Ocean City, MD (September 6, 2024) โ Today marks a momentous occasion for Ocean City as the newly restored former Bank of Ocean City Building opens its doors as the Museum of Ocean City. Located at 217 S. Baltimore Ave, this historic landmark, once known as LOT 48 and The McGregor Building, has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub that will showcase the rich history of our much loved beach town.
A Journey Through Time
The Museum of Ocean City invites visitors to step back in time and explore the building’s fascinating past. From its origins as a grocery store in 1911 to its role as the first bank in Ocean City from 1916 to 2019, the building has witnessed the town’s evolution firsthand. A dedicated exhibit will chronicle this history, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped Ocean City.
Exhibits and Programs
While the full exhibit installment is slated for the new year, visitors can currently enjoy an exhibit on the building’s history. Future exhibits will delve deeper into the town’s heritage, exploring topics such as:
- Indigenous Peoples and Native Wildlife
- The Evolution of Hotels and Restaurants
- Historic People and Places of Downtown Ocean City
The museum will also host a variety of engaging programs, including book signings with local authors, preservation workshops, and other events that celebrate Ocean City’s cultural and natural history.
Research and Accessibility
The museum’s second floor serves as a research and artifact storage space, housing a vast collection of historical records, photographs, and postcards. Starting in May 2025, this space will be open to the public by appointment, offering a valuable resource for those interested in delving deeper into Ocean City’s past.
Read how one long time visitor to Ocean City discovered his childhood vacation spot with the help from staff at the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum here.
The first floor of the Museum (the exhibit hall) is fully handicap accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the exhibits and programs.
Visiting the Museum
The Museum of Ocean City is currently open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10am to 1:30pm. From November – April, the museum will be open Saturday & Sunday from 10am – 1:30pm. Admission is by donation only.
A Community Effort
The restoration of the Bank of Ocean City Building and the establishment of the Museum of Ocean City is a testament to the dedication and generosity of the Ocean City Museum Society, a 501c3 Nonprofit organization. Through grant funding and fundraising efforts, the Society has made this vision a reality. The Town of Ocean City owns the building and maintains the exterior.
Join the Celebration!
The Museum of Ocean City is a treasure trove of local history and culture. Residents and visitors alike are invited to explore its exhibits, participate in its programs, and discover the stories that make Ocean City so special.
For more information, please visit https://www.ocmuseum.org/visit-1 or contact them here.
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About the Ocean City Museum Society
The Ocean City Museum Society is a 501c3 Nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and culture of Ocean City, Maryland. The Society funds all exhibits, artifacts, events, and programs at the Museum of Ocean City.
