Sandy Spring Museum preserves and interprets the history of Sandy Spring and its surrounding area while also serving as a center for community arts and education. Founded in 1981 by Delmas Wood with help from Florence Virginia Barrett Lehman, it grew from a bank basement collection into a purpose-built museum opened in 1997 on land donated by Helen Bentley. Its architecture reflects local historic forms, and a 2007 addition expanded research and storage space. The museum holds more than 15,000 artifacts and photographs, including material dating to 1650, and presents permanent historic displays alongside rotating exhibitions that connect local history, art, and contemporary community life.