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Nonprofit Spotlight
Nonprofit Spotlight
The Old Jail Museum
A unique site in downtown Leonardtown
Built in 1876 and in use until 1945 by the oldest sheriff’s office in the nation, the Old Jail Museum retains its original upstairs cells where prisoners were once segregated by gender and race. It is the sixth of eight jails that were in use in St. Mary's County since its founding in 1634, and one of only three locations on the National Park's Service's Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Trail in St. Mary's County. The jail is also part of the National Park Service virtual tour - National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
The museum is home to the official Leonardtown Visitor Center and a small but well-stocked museum store. Both are NOW OPEN DAILY from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily (March 25 - October 31) and 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily (November 1 - March 24). It is also open during all Leonardtown special events and First Fridays. Admission is FREE. For more info, please call 240-925-3427. Masks are no longer required for any guests, but we recommend those who are not vaccinated wear a mask when visiting.
The Old Jail Museum is one of four museums and historic sites operated by the St. Mary's County Museum Division. The St. Mary's County Museum Division is a division of the St. Mary's County Department of Recreation and Parks and St. Mary's County Government.
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