which has fallen into disrepair, so that it will be ready for public tours on Saturday mornings starting next month.

Members have said they are willing to do whatever it takes to revitalize the Elkridge Heritage Society and uphold its mission of preserving the history of Elkridge.

"This is a crucial time for us to preserve the past," said Grabowski. "We invite you participate in the Elkridge Heritage Society so that our community, our county and our state may know the significance of Elkridge and Elkridge Landing. We have a rich history as a part of the Patapsco River Valley and it should be appreciated by all who call Elkridge home."

The Elkridge Heritage Society holds to discuss Elkridge and its history the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Brumbaugh House (5825 Main Street). All are welcome to attend.


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