Odenton Heritage Society Museum Opens its Doors to the Public

Odenton has a rich history that is not always visible while driving through town. It was (and is) a crossroads for travelers by rail and road. The town sprang up to support the railroads.

The Odenton Heritage Society (OHS) Museum features an extensive display of the railroad history of Odenton, including information on the role the railroad had in helping to save Washington in 1861.

But new things are happening at the old museum, which will open its doors to the public on the first Sunday of every month from 1-4 p.m.

A new exhibit will be unveiled Aug. 7. The "Odenton Methodist Churches" exhibit displays objects from historic Methodist churches in the Odenton area. Items featured from the Waugh Chapel Methodist Church include furniture, a communion pitcher and a collection plate. A 60th anniversary calendar plate from Nichols-Bethel United Methodist Church, as well as a community quilt are also included in the exhibit. The Macedonia United Methodist Church is also represented with a 100th anniversary mug.

The OHS Museum also features information about hometown heros, one of whom played baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers. It might surprise some to find out Odenton had a minor league baseball team, and where the baseball field was located.

"OHS invites everyone, especially local residents, to learn how the town looked 75 to 125 years ago," said OHS President Roger White, "and what life was like here in the 19th and early 20th century."

The Museum is located inside the Old Masonic Hall, 1367 Odenton Road, Odenton. Built in 1912, the building itself is interesting to explore. Admission is free and ample parking is available. Dates the museum will be open are Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6 and Dec. 4. For more information, please visit www.odentonheritage.org.