Picture this: A vibrant future for Laurel, built on the stories preserved today.

As I reflect on this past year at the Laurel Historical Society, I also am looking forward to 2025 – our 50th anniversary year that will be filled with celebrations and remembrances. Thanks to your generosity, 2024 has been a year of growth, discovery, and community connection. LHS has been able to bring Laurel’s stories to life in new and engaging ways, strengthening our impact across the community.
 
Here’s just a glimpse of what LHS has accomplished this year with your support:
 
  • Engaging Programs: From our Women’s History Month webinar, Women of Laurel, to our updated and revised 1994 walking tours, you’ve helped LHS bring important local history to the forefront.
  • Hands-On Learning: Our archaeology dig days have sparked curiosity and hands-on engagement, allowing participants to uncover pieces of Laurel’s past themselves. And with FREE summer camps and children’s days, we’ve inspired a new generation to connect with their community’s stories.
  • Powerful Exhibits: This year’s temporary exhibits, such as African American Voting Experience and the lighthearted Awkward Family Photos, offered visitors fresh perspectives on history, encouraging reflection, dialogue, and a bit of laughter.
  • Building a Values-Driven Future: LHS has completed one year of our strategic planning goals, strengthening our commitment to core values of learning, community, preservation, and inclusion. These values have guided our public programs, partnerships, and activities this past year, ensuring that everything LHS does resonates with and reflects the diverse, dynamic community of Laurel.
As we look ahead to our 50th anniversary, I’m excited to build on this momentum and explore even more ways to connect with our community. This anniversary year will be filled with events, new exhibits, and celebrations, all aimed at honoring Laurel’s rich history and envisioning a vibrant future. But we can’t do it without your continued support.
 
Would you consider a gift to help us jumpstart this special year? You may donate securely using the button below or click here.
 
Thank you for being such an essential part of our journey! And as we begin to celebrate 50 years, I’d love to know: what do you want to see from the Laurel Historical Society over the next 50 years? Together, we can shape a future that honors our past while inspiring generations to come.

 
With Warmest Gratitude, 
Ann Bennett
Executive Director 

P.S. YOU can help us preserve Laurel’s past for the future! Please demonstrate your commitment to the work of the Laurel Historical Society by giving to the Annual Appeal today. Send your best gift before December 31st!