Patapsco Female Institute

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Mt. Ida Visitor Center
P. O. Box 293
3691 Sarah's Lane
Mt. Ida Visitor Center
Ellicott City, MD 21041
Tel: 410.465.8500

Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Patapsco River Valley in Historic Ellicott City, the Patapsco Female Institute
was founded in 1837 and operated for more than 50 years as an elegant finishing school for young women. The
stabilized ruins of the Greek Revival structure are open for tours, and serve as a beautiful setting for special events including Victorian teas and a summer open air theatre. The Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park Visitor Center
is located at Mt. Ida, 3691 Sarah's Ln. in Historic Ellicott City. The Park is open Sun. 1-4 p.m. through Oct. 31. Tours
are $4 per- son; $3 seniors and students. Private and group tours are available. For additional program information
and reservations, call 410.465.8500, email fpfi@prodigy.net, or visit our website.

Every year the park's season ends with a special Halloween scare for two weekends. The ruins
and the grounds with their nooks and crannies provide the perfect setting for ghosts and goblins
from the local high schools to perform live skits with a slight historical twist. This popular event
draws hundreds each night as costumed guides lead scared guests on a 35-minute walk in the dark