Living Farm Heritage Museum Kicked Off Leased Land By Howard County Official

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — On Tuesday, the Howard County Antique Farm Machinery Club was notified that they're being booted off the grounds they've called home for more than 18 years.

The Howard County Recreation and Parks Department informed the club by letter that their 25-year lease, with seven years remaining, has been terminated effective immediately "with no further explanation."

The club leases nearly 40 acres within West Friendship Park. The letter states, "The county has determined that such termination is in the best interest of the county."

"We have been granted only 90 days to dismantle our beloved museum, a repository of our county's shared history, and bid farewell to the land we have cared for," the club posted on its Facebook page.

A former West Friendship resident who is a lifetime member and regular visitor of the farm ground, posted on Facebook that this decision is a "travesty."

"Countless Eagle Scout projects were built there, including our son's," Missy Zook Grimes wrote. "Start a petition. We'll sign!"

Christina Meyer said she was disheartened that an effort hasn't been made to at least preserve some aspects of the museum site.

"The museum has offered many wonderful family events like the holiday lights, scout trips and food trucks for the community," she wrote.

Members of the club encouraged Howard County residents to contact officials and plead for the future of the museum.