Patapsco Days - Significance of Place: The Historic Ellicott City J*il

2026 kicks off our Eighth Annual Patapsco Days Celebration! Patapsco Days is a month-long thematic event where we host programs about the history, environment, and sociopolitical aspects of the Patapsco Valley Heritage Area (PVHA). This year, our theme is "Celebrating 250 Years of History" in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary.

In historic preservation, a building’s significance is often judged by age, architectural style, or ties to major historical figures and events. But that framework can overlook the everyday human stories that truly give places meaning — the lives of the people who built, used, passed through, or were shaped by them.

The historic Ellicott City J*il is listed as a contributing resource for its architecture, but its deeper significance lies in its human history: those who designed and built it, those incarcerated there, reform advocates, staff, and community members connected to a justice system that was not always just. Preserving the J*il means preserving these layered stories. Today, as efforts move forward to interpret and reactivate the long-vacant site, people are once again giving the building renewed purpose.

Join us and hear from Laura Houston (Preservation Maryland's Director of Reviatlization Initiatives) to explore the historic Ellicott City J*il's history and what lies ahead for it's future.

This talk takes place at the Museum of Howard County History. Attendees are welcome to view museum exhibits before and after the talk as well. Seating is limited, so registration is recommended.

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You can find our full calendar of events HERE.

As Director of Revitalization Initiatives for Preservation Maryland, Laura Houston oversees the organization’s historic property redevelopment program, which makes direct investments in Maryland’s historic places through the revitalization of historic resources and the communities in which they reside. Through this program, Preservation Maryland partners with government agencies, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and developers to facilitate and manage preservation planning and redevelopment. The organization’s portfolio includes 11 active projects ranging from restoration of an 18th c. mill in Harford County to adaptive reuse of an 1850s J*il in Ellicott City to stabilization and elevation of a late 19th c. watermen’s cottage in Annapolis’ City Dock.

Laura’s professional background is in project management. Her academic background focused on culture as a tool for representation, influence, education, and diplomacy. She earned her M.A. in Cultural Politics and Policy from New York University and B.A. in International Studies from Texas State University.

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