Now, it can have another one posted on Route 50

By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

(Nov. 5, 2020) The Berlin Public Works Department has installed an interpretive sign on the Baker Street side of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum lawn in compliance with State of Maryland Tourist Attractions Sign Program Policy.

“This permanent sign is a stipulation for getting a state highway sign on Route 50, naming us a historical site to visit,” said Melissa Reid, president of the museum.

ALLY LANASA/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
An interpretive sign was installed on the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum lawn on North Main Street in Berlin in compliance with State of Maryland Tourist Attractions Sign Program Policy to receive a historical attractions sign on Route 50.

According to the policy, signs informing motorists of attractions are placed at the nearest exit to the attraction on interstate highways and limited access highways, as permitted by law.

“We’re really excited because that means people that will be driving toward Berlin will be able to see that sign and that will bring more people to the museum,” Reid said.

To be included on an attractions sign, the destination must meet several criteria, such as be open at least eight months annually, be open to the general public at least five days a week, including Saturday and/or Sunday and be open to the general public at least six hours per day. Public activities must also be available during hours of operation, according to regulations established by the State Highway Administration and Maryland Tourism Council.

Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, said because of the museum’s limited hours of operation, an outdoor interpretive sign was required.

The sign, which was installed on Oct. 22, offers a consistent, educational message about the museum’s historical significance to Berlin 24 hours a day for residents and visitors.

Wells contacted the Maryland State Highway Administration about the museum’s compliance with the attractions sign policy, but new attractions signs have been postponed at this time because of budget concerns caused by the covid-19 pandemic.

Brian Robertson at Berlin Printery, 16 N. Main St., made the informational sign for the museum, which features a brief history of the museum and pictures.

“The text was actually written by Susan Taylor, our curator, probably for a brochure or some other things that we’ve had publicized over the years, but she re-polished it,” Reid said.

Robertson took pictures of the museum for the sign, she added.

Wells was able to provide a $1,500 sponsorship from the town for the interpretive sign to cover the expense of design, fabrication and installation of the sign.

Reid added that it was “a nice sense of community” to be involved with a local business and the town for the sign.

“People that just walk by now will have a little bit more information that’s going to allow them to understand what this beautiful building is,” she said. “I’m not sure everyone knows about the Taylor House Museum, so it’s another way that we can put our message out there and anyone visiting the town will be able to now have a greater understanding of what the point of this Taylor House Museum is.”