St. Mary’s County Historical Society

The St. Mary’s County Historical Society collects, preserves, researches and interprets the history of St. Mary’s County, Maryland. Its collections are housed in two historic structures in Leonardtown, MD, 20650, maintained and operated as museums with regular public hours. Please visit the Society’s website for updated information about amended operations the result of COVID-19 precautions.

The Historical Society is the repository of a unique collection of Maryland memorabilia. These museum pieces are displayed on the first floor of Tudor Hall and in the Old Jail Museum located at 41625 Courthouse Drive in historic Leonardtown. The 18th century Tudor Hall also serves as headquarters of the society and houses the Historical Society’s Research Center.

The Business Office and Bookstore are open Wednesdays. Admission is free. For group tours, please call our Business Office a week in advance at 301-475-2467.

St. Mary’s County Historical Society’s collections are primarily composed of documentary and archival materials with a focus on the county’s people, places, and events. Materials from these collections can be made available at the Historical Society’s Research Center.

The Historical Society, through volunteers, also relays the history and stories comprised from these materials to members and non-members through publications such as The Chronicles of St. Mary’s and Tudor Hall Times as well as through programs and exhibits.

Learn about the Research Center here.

Members and Non-Members may also undertake self-directed genealogical and historical research at St. Mary’s County Historical Society’s Research Center. Those unable to visit the center in Tudor Hall may arrange for research assistance via trained Historical Society volunteers. A fee scale based upon the duration and depth of the genealogical and historical research requested has been established and is available here.

The St Mary’s County Historical Society is a 501 (c)(3) organization and relies primarily upon membership and donations to maintain the organization and its museums and grounds. Membership opens increased access to research material, including updated support are welcome.