Southern Maryland Studies Center

Celebrating the Past, Preserving it for the Future

The Southern Maryland Studies Center (SMSC) was founded by the College of Southern Maryland in 1976 in order to provide a central location for research on this historically important region. Students, historians, genealogists, and community members use SMSC's resources to study the culture and development of Charles, Calvert, St. Mary's, and southern areas of Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties. Visitors will find a variety of materials for historical, cultural, and genealogical research.

The SMSC Archives houses over 200 unique collections consisting of personal papers, records of local businesses and organizations, manuscript material, photographic material, rare books, maps, architectural drawings, oral history interviews, and other audiovisual material dating from the 18th century to the present. These materials provide valuable insight to the economic, social, and political currents that helped shape this region.

The SMSC Reading Room contains printed and published materials, including books, newspapers, journals, and periodicals. Visitors can also access state and federal census records, newspapers, colonial records, and church records on microfilm from the 18th century to the early 20th century.

Please use the links to the left to start browsing our unique collections!