Overview
The Oakland Mills Community Association (OMCA) is a non-profit civic association established for the 9,900 residents of the village of Oakland Mills in Columbia, Maryland. OMCA’s purpose is to promote the health, safety, common good and social welfare of all village residents. Oakland Mills is comprised of three neighborhoods: Stevens Forest, Talbott Springs, and Thunder Hill.
History
Oakland Mills Community Association was incorporated in 1968; however, our history dates back to the 1700’s. Oakland Mills was named for an historic Howard County mill. Thunder Hill was the name of the original farm that occupied the property. Talbott Springs was an original land tract name from the 1800’s. Stevens Forest is the original land tract name in Howard County. Charles Stevens acquired the land on May 10, 1709. The Other Barn, the Oakland Mills Community Center since 1969, and The Barn, the Columbia Youth & Teen Center (owned and operated by the Columbia Association), were once part of the Owings Dorsey Dairy Farm and were among the few buildings preserved when Columbia was built. Streets in Oakland Mills are named for works of Carl Sandburg, Andrew Wyeth and Ernest Hemingway.
The Other Barn | OMCA’s Community Center
The Other Barn is the hub of activities in Oakland Mills! It is the gathering place for all village meetings, including those of the Oakland Mills Board of Directors and the Oakland Mills Resident Architecture Committee (RAC). It is also the site for the Jazz in the Mills Concert Series, community art exhibits, Lively Arts for Little Ones, family programs, Master Gardener presentations, plant sales and village election events – just to name a few! The Other Barn is also the center for the village’s premiere event, its annual Fall Festival, to be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
The Other Barn is a very popular venue to rent for weddings, social parties, family gatherings and business meetings. The building was recently remodeled and decorated to preserve its rustic charm, yet provide a unique and pleasant atmosphere. The Other Barn can accommodate up to 175 guests. Our flower-filled private courtyard is the perfect setting for outdoor ceremonies.
50 Years of Memories at OMCA! View this historic slideshow that was shown at OM’s 50th Birthday Volunteer Reception: