National Travel and Tourism Week
National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is an annual celebration that underscores travel’s essential role in driving our nation’s economy, cultivating vibrant communities and forging connections.
Established in 1983, NTTW has become a cherished tradition, celebrating the U.S. travel community and highlighting how travel stimulates economic growth, creates quality jobs, inspires new businesses and elevates the quality of life for Americans every day.
Mark your calendars for #NTTW25, which will be celebrated during the first full week of May 2025.
``NOW, THEREFORE, WE, THE BOARD OF CARROLL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, do hereby proclaim February 15, 2025, through February 22, 2025 as
National Entrepreneurship Week. Adopted this 13th day of February, 2025.``
National Travel and Tourism Week
May 4 – 10, 2025
NTTW
Proclamation
NTTW
Proclamation Photo
NTTW
Press Release
Carroll County Tourism Spotlights:
(click on photos for larger image)
MOUNT AIRY
What is a general description of your museum?
The Mount Airy Museum is operated by the Historical Society of Mount Airy, Maryland, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the charitable, historical and educational advancement of Mount Airy’s heritage and its place in America’s transportation and agricultural history. With a diverse collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and educational programs, we invite visitors to explore the stories that shaped our community.
What would a visitor expect to find at your museum?
Visitors will find a number of exhibits and displays highlighting early Mount Airy businesses, schools, recreational activities, and historical characters. A working and audio-interactive model railroad of the Mount Airy railyard from the years 1870-1915 delights guests with audio history of the town and its connection to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.
What do you think is the most interesting item/topic/artifact in the museum?
The museum has a wide collection of artifacts and interesting items which rotate throughout the museum each year. Perhaps the most iconic and interesting artifact is the historic leather bound ledger from town founder Henry Bussard’s General Store from the years 1839-1852, displaying the accounts and commercial profiles of some of Carroll County and Mount Airy’s most famous characters. One such account belongs to former resident Major-General Anthony Kimmel, a veteran of the war of 1812 and later representative to France.
What is the location and hours of operation for the museum?
The museum is located inside the historic train station at 1 N. Main Street, Mount Airy, MD, 21771. The museum is open every weekend throughout the year on Saturdays and Sundays, Noon-4pm, and is free to the public. More information can be found at https://www.historicalsocietyofmountairymd.org
MANCHESTER
MANCHESTER HISTORICAL CENTER
3208 York St., Manchester, MD 21102
1st Sun. & 3rd Sat. Monthly: 1pm – 4pm (and by appt.)
FREE
410.239.3247
Facebook
What is a general description of your museum?
The Manchester Historical Center is located at 3208 York St., Manchester, MD 21102. We have 6 rooms of Manchester History. Each room represents a part of the town. The six rooms are: Household, Military, Organizations, Businesses, Schoolroom and Library.
What would a visitor expect to find at your museum?
You can expect to find photos and artifacts of local industries and historical happenings. If your family lived or worked around Manchester, you may find them in the schoolroom pictures and yearbooks.
What do you think is the most interesting item/topic/artifact in the museum?
The most interesting is the tobacco industry photos and artifacts. The picture is from our local Barbershop display. We are constantly adding new donations.
What is the location and hours of operation for the museum?
We are open the first Sunday and the third Saturday from 1-4 p.m. both days. We will also open for appointments. Our contacts are: phone 410.239.3247
email: historicalcenter@manchestermd.gov and also through Facebook.
NEW WINDSOR
What is a general description of your museum?
The New Windsor Heritage Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of New Windsor, Maryland – ”a small town with a big history” – that dates back to 1797. Established in 1983, the New Windsor Heritage Committee operates the museum as a non-profit organization within one of the town’s original buildings. Its mission is to educate the public and protect the town’s cultural heritage. Through its exhibits, the museum fosters a deeper appreciation for New Windsor’s past, ensuring that its story is preserved and shared with future generations.
What would a visitor expect to find at your museum?
The museum offers a comprehensive look at the town’s development, from its early years to it’s current status, through the preservation of historical artifacts, documents, and architectural materials. Exhibits include a range of items such as maps, journals, archival photographs and artifacts that highlight the everyday lives of past residents, significant local events, and the town’s unique architecture.
What do you think is the most interesting item/topic/artifact in the museum?
One of our most prized artifacts is a bullet from the Confederate raid on New Windsor, which took place on July 9, 1864. On that day, 500 Confederate cavalry overran the town, looting many of the stores for provisions and stealing much-needed horses. The story of this raid, along with others like it, is featured in the Emmy-winning documentary Times Crossroads, which plays in our museum. This documentary was produced by our very own member, Frank Batavick, who also authored a book of the same name, available for purchase in our museum.
