Laurel Historical Society

May is Historic Preservation Month, and we are taking a look at a few of the preservation efforts that were contributed to by the Laurel Historical Society!

Both Laurel High School and the Avondale Mill were nominated to the National Register of Historic Places by the Laurel Historical Society on June 28th, 1978 and approved in 1979.

"Old Laurel High School", as it is referred to in the nomination, was built in 1899 and was the first public high school in Prince George's County. The original building housed high school students for 64 years, until the new Laurel High School was built in 1963. The building continued to be used as a place of education and served as overflow for elementary and junior high students. In 1976, the name was changed to the Edward Phelps Community Center to honor the Laurel mayor who championed the construction of the school. The building is currently occupied by the Laurel Boys and Girls Club, who moved in in 1974 and bought the property in 2002.

The National Register form was completed by Betty Compton, Jane Cole, and Stuart Hurtt, all members of the LHS. Read it here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/106777984

At the time the nomination was written in 1974, Avondale Mill was the only mill structure still standing from Laurel's 19th century industrial period. The mill was built from 1884-5 and originally manufactured cloth before transitioning to a gristmill ten years after opening. It was later used as a lace factory from 1915 - 1917, and was eventually bought by the City of Laurel in 1961 to use for city programs, but it was vacated due to structural integrity issues in the late 1970's. Unfortunately, a fire burned down Avondale Mill in 1991.

The National Register form was completed by Betty Compton, Stuart Hurtt, and Edwin Stretch all members of the LHS. Read it here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/106777906

Images: Laurel High School Circa 1905, taken by Bert Sadler. Sadler Collection, Laurel Historical Society.
Avondale Mill Circa 1907, taken by Bert Sadler. Sadler Collection, Laurel Historical Society.

Last call to sign up for our FREE May Speaker Series event! Join us for Researching Your Historic Property with Christiana Limniatis from Preservation Maryland tomorrow (May 28th) from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Zoom.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speaker-series-researching-your-historic-property-tickets-1988766804047

Don't worry if you can't make it to the event on May 28th, a recording of this webinar will be made available to attendees after the event.

During this virtual lecture, Christiana Limniatis, Preservation Maryland's Program & Outreach Manager, will focus on how to research historic properties for use in the landmarking process or casual research projects. She'll review the major goals when researching buildings, detail the key types of documents and research sources to consult, and detail how to organize and process completed research for a variety of future uses. While this lecture will focus on resources in Laurel and Prince George’s County, the information will be relevant to preservation projects across Maryland.

Christiana Limniatis is Program and Outreach Manger for Preservation Maryland, working to grow and expand dynamic and wide-ranging preservation services across the state. Originally from New York State, Christiana was previously the Director of Preservation Services at Preservation Buffalo Niagara and has also worked as a preservation consultant in Louisiana and Tennessee. In 2011 she completed her coursework towards a MA in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University and has a BA in History/Political Science from The College of Saint Rose.

If you have any questions, please contact staff at [email protected].

Image: Phelps House, circa 1974, Laurel Historical Society Collection. The Phelps House was built in 1888 by Edward Phelps, who was elected Laurel mayor in 1897 and reelected for six more terms.

Read more about the Phelps House here:https://apps.mht.maryland.gov/Medusa/PDF/PrinceGeorges/PG;LAU-28.pdf

Today we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in military service to the United States on Memorial Day this Monday, May 25, 2026. We honor these heroes and thank them for giving their lives so that we may be free.

Last night, we attended the 2026 Annual Prince George's County Historic Preservation Reception. The Laurel Historical Society and Laurel Museum received a St. George's Day Award from the Prince George's County Historical Society in honor of the organizations' 50th and 30th anniversaries. We were honored to celebrate these milestones with the other heritage organizations and preservation advocates in Prince George's County. Congratulations to all of the award winners and participants!

Image: President of the Prince George's County Historical Society Donna Schneider presents Karen Lubieniecki, Chair Emerita, and Kristen Norton, Executive Director, with St. George's Day Awards (from left to right).

May is Historic Preservation Month, and we are taking a look at a few of the preservation efforts that were contributed to by the Laurel Historical Society!

In 1975, Betty Compton (one of LHS's founders), Richard Brennan, and PGC Historian Michael Dwyer conducted the first modern architectural survey of Laurel. Architectural surveys are the critical first step in identifying historic buildings and rare historic resources. This survey was used as a springboard by the Historic District Commission - which included another LHS founder, Jane Cole - for a detailed evaluation. The Historic District Commission was established in 1976 and worked to outline criteria for site evaluation and determine the buildings eligible as significant sites according to The National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Maryland Historic Trust. These buildings included the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station, Citizens National Bank, Laurel High School, and more. The Historic District was identified by the Commission, and later redefined as six smaller historic districts in 1983. Later, a seventh district was added.

Find out more about Laurel's historic districts: https://www.cityoflaurel.org/1537/City-of-Laurel-Historic-District

Image: Postcard of photo taken by Bert Sadler of the Citizen's National Bank, 1917. Laurel Historical Society Collection.

The Laurel Historical Society is proud to bring you our 2026 Garden Tour! Join us on June 13th from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM for a stroll through stunning private gardens in West Laurel and Old Town, featuring pollinator-friendly plantings, vegetable gardens, bird meadows, and Bay Wise and Wildlife certified gardens.

Secure your tickets now: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-garden-tour-5

Your participation supports the Laurel Historical Society’s work to preserve and share Laurel, Maryland’s heritage through exhibits, educational programs, and community events.

This event is made possible in part through funding provided by our sponsors, James and Joshua Kole, the Maryland Humanities SHINE Grant, and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County.

Images: Gardens included in our previous tours in 2022 and 2024.

Preakness 151 is coming to Laurel Park this weekend! In celebration, the Laurel Historical Society has created a special exhibition “Saddle Up, Laurel: 115+ Years of Laurel Park Racing”. Visit the City of Laurel Municipal Center to view the temporary exhibit until May 29th!

The exhibit provides a glimpse into the history of horse racing in Maryland and explores the 115-year-long history of Laurel Park. Visitors will learn about the recognizable faces and names that have graced the track, such as Elizabeth Taylor and the Aga Khan, while discovering more about those who make up the diverse backstretch community, including famous trainers and horses.

Check out the exhibition in person at the City of Laurel Municipal Center (8103 Sandy Spring Rd, Laurel, MD 20707) to view a display of racing artifacts from the LHS collection. Objects showcased include a program from the first Washington, DC International Race, a jockey’s leather racing brassard from A.M. Kroop & Sons, historic photos, and more!

The exhibit is complemented by a new online exhibit that features a more in-depth look at the history of racing, its people, and impact on Laurel. The exhibit is an update to the LHS’s 2011 exhibit celebrating Laurel Park’s 100th Anniversary, “And They’re Off: 100 Years of Laurel Racing.” Take a look online at www.laurelhistoricalsociety.org to view additional materials related to Laurel Park, such as educational videos and unseen panels.

Image: Race at Laurel Park Grandstand before enclosure, Laurel Historical Society, Fisher Collection.

Tomorrow night is LHS's Annual Meeting! Join us in the Laurel Community Pool Room (901 Main Street) for an overview of the year, a salute to retiring members of the Board, the election of our new Board members, AND a special presentation by Board Member Jackie Jones on Laurel's Emancipation Day 5K.

6:00 PM - Doors open at the Pool Room
6:15 PM - Annual Meeting will be called to order
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM - Open house at the Laurel Museum with light refreshments

Everyone is welcome to attend our annual membership meeting; however, only current members may participate in the election of our new Board members. This event is free but we ask that guests please RSVP to [email protected] by tonight!

Celebrate National Preservation Month with a virtual presentation by Preservation Maryland and learn how to research historic properties!

SPEAKER SERIES Researching Your Historic Property
Thursday, May 28 | 6:00 to 7:00 PM
Cost: FREE (advanced registration required)
Location: Zoom
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speaker-series-researching-your-historic-property-tickets-1988766804047

During this virtual lecture, Christiana Limniatis, Preservation Maryland's Program & Outreach Manager, will focus on how to research historic properties for use in the landmarking process or casual research projects. She'll review the major goals when researching buildings, detail the key types of documents and research sources to consult, and detail how to organize and process completed research for a variety of future uses. While this lecture will focus on resources in Laurel and Prince George’s County, the information will be relevant to preservation projects across Maryland.

Christiana Limniatis is Program and Outreach Manger for Preservation Maryland, working to grow and expand dynamic and wide-ranging preservation services across the state. Originally from New York State, Christiana was previously the Director of Preservation Services at Preservation Buffalo Niagara and has also worked as a preservation consultant in Louisiana and Tennessee. In 2011 she completed her coursework towards a MA in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University and has a BA in History/Political Science from The College of Saint Rose.

If you can't make it to the event on May 28th, a recording of this webinar will be made available to attendees after the event.

If you have any questions, please contact staff at [email protected].

The Laurel Historical Society's Annual Meeting is just a week away! The Annual Meeting will take place on Thursday, May 14 at 6:00 PM at the Laurel Community Pool Room (901 Main Street). Please join us for an overview of the last year, a salute to retiring members of the Board, and the election of our new Board members.

Additionally, as part of this year's Annual Meeting, Board Member Jackie Jones will give a special presentation on Laurel's Emancipation Day 5K. She will share her personal experience supporting and managing this event and ways you can get involved. Laurel's Emanciation Day Celebration and its evolution to include a 5K are part of this year's exhibit, "Beyond the 4th: Stories of Laurel's Freedom Celebrations".

6:00 PM - Doors open at the Pool Room
6:15 PM - Annual Meeting will be called to order
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM - Open house at the Laurel Museum with light refreshments

Everyone is welcome to attend our annual membership meeting; however, only current members may participate in the election of our new Board members. This event is free but we ask that guests please RSVP to [email protected] by Wednesday, May 13.

This Saturday, May 9th, is our last Main Street Walking Tour of the season! Grab your tickets now to secure your spot: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/main-street-walking-tour

Join us as we explore the rich and diverse history of Laurel’s historic commercial district and uncover the interesting stories that surround some of Laurel’s favorite landmarks. This tour will last between 1 and 1.5 hours and covers approximately 1.25 miles.

This narrated and guided walking tour will trace Laurel’s early years from a Mill to a town and highlight some of Laurel’s most recognizable historic places, including Oliver’s Tavern, the First United Methodist Church, and the site of the Laurel Cotton Mill. This tour will also feature the Laurel Municipal Pool and includes a discussion on the site’s history of segregation and connection to the racial terror in the grove, a historic African American neighborhood, during the summer of 1967.

This project has been financed in part with State Funds from the Maryland Historical Trust, an agency of the Maryland Department of Planning which is an instrumentality of the State of Maryland. However, project contents or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Historical Trust or the Maryland Department of Planning.

Image: First Methodist Church from the 1976 House Tour, Laurel Historical Society Collection.