Beltsville is known for the history of agricultural research and its records. The National Agricultural Library is one of five national libraries in the United States. Its special collections include rare books, manuscript collections, nursery and seed trade catalogs, as well as photographs and posters documenting the history of agriculture. The collection therefore spans written records and visual evidence of agricultural history.
Library and Special Collections
The Special Collections reading room is open to the public for archival research by appointment, or to consult rare books and archival materials. The main library is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on federal holidays. If you are planning a library visit, allow for the appointment requirement for the reading room and check the latest visitor information. The main library’s hours and the scheduled access to the special collections are two separate points to consider when planning your visit.
Agricultural Research and Architectural History
In the late 1930s, research facilities from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington were consolidated at the National Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville. The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is significant under Criterion A of the National Register of Historic Places for its role in developing a national center for agricultural experimentation and testing. This historical perspective focuses on the development of research, not just on individual buildings.
The Log Lodge is part of the architectural history of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. The Civilian Conservation Corps completed it in 1937; its design was modeled on lodges in Yellowstone National Park. The Old Beltsville Schoolhouse has been deemed eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Together, these examples show different facets of local history: the organization of research, a building’s architecture, and the historical significance of a schoolhouse.
A Trail Option in Beltsville
The Little Paint Branch Trail is accessible via 3900 Sellman Road in Beltsville. Alongside agricultural research and history, visitors can also explore a trail. Check current trail conditions before your visit.
Agriculture and Conservation in a Regional Context
The Anacostia Trails Heritage Area highlights the origins and legacy of agricultural and conservation-related innovation in Beltsville. This regional perspective brings the two themes together without conflating them: agricultural research and conservation stand side by side as distinct but equally highlighted aspects of Beltsville’s history.
Visitor Information for the USDA Site
The USDA site in Beltsville is considered a closed campus. Visitors conducting business with the U.S. government must obtain a visitor pass before entering buildings, structures, or fields under the sole jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Since campus rules may change, check the latest visitor information before your visit. This access requirement is especially important to consider when planning a visit related to the USDA areas mentioned above.
For the broader travel overview: Prince George's.
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