|
|
The Society
The Allegany County Historical Society was formed in 1937.
In 1954 the Society purchased the property known as History House - now
the Gordon - Roberts House - to be its headquarters. The membership of
the Society is 500 + members. Through the dedication of the membership,
the museum grew from a few exhibits to an elegant house museum. The following
is the purpose of the Society and the museum established by the Society.
The Allegany County Historical Society shall have as its purpose to develop
and preserve an awareness of the history and traditions of Allegany County
among its citizens and among visitors to the County.
In fulfillment of this purpose, the Society shall acquire, catalogue,
and preserve collections of objects and archival materials relating directly
or indirectly to the history of the County, the surrounding area, and
its peoples.
These collections shall be housed on the premises at 218 Washington Street,
Cumberland, Maryland, known as "Gordon - Roberts House" or, should the
Society in the future acquire other suitable premises, upon those premises.
There, at the discretion of the members of the Society, or of those to
whom they may delegate such authority, they shall be arranged and displayed
for regularly scheduled viewing or study by the public, in keeping with
their educative purpose. The collections of the Society shall be kept
in such manner as best to fulfill this purpose, while at the same time
preserving them from deterioration, loss, or theft.
In addition to its role as custodian of "Gordon - Roberts House" and its
collections, the Society may perform its stated purpose in other ways
deemed by its membership proper and effective, such as the sponsoring-both
at "Gordon - Roberts House" and elsewhere in the community -- of exhibitions,
programs, and events which relate to the history and traditions of the
County and its peoples.
Mission Statement
The Gordon - Roberts House illustrates the lifestyle, customs, and traditions
of Allegany County residents for the period 1870 - 1920, with special
emphasis on the upper and upper-middle class residents of Cumberland.
It fulfills its purpose by collecting, preserving, and interpreting artifacts
pertaining to an upper-middle class home and contrasting it to the homes
of most Allegany County residents. The museum educates the visitor to
the region's cultural and economy history as it relates to family life.
|
