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In 1995, the year the park opened, Mt. Ida was the site of Historic Ellicott City, Inc.’s 11th Decorator Show House. Mt. Ida had been not used for many years prior to that time and was in need of a facelift. Thanks to the cooperative efforts of Historic Ellicott City, Inc. and the Friends of the Patapsco Female Institute, Inc., Mt. Ida was painted and papered and transformed back into the 19th century beauty it had once been. Gardens with appropriate plantings were also added to the grounds. Today visitors are treated to beautifully decorated parlors and rooms, appropriate to the 19th century. One parlor is furnished with authentic 19th century furnishings, including pieces once belonging to Almira Hart Lincoln Phelps, principal at the PFI from 1840-1856. The original library is now an archaeologist’s study, filled with authentic artifacts from the Patapsco Female Institute. Mt. Ida is also the headquarters for the Upper Patuxent Archaeology Group, the Vaughan Brown Center for American Indian Studies, and Almira’s Polite Society, a living history troupe. In the winter months, after the park is closed, Mt. Ida is used for indoor activities, including the Victorian Holiday Open House in December and a Victorian Tea in February featuring a 19th century fashion show. Mt. Ida is not accessible to everyone. Learn more about Mt. Ida’s history. (Coming Soon!)
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Historic
Mt. Ida is the visitor center and office for the Patapsco Female
Institute Historic Park. Located on Sarah’s Lane at the base
of the park with access to adequate parking, the 1828 house is the
perfect setting for visitors to begin their tour. 
