The Allegany County Historical Society was founded in 1937, and in 1954 the Society purchased its current location – 218 Washington Street in Cumberland. The Society’s primary mission is to engage visitors of all ages in history and to “develop and preserve an awareness of the history and traditions of Allegany County for its citizens as well as visitors to the county.”

The house holds hundreds of artifacts and historical items, and has evolved into a house museum depicting the only two families to live there: the Gordon and the Roberts families. The Historical Society also operates the F. Brooke Whiting House & Museum at 632 Washington Street and the Union Grove One Room School on Mason Road. It hosts annual Heritage Days the second weekend of June, holds two general membership meetings a year, and welcomes volunteers at all of its sites.