Poll: Allegany Museum on of country's best

Greg Larry, Cumberland Times-News, Md.
·2 min read

Mar. 4—CUMBERLAND — Allegany Museum has been named one of the country's "Best Small Town Museums," according to a USA Today 10Best poll.

The pubication frequently conducts polls on "hidden gems" across America in a wide variety of categories.

The USA Today recently released the top 10 list for small town museums, with Allegany Museum placing second behind the Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine, Texas.

"Museums that focus on a small town or region can offer a unique perspective on the history, culture and identity of a place, and they're often some of the most interesting spots to check out when you're traveling," the publication said.

Located at 3 Pershing St., the museum showcases early native culture to European settlers and George Washington's history in the area, as well as the region's transportation and industrial evolution.

"We are extremely honored to even be considered as one of the top 10 best small town museums in the country," said Vic Rezendes, the museum's vice president. "Placing second among such outstanding other museums is a compliment to the hard work by our staff and volunteers."

Placing third was the Dahlonega Gold Msueum in Dahlonega, Georgia. In fourth place was the Loudon Heritage Farm Museum, Sterling, Virginia, with the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center, St. Augustine, Florida, placing fifth.

"These 10 small town museums — selected by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the country — showcase the local stories, traditions and achievements of an area, providing fascinating community insight to visitors," according to USA Today.

The Allegany Museum is located in a four-story building constructed in 1932.

With neoclassical and art deco design features, the building was originally constructed by the federal government as a court house and post office.

Museum founders purchased the building in 1999 from Allegany County. After a lengthy renovation, the museum opened to the public in 2010.

The first floor of the museum contains the expansive "Crossroads of America" exhibition that traces the history of human movement through the region. The second floor features history related to industry, including an extensive display about the Kelly-Springfield Tire Co., local Baltimore Street shops, fire industry and the beer industry.

Museum officials are currently developing plans for an interactive creative arts center on the building's lower level to be titled the Mountain Maryland Traditional Arts Creative Center.

The center will be constructed on 4,000 square feet of space and feature Appalachian regional art from chainsaw sculptures, quilting, ceramics, jewelry making, folk art and painting to the performing arts, which will exhibit the region's top musical talent.

Greg Larry is a reporter at the Cumberland Times-News. To reach him, call 304-639-4951, email glarry@times-news.com and follow him on Twitter @GregLarryCTN.