Maryland Historical Trust Library

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) Library is Maryland’s main repository for information about the state’s architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources. It supports researchers, consultants, planners, students, and the public interested in Maryland’s built and cultural heritage.  

Visit the MHT Library 

The library is open to the public Tuesday through Thursday by appointment only. To schedule a visit, please reach out to the MHT librarian.

Services & resources

The MHT Library provides: 

• Research assistance for architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources
• Access to Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties documentation and survey files
• Support for compliance and preservation consultants
• Reference materials on preservation, architecture, archaeology, history, decorative arts, and building conservation
• Public terminals for searching the online library catalog and databases 

Library collections 

Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties 

File documentation for the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties is available in person at the library. This information is also available online via Medusa. 

Architectural files (including forms, photographs, and maps) are publicly accessible, but archaeological files are restricted to qualified researchers. Publicly available archaeological data can be found in the Archaeological Synthesis Database. 

Supplemental Files 

Additional documents available include vertical files, architectural drawings, and photographs, and oral history collections.

Vertical files

The vertical files list - PDF - 742.29 KB includes clippings, research notes, photographs, and architectural drawings that supplement Maryland Inventory and National Register of Historic Places records. 

Architectural drawings and photographs

A growing collection of measured drawings and historic photographs that document Maryland’s built environment. 

Oral history collections 

The library holds transcripts, audio- and/or video- cassettes, and photographs from projects across Maryland, capturing stories of communities, industries, and cultural traditions. Examples include: 

• Patapsco: Life Along Maryland’s Historic River Valley (2008) – An oral historian and photographer documented stories from 60 residents in five river towns, capturing everyday lives — from butchers to teachers — and preserving memories of places like Oella, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Relay, and the lost town of Daniels.
• Maryland Aloft (2003) – A broad look at Maryland’s aviation history, featuring buildings, innovators, and pilots. Based on historic photos, research, and interviews with 25 aerospace pioneers.
• A Journey Through Berkley (2003) – An oral-history portrait of the National Register–listed crossroads community in Harford County, centered on the restored Hosannah School, with interviews from 23 longtime residents.
• Minding Our Own Business (2004) – Oral histories documenting North Brentwood’s African American entrepreneurs and the once self-sustaining business community before desegregation shifted local commerce.
• Maryland Lighthouses of the Chesapeake Bay (1997) – Stories from two dozen lighthouse keepers and their families accompany this comprehensive history of Bay lighthouses, paired with documentary portraits.
• Land & Water, People & Time: Smith Island (1996) – A 20-minute film and related interviews capturing Smith Island’s culture, created at residents’ request. Includes an audio study of the island’s distinct dialect.