What is the location and hours of operation for the museum?
The museum is located at 207 Main Street in New Windsor. We are open most Saturdays from 10 am-1 pm.
SYKESVILLE
What is a general description of your museum?
The Sykesville Gate House Museum (opened 1997) is a property owned and run by the Town of Sykesville. The museum is inside a residence built in 1904, and holds collections relating to the general history of the foundations and development of the Town of Sykesville. Prior to the 1990s, the Gate House and its surroundings belonged to Springfield Hospital Center. Springfield Hospital was originally founded in 1896 as Maryland’s second state institution of mental healthcare.
What would a visitor expect to find at your museum?
At the museum, visitors can expect to find displays and touchable artifacts related to life in the early 1900s in Sykesville.
What do you think is the most interesting item/topic/artifact in the museum?
Many items, including a working candlestick phone you can try!
What is the location and hours of operation for the museum?
Walking tours and educational programs are offered periodically, and private and group tours can be arranged by appointment. There is no charge for admission or tours. Our current hours are: Tuesday: 10-4, Friday: 10-4 and Sunday: 12-5
TANEYTOWN
What is a general description of your museum?
The Taneytown History Museum is a community-driven, volunteer-run institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of Taneytown, Maryland. Established in 2004 by the Taneytown Chamber of Commerce and later combined with the Taneytown Heritage Association, Inc., it operates as a non-profit organization focused on collecting and displaying artifacts, photographs, and oral histories that reflect the town’s past. Housed on a historic property that was once a Hudson car dealership, the museum serves as a cultural hub to keep Taneytown’s heritage alive through rotating exhibits and educational displays.
What would a visitor expect to find at your museum?
Visitors to the Taneytown History Museum can expect to explore a variety of exhibits that highlight the town’s historical development, from its founding in 1754 to the present day. The museum features artifacts on loan from the community, such as items related to local industries and agriculture. Current exhibits, like “Taneytown A thru Z” (available through November 16, 2025), include information about people, places and things for each letter of the alphabet. The museum also offers a reference library with paper memorabilia, oral history videos, and interactive elements like scavenger hunts with prizes, making it engaging for all ages.
What do you think is the most interesting item/topic/artifact in the museum?
For the first time since its acquisition, our Philip Creamer flint lock pistol will be on display as part of the Taneytown A thru Z exhibit. This pistol is one of two Creamer guns on display; the other is a Philip Creamer flint lock long gun, also a permanent part of our collection. Philip Creamer was known as a top-quality producer of riles during his youth in Taneytown.
What is the location and hours of operation for the museum?
The Taneytown History Museum is located at 340 East Baltimore Street, Taneytown, Maryland 21787. It is open seasonally from mid-April to mid-November. As of 2025, its hours are Fridays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The museum is closed on holidays, and it features ample parking behind the building with wheelchair accessibility. Note that it is scheduled to reopen for the 2025 season on April 27, with the same hours: Fridays 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays 1:00 PM–4:00 PM. https://taneytownhh.org/
UNION BRIDGE
WESTMINSTER
What is a general description of your museum?
The Carroll County Farm Museum is a 143-acre site that tells the story of farming from its early beginnings by way of its vast collection of historic implements and artifacts. The guided tours through the farmhouse and the Hoff Barn help to show how innovative and hard working the early farm families were, and how creative they were in their ways to thrive and survive.
What would a visitor expect to find at your museum?
Visitors can take a tour through the farmhouse to learn how farm families lived in the 1800’s, and they can explore the exhibits in the Living History Center, such as the extensive collection of quilts and coverlets. There are barns displaying early agricultural implements, and the 1797 Hoff Barn is unique in that it is a log structure built without pegs or nails. The very popular pair of Red Devon oxen, Jack and Jim, can be seen along with the other Farmyard friends, goats, sheep and heritage breed chickens, near the farm-themed playground which is a favorite spot for our young guests.
What do you think is the most interesting item/topic/artifact in the museum?
Some may think the most interesting and unique part of the Farm Museum experience is the pair of Red Devon Oxen, Jack and Jim, who are 14 years old and have been on the property since 2015. They demonstrate how oxen were used to work on farms before the modern tractors by being yoked together and because of their strength, were able to pull heavy loads and plow the fields. Jack and Jim are always ready to welcome visitors to the Farm Museum.
What is the location and hours of operation for the museum?
The Farm Museum is located at 500 South Center Street in Westminster, Maryland. The hours are: 9AM to 4PM. Monday through Friday; Noon to 4PM. Saturday and Sunday. Website: carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org
HAMPSTEAD
