snow hill – Visit Ocean City

Offering interpretive exhibits of many aspects of the lives of Snow Hill and Worcester Countians.

Built in 1891, the Purnell museum building was originally the St. Agnes Catholic Church. It was part of the Wilmington Archdiocese, but was never very successful; the Delmarva Peninsula was largely Protestant. At its peak, the St. Agnes Church consisted of 18 members. The church closed near the turn of the century and was used for public functions until the Purnell Museum was housed there in 1957.

Today, the Julia A. Purnell Museum offers interpretive exhibits of many aspects of the lives of Snow Hill and Worcester Countians. A time-line parallels the history of Worcester County with the history of the United States. Kitchen and hearth exhibits show visitors the utensils and methods used to keep a happy home during the 18th and 19th centuries.

An example of the many hundreds of pieces of artwork by Julia Purnell to be found at the museum.

A “general merchandise” welcomes browsers back to a time when communities were built around the local general store. The Victorian era is also represented, complete with clothing, jewelry and everyday items made of silver and exquisitely carved ivory. Machines and tools show the many “modern” improvements Mrs. Purnell experienced. Even the lighter side of life is remembered, with phonographs, toys, books, and bicycles – the Julia A. Purnell Museum offers something for everyone.

Julia A. Purnell Museum, Snow Hill, Worcester County, Maryland

208 West Market Street
Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

Furnace Town and its Nassawango Iron Furnace comprise an educational site of local archaeological and historical interest.

FURNACE TOWN – enjoy a relaxing visit into 19th century village life. Located in the heart of the Pocomoke Forest, Maryland’s only bog-ore furnace is situated 5 miles north of Snow Hill on the banks of Nassawango Creek. Furnace Town and its Nassawango Iron Furnace (recognized by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers as a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark) comprise an educational site of local archaeological and historical interest. The furnace and buildings are being restored, preserved and interpreted by Furnace Town Foundation, Inc.

Enter the historic site through the Furnace Town/Nature Conservancy Visitor Center, being completed this year. Exhibits focus on the natural and cultural history and features of the area. The Company Store offers books, regional specialties, and gifts, including products from our artisan shops.

Broom House at Furnace Town
(Click image to browse art.)

Stroll beneath towering pines through the village of Furnacetown artisan shops including a broom house, blacksmith shop, printshop, weaving house and woodworkers shop. Linger in the Old Nazareth Church and the Museum for a glimpse into the past. Enjoy the scents, sounds and sights of the 19th Century Kitchen Garden. A number of activities featuring art, music and living history are presented each season. The tranquil 25 acre grounds have picnic and walking areas for quiet solitude and peaceful afternoons.

Calling the Kettle Black
(Click image to browse wall art.)

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY’S PAUL LEIFER NATURE TRAIL has more than a mile of easily walked paths through the Pocomoke Forest and over the Nassawango Cypress swamp. The swamp’s maze of forest trees and undergrowth, “Nature’s Cleaning System,” is home to a quiet community of plant and animal life.

Furnace Town Historic Site is a project of Furnace Town Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation. Funds for restoration and interpretation of the 19th century village are realized from grants, donations, admissions, and Foundation memberships.