The Allegany Museum serves the greater Allegany Region—encompassing counties in Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania—and connects to the broader Appalachian area through its unique geography.

The museum seeks to inspire discovery of the region’s heritage and its role in national development. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and preservation efforts, it aims to enrich the cultural and intellectual life of the community and become a destination for heritage tourism.

Opened in 2010 after a major restoration, the museum occupies a 1932 Art Deco/Neoclassical building at 3 Pershing Street in Historic Downtown Cumberland, originally a U.S. Courthouse and Post Office designed by local architect R. Holt Hitchins. Restoration revealed exquisite materials and craftsmanship, including the 3,400-square-foot Grand Courtroom.

Its 50,000+ item collection spans 12,000 years—from Native American settlement to European pioneers and the region’s industrial boom. Cumberland’s legacy as a transportation hub is a central focus, with exhibits on the National Road, the C\&O Canal, and railroads.

The first floor’s *Crossroads of America* exhibit explores human movement through the area from 1750–1900, featuring canal and train models, a restored 1825 Conestoga wagon, a Paleoindian hut, Fort Cumberland, and early depictions of George Washington.

The second floor showcases regional industry—glassware, folk art, Kelly Springfield Tire, fire and beer industries, local shops, and a Saks Fifth Avenue “Sleeping Beauty” window display.

The museum is a volunteer-run nonprofit (501(c)3) offering free admission and welcoming donations. The restored Grand Courtroom is available for events, and tours can be arranged. Contact: manager@alleganymuseum.org.

We invite you to explore our exhibits and programs and become part of our vibrant museum community.