Sandy Spring Museum
Sandy Spring Museum
4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
It's all about community. The Sandy Spring Museum is a place where people can develop meaningful connections by exploring community history through the visual, literary and performing arts. The Sandy Spring Museum began when a group of residents noted that the community's history was being sold off with every passing of a long-time resident. The organization was incorporated in 1981 by volunteers who set up shop in the basement of the Sandy Spring Bank. For many years, they operated out of the bank, exhibiting artifacts in hand-made cases and hosting many lectures on local history. It was this group who started the Strawberry Festival, which has become part of the community's history itself! The museum moved to the residence Tall Timbers in 1986 and celebrated its grand re-opening in 1997 at its permanent location on Bentley Road. The land on which the museum sits was donated by the Bentley Family, whose ancestors moved to Sandy Spring in the late 1700s. In 2007, the museum complex was completed with the addition of a state-of-the-art research library and collections storage facility. The museum, which sits on 7 beautifully landscaped acres, is the heart of the Sandy Spring community.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
12 reviews
Excellent
6
Very good
3
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
1

cruiser620
Laurel, MD464 contributions
Sep 2013 • Couples
Today was the annual Museum Day where hundreds of museums all over the country allow free admission. After looking at the list of museums that were participating, we decided to visit the Sandy Spring Museum which is a small local museum. We found the displays to be quite interesting. The exhibit room was divided into areas that recreated historical life in the area -- a general store, school, post office, kitchen and living areas, medical equipment, model T, etc. There was also information about slavery in this area of Maryland along with some civil war relics and letters which provide a first-hand account of what people were doing and thinking during that time period. The land for the museum was donated by the wife of baseball player Jack Bentley and there is a display of old time baseball memorabilia. This museum is definitely worth a look if you are in the area.
Written September 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Robert D
Damascus, MD184 contributions
Jul 2022
[Mon., July 11, '22] I have heard about several of the local museums in the Historic Brookeville-Olney-Sandy Spring region (a strong anti-slavery Quaker presence back in the 1800's), and as a retired History Teacher from Damascus HS (MCPS), I'm very interested in learning about the historical impactfulness of this area.
A gorgeous warm sunny day for a trip to this Multi-Use Center. It is a museum, it also showcases the works of local artists (including Potters -- check out their Gift Shoppe), sponsors a Garden Club, and acts as a Meeting House for the district residents.
Check out their website for a list of INCREDIBLY FUN activities (like their annual Strawberry Festival -- How Awesome Is THAT?!?!?), Hours of Operation, & Directions. Although there is no Fee, please do leave a Donation to help them continue their important Community, Educational, and Artistic Programs and Endeavors.
Both the outdoor grounds and indoor rotunda room are perfect for hosting large parties such as Birthdays, Graduations, and Weddings. Plenty of local parking (including Handicap-Accessible parking on-site) and wheel-chair-accessible restrooms (and water fountains).
The Gift Shop does not have postcards (Dang It!), but they do sell a variety of locally-produced crafts which is a nice touch and vibe. There are plenty of dining establishments in nearby Olney, if you and your group get hungry, so just go and enjoy your visit.
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MSC73
Pittsburgh, PA242 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
Charming "micro-museum" focused on the Quaker town of Sandy Spring. The exhibitions are small, with adjacent art galleries and historical archives. You can walk through several areas with re-creations of historic school room, kitchen, General Store, etc. The museum feels like a community center for arts and culture, featuring event space, lectures, artists in residence. The staff was friendly, and we enjoyed the little gift shop. Recommend about one hour. Admission was $5 per adult, with small discounts for seniors and children. We enjoyed our visit.
Written November 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

cruiser620
Laurel, MD464 contributions
May 2022
I originally reviewed Sandy Spring Museum in 2013, and at that time thought it was a great little community museum. I went back for the first time today, and had a totally different experience. Most of the exhibits I remembered were gone, and the "museum" had very little of interest. Most of it was empty space. I was the only visitor, and it was easy to see why. The person working there never looked up or spoke to me. It was a very disappointing experience. The only good thing is that there is no admission charge now. The title of my review says it all.
Written May 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Highlandlass38
Highland, MD72 contributions
May 2015 • Family
This small but eclectic museum has a wonderful research library and offers many classes, art displays, seminars and events...a camp for children...had African art exhibits, weaving, cooking...so much...call 301 774-0022 and as for their newsletter. Founded by Quaker descendents and families, it has a wonderful history of the area and freed slaves.
Written May 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your visit! Come again soon!
Written August 18, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

LeetaNOLA
Metairie, LA19 contributions
Oct 2018
I was in awh at the collection, art, carving and history captured and displayed at this museum. It was enlightening to learn of the rich African American history and indentured slaves of Montgomery county. The wood carvings, hut, model slave ship, all notable collections. An inspiring education in African American History
Written October 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JohnBCowgill
Washington DC, DC806 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
When you think of your little small town museum that has very little to see and offer, you will be surprised when you visit this one. There is much to see here.
Written October 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TooOldtoRun
Columbia, MD1,219 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
There was a local artist exhibit open on a Saturday. We especially enjoyed the enamel artist and the silversmith. The ladies in the pottery area were so nice. It was a nice visit.
Written December 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nathalia M
5 contributions
May 2017 • Family
The area beautiful, a lot of open space nice scenery. Sufficient space for parking, quiet area, friendly people.
Written May 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TomWall60
Rockville, MD638 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
This is a unique museum that combines local history with art. Displays are quite interesting and there ar many things to learn. Sandy Spring is a nice little area to explore and you need to learn about its interesting history. The Friends as well as the Underground Railwy are some of teh key things to learn about. Museum is worth a visit.
Written May 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Sandy Spring Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Sandy Spring Museum

Sandy Spring Museum is open:
  • Wed - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM