"People had such neat stories to tell and had wonderful photos they didn't think were important," Norris said. "They tell the story of farming in Washington County."
The farms are among those that are officially recognized by the state. The Century Farm Program was started in 1993 by the Maryland Department of Agriculture and honors those who have farms that have been worked by members of their family for more than 100 years, according to information released by the museum.
The museum, which is more than four years old, displays more than 2,500 historical artifacts that depict rural life in Washington County, according to museum documents.
Lowell and Linda Hixon, who own a farm that was purchased by Lowell Hixon's grandfather in 1891, were among nearly 75 people in attendance.
Lowell Hixon said recognizing and encouraging longtime farmers is important, given the changing fabric of the county away from its rural roots.
"You see all this development going on. I think it's very important to encourage people to keep their land," he said.
Linda Hixon said such an exhibit is important for the sake of educating youths who don't know the type of lives their ancestors led in farming communities and who think that "milk comes from the store."
She said seeing the exhibit Sunday, during the Hixons' first trip to the museum, "takes you back to the good old days, so to speak."
Linda Hixon said that, despite their common bond, it is the first time they had a chance to meet several other local members of the "century farm" club.
"I guess everyone is too busy to do much socializing," said Hixon.
Robert "Bob" Cline, who owns a farm purchased in 1880 by his great-great-grandfather and is a volunteer at the museum, said he learned during the event that he is related to the Newcomers, another family being honored.
Cline said the latest exhibit, like many others at the museum, is important for preserving the heritage of Washington County for those who did not experience it and for a "trip down nostalgia lane" for others.
"People are starting to realize that we have a heritage to remember before it disappears," he said.
If you go
What: Century Farms in Washington County - an exhibit of photos and information from eight farms that have been worked by the same family for more than 100 years.
Where: Washington County Rural Heritage Museum, Sharpsburg Pike (Md. 65) north of Sharpsburg
When: Now through Dec. 1, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment
For more information: 240-313-2839
