Springs Historical Society/Springs Folk Festival

05/30/2026

Last week was all about the inside, but this week, it’s a beautiful day! Lots of new vendors and lots of new finds. Someone even has a free section. www.springspa.org.

05/23/2026

We love Spruce Forest! Alta was an incredible humanitarian and the ultimate community promoter.

Let's talk a little bit about why we are here....
It all goes back to an ambitious, passionate and driven lady named Dr. Alta Schrock. Alta was one of the most influential preservationists, educators, and cultural leaders in the history of Western Maryland. 🌿🎨

Born in 1911 on Strawberry Hill Farm near Grantsville, Alta Schrock grew up in a Mennonite family surrounded by the mountains, forests, and traditions of the Alleghenies. Despite health challenges and limited educational opportunities during her childhood, her passion for learning led her to become the first Mennonite woman in America to earn a Ph.D., receiving her doctorate in biology in 1944.

After teaching biology at several colleges, including Frostburg State University, Dr. Schrock felt called to return home to Western Maryland to help preserve the region’s culture, crafts, music, and history. In the late 1950s, she founded Penn Alps, Spruce Forest Artisan Village, and helped establish the Springs Historical Society and Springs Folk Festival.

Through her vision, local artisans, craftspeople, musicians, and historians found opportunities to share their talents while preserving Appalachian traditions for future generations. Her work helped revitalize rural communities and celebrate the heritage of the National Road corridor and the Allegheny Mountains.

Dr. Alta Schrock’s legacy can still be seen today throughout Grantsville in the artisan village, historic preservation efforts, cultural festivals, and museums that continue to inspire visitors from across the country. Her lifelong dedication to education, heritage, and community service helped shape the cultural identity of Western Maryland.

05/23/2026

Today’s the day! There’s something for everyone at the Farmers’ Market. For more information about everything we offer, check out www.springspa.org.

05/22/2026

Thank you everyone! We made it to 5,000 followers!!! If you’d like to volunteer, just send a message.

05/22/2026

So what if it rains? Tomorrow is also the opening day of the free museum. Stop in and see our works in progress. Open 9-2.

05/19/2026

Rain or shine, the Springs Farmer’s Market will open this Saturday! It’s always dry inside. Mmmmm…doughnuts…and lots of other treasures.

05/02/2026

I think most of my fowl buddies are back now- putting on a great show!

05/01/2026

May is a busy time for Springs. Chronicle, free program at the Folk Meetinghouse, and the Farmers' Market and Museum open May 23rd. Farmers' Market 8-12 and Museum 9-2. Spread the word. Can we get 5,000 Facebook followers by June?

01/16/2026

This just came to the Museum as part of the Freda Maust Collection. The picture is Milton J. Folk, son of John J. and Matilda (Hershberger) Folk.

Born in Elk Lick in 1870, he moved to Mercer County prior to 1910. A newspaper article wrote that he "has found rug weaving a rewarding hobby and a pleasant way to make use of old baler twine that would otherwise be wasted...Folk hoards baler twine so that he may convert it into throw rugs that have both beauty and utility. The only mechanical aid used is an old washing machine wringer roll that holds the twine flat after his deft fingers have braided the material."

01/09/2026

Tomorrow (January 10) at 6:30 PM at the Folk Meetinghouse is the Members' meeting with light refreshments provided. Nonmembers are also welcome! Now is a great time to learn more about the organization and become involved!