Interpreting South Mountain
2026-08-11 12:00, 2026-08-11 18:00, 2026-08-23 10:00 (America/New_York) | Gathland State Park, 900 Arnoldtown Rd, Jefferson, MD, 21755
South Mountain is part of the oldest mountain range in North America. How have people interacted with this mountain through history? What can we learn about our own present and future here? Meet at War Correspondents Arch in Gathland State Park. Hike is approx. 0.6 miles on wooded trail, beginner-friendly.

An Evening with Toby Mendez
2026-08-12 19:00 | National Road Museum, 214 N. Main Street, Boonsboro, MD, 21713
Join the National Road Museum on the evening of Wednesday, August 12, as they welcome acclaimed sculptor Toby Mendez to speak at the museum about his career, notably the works he has created for the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, the Clara Barton monument near Hagerstown City Park, and the George Washington sculpture being unveiled in Hagerstown this coming September.

Art in the Park- Frogs!
2026-08-13 17:00 | Greenbrier State Park, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD, 21713
Learn about some of the beautiful frogs native to Maryland while touring their habitat. Paint some jumping frogs to take home! Meet in lower parking lot by boat launch ramp in Greenbrier Park. Walk will be 0.25 miles beside the lake ending at gazebo #4. 5PM

Carroll 250 Speaker Series: 1876 The Centennial Celebration & America’s First World’s Fair
2026-08-13 18:30 | Historical Society of Carroll County, 210 E. Main Street, Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
This talk, presented by Jim Shriver (HSCC Board of Trustees President), will cover how the USA celebrated the Centennial and the significance of a World’s Fair. Local and Maryland participants in the Philadelphia Exposition (The World’s Fair) will be included and local events held to commemorate 1876 will also be highlighted.

One Vast Hospital - Downtown Frederick Walking Tour
2026-08-15 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-08-16 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-08-22 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-08-23 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-08-29 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-08-30 12:00 - 13:30 | National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 21701, United States
Explore the incredible Civil War history in Downtown Frederick with expert guides from the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.
Every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday at 12:00 p.m. from April until September, docents from the National Museum of Civil War Medicine will explain how Frederick became “One Vast Hospital.” Arguably the most trying moment in city’s history came after the Battle of Antietam in the fall of 1862. The town’s population doubled when 8,000 wounded soldiers were delivered by ambulance to make-shift hospitals throughout Frederick. Walking tours last for an hour to an hour and a half.
Tickets are $15 and include admission to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in addition to the walking tour. Tickets are free for Museum members, but you must still reserve your spot. Reservations will be accepted on a first come first served basis.
Contact Chris Reed at chris.reed@civilwarmed.org for more information.

Living History Weekend
2026-08-15 11:00 | Rose Hill Manor Park and Museums, 1611 N Market St, Frederick, MD, 21701
Experience themed demonstrations and exhibits highlighting different eras of history. Stop by for the FSK Antique Car Show on Saturday to enjoy antique cars, antique fire apparatus, vendors, and more.

Carroll 250 Event: Katy: The Woman Who Signed the Declaration
2026-08-15 13:00 | Carroll County Public Library – Eldersburg Branch, 6400 Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg, Maryland, 21784
One woman, Mary Katharine Goddard, Katy to her family and friends, risked treason by signing her full name on the Declaration of Independence along with all the male signatories. Who was she, and why was she tasked with such an important job? Author Betty Bolte will share how she came to know Katy despite the absence of personal information. Find out more about Katy, the inspiring and respected woman who signed the Declaration of Independence. Ms. Bolte’s book, Katy: The Woman Who Signed the Declaration of Independence, will be available for sale and signing.
If you plan to attend, please register here.

Civil War Drumming: The Stirring Music That Inspired Civil War Soldiers
2026-08-15 14:00 | National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 21701, United States
Accomplished drummer Patrick Jones will discuss the role of drums and fifes in the military during the Civil War, as well as drum construction and makers. After exploring the various tasks musicians performed during the war, including helping with wounded removal, Patrick will play a number of stirring tunes used by the armies of both sides. He will also have original drums on hand to view.
Patrick Jones has been playing Civil War drums with various organizations since he was 13 years old. He gives frequent presentations on the topic and also creates museum-quality reproduction drums and their associated accouterments. When not drumming, he teaches 5th grade Social Studies and Science at the Upper St. Clair School district in Pittsburgh, Pa. Learn more about Patrick at rudimentsandrope.com

Storytime in the Park
2026-08-17 09:00 | Washington Monument State Park, 6620 Zittlestown Rd, Middletown, MD, 21769
Take a walk partway around Greenbrier Lake and make unique prints of your discoveries to take home. Enjoy a nature-themed book and activity. Meet in front of the Washington Monument museum.

Skull Identification
2026-08-17 10:00 | Washington Monument State Park, 6620 Zittlestown Rd, Middletown, MD, 21769
Analyze different types of skulls, including their shape and teeth. Based on your observations, identify which skulls are those of herbivores, carnivores or omnivores. Meet in front of the museum at Washington Monument State Park, 10AM.

Battlefield Calculus: Tactics, Technology, and the Battle of Antietam – Steven Eden
2026-08-17 19:00 | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 209 W Main Street, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782, United States
On August 17, author Steven Eden will present “Battlefield Calculus: Tactics, Technology, and the Battle of Antietam.” Using examples from Antietam, and describe the factors that caused a unit to withdraw or stop advancing. Surprisingly, it was rarely because of casualties. In fact, it was fairly uncommon for a regimental commander to lose control of his unit because of fear; it happened much more often in the wake of some tactical success. Unit commanders typically weighed several factors when deciding to hold or withdraw. These include honor, exposure, ammunition, available cover, loss ratio, and support, among others. The talk will cover this “battlefield calculus” and show how it helps to explain the tactics of the Civil War.
Steven Eden served in the Army for 25 years, including a tour in Afghanistan. During service Steve was assigned to West Point as an instructor in the History Department, where he taught Military History among other subjects, and led several staff rides for senior officers. After retirement, Steve was employed as an instructor for the Department of Defense at Fort Meade; his duties included presenting the Maryland Campaign of 1862 as a case study to field grade officers. Steven has led close to two dozen staff rides to Antietam as part of this instruction. His new book Crisis at Antietam: The Cornfield and West Woods and the Opening Rounds of the Civil War’s Bloodiest Battle, September 17, 1862, published by Savas Beatie is due to come out in 2026. Steve currently resides in Manchester, MD, with my wife Kathleen.
Come join leading historians and scholars as they discuss intriguing topics about their latest works and research on the Maryland Campaign and the Civil War during the Antietam Institute’s Civil War Summer Lecture Series. See the complete 2026 schedule.
These indoor programs are held in McKinley Hall at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. The church is located at 209W Main Street with a small parking area off the alley. More parking is available on Main and Hall Streets. These lectures are free and open to the public. Each week, the Antietam Institute holds a drawing in which the proceeds support the Save Historic Antietam Foundation. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates and changes to the schedule.

Box Lunch Talk: Stories in Cloth: Using Genealogy to Stitch Together the Past Presented by Amy Hunt
2026-08-18 12:00 | Historical Society of Carroll County, 210 E. Main Street, Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
Amy will explore the use of genealogy to bring stories to light through cloth. Amy Hunt is the curator of The Museum of Frederick County History at Heritage Frederick. She has a degree in Art History from the University of Maryland at College Park and has 25 years of experience curating museum exhibitions. She is a monthly contributor to Frederick Magazine. Born and raised in Frederick County, Amy, her husband and her children have lived in Gettysburg, PA for the last 20 years. She enjoys genealogy, travel, reading and visiting cemeteries. As always, there is no registration for Box Lunch Talks. You bring your lunch, and we provide the drinks and desserts (thanks to our volunteers and staff). The cost is $3 for HSCC members and $5 for nonmembers.

Who Lives at the Lake
2026-08-19 13:00 | Greenbrier State Park, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD, 21713
Greenbrier Lake is home to many fascinating animals, insects, plants, and more! Meet at Greenbrier State Park at trail head near gazebo #1. Hike will be partly around the lake, approx. 0.6 miles, beginner-friendly! 1PM

Art in the Park- Pollinators!
2026-08-19 17:00 | Greenbrier State Park, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD, 21713
Learn about