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Museum of Ocean City Celebrates Grand Opening in Historic Bank Building

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.

The McGregor Building ocean city md
The building was originally know as the McGregor Building

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.

Bank of OCean City, ocean city md
The building when it was Bank of 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 Old Vault inside the Museum
The Old Vault inside the Museum

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.

Research Rooms inside the Ocean City Museum
Research Rooms inside the Museum

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.

Inside the Museum of Ocean City
Inside the Museum of Ocean City

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. 

Inside the Museum of Ocean City

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.

The old Bank of Ocean City Sign
The Bank of Ocean City Sign

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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.

Anne
Anne
Anne, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, discovered Ocean City over three decades ago and was so captivated by its charm that she decided to make it her permanent home. Her love for travel remains strong, but Ocean City holds a special place in her heart. Anne's deep connection to the town is evident in her role as a seasoned writer for OceanCity.com, a position she's held since September 2014. Her frequent visits to local events, businesses, restaurants, and hotels have given her an insider's perspective, making her an invaluable resource for newcomers seeking the best experiences Ocean City has to offer.

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