The Ellicott City Restoration Foundation was formed in May 1980 upon the recommendation of the Ellicott City Advisory Committee to implement the broad policy and goals of the Murphy/Williams Plan. Our initial and basically only funding was provided at that time by Howard County Government.

The Foundation has in the past functioned as an umbrella group that addressed many of the issues affecting the historic district; this was done at the request of Howard County Government under the administration of Charles Ecker. Subsequent administrations have not utilized the Foundation in this capacity, however, we continue to maintain close and cooperative relations with the local government The Foundation’s charge since inception has been the historic preservation and the economic revitalization of the Ellicott City Historic District.