Steppingstone Museum

The Steppingstone Museum is a non-profit educational and cultural institution that focuses on the commercial and cultural aspects of United States rural life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is located near the Susquehanna River in Harford County, just northwest of Havre de Grace, Maryland.

Today's museum is based on the private collection of J. Edmund Bull, who amassed 7,000 tools and artifacts. The Bull collection was originally displayed at his home, which he dubbed Steppingstone.[1] In 1979, the museum relocated to the former Gilman Paul property, an 18th-century stone farm in Susquehanna State Park, and was expanded to include demonstrative displays of various vocational trades that were commonplace in rural communities of an earlier era. Barns and farm buildings surrounding the museum provide exhibitions showing the work of broom makers, blacksmiths, stone cutters, masons, and other tradesmen.[2]

The museum grounds are also home to special events relating to 19th-century history, including U.S. Civil War re-enactments[3] and vintage base ball games where players wear vintage uniforms and use old-time equipment.[4] On a more contemporary note, the museum also hosts the annual Summertime Blues Festival.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Whitlock, Wade (April 2006). "Steppingstone Museum: Land of Promise Farm, Havre de Grace, Maryland". Wood News Online (11). Retrieved May 31, 2011.
  2. ↑ "Steppingstone Museum moved, opens May 26". Lancaster Farming. ActivePaper Archive. May 5, 1979. Retrieved May 31, 2011.
  3. ↑ "Calendar". Washington Post. May 10, 2007. Retrieved May 31, 2011.
  4. ↑ “Take these players out to the old ballgame,” Baltimore Sun, August 3, 2008
  5. ↑ "Cool sounds, hot time," Baltimore Sun, June 21, 2007

External links

Coordinates: 39°36′07″N 76°08′18″W / 39.60194°N 76.13833°W