Allegany Museum

The Allegany Museum, nestled in the heart of Cumberland, Maryland, presents an enthralling journey through the annals of local history. Stepping into its corridors is akin to unearthing a treasure trove of narratives that span generations. The museum's curated exhibits eloquently narrate the tale of the region, commencing with the indigenous inhabitants who once graced the land, to pivotal episodes like the French-Indian War that left an indelible mark. The lineage continues through the corridors of time, touching upon the presence of luminaries like George Washington and tracing the veins of the B&O Railroad that helped shape Cumberland's destiny. Notably, the exhibits cast a spotlight on the significant influence of Kelly-Springfield tires and much more, weaving a rich tapestry that vividly illustrates the evolution of this vibrant community. Upon entering, the warm reception from a local volunteer steeped in the region's lore amplifies the experience. Their in-depth knowledge of both the area and its history breathes life into the artifacts, offering visitors a chance to glean insights beyond the placards. The volunteer's guidance for the self-guided tour, spanning two engaging levels, ensures that each visitor embarks on an immersive journey, threading the past with the present. A visit to the museum becomes all the more convenient when paired with a stop at the Cumberland Visitors Center. Nestled within close proximity, this center serves as a gateway to unlocking a multitude of experiences. From seamlessly parking your vehicle to gaining access to the museum and the Visitors Center itself, the location offers a seamless blend of educational enrichment and exploration. Moreover, a brief stroll from the center unveils George Washington's Headquarters, further adding to the historical marvels waiting to be explored in this charming corner of Cumberland. In sum, the Allegany Museum serves as both a repository of stories and a bridge to the past, casting a brilliant spotlight on Cumberland's vibrant history. The dedication of its volunteers, coupled with a well-curated journey through time, solidifies its place as an essential destination for history enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

What a beautiful little museum. It might be a bit larger, but the due to an event, we could only tour the 1st floor. Wonderful information about the beginnings of Cumberland with some fascinating and beautiful displays that were well made! the AI recreation of George Washington was amazing! Definitely come and see it!

Visited the Allegany Museum for a wedding and the exhibits remained open for us! I really enjoyed the folk whittling exhibit! Very cool!

Fascinating history captured in the story of the east west movement through Cumberland via the National Road, the C&O Canal, and the Baltimore & Ohio railroad

Staff was very friendly and was able to inform our whole group on the Allegheny history. It’s free and a good place to spend 30 mins to an hour. Call before you arrive to make sure they are open.

Situated inside state government offices can be found on second floor. Beautiful decor and design, well maintained and colorful.

There is no wheelchair accessible. Nice place to visit. Variety of things to see. Walk around and visit different rooms.

This is a very nice local museum, thorough in its presentation of the issues they feel are important. We felt quite disappointed that they missed out on the African American piece. Slavery played a big role in the area, both in building the canal, cheap labor, and The role of the canal in participating in the underground railroad. They also didn't mention much about the thousand men who were brought in to build a canal from Europe and the impact those men had in the area. Other than a very brief paragraph at the very beginning of the museum, the indigenous story was completely missing. I would say that an important part of the human element missing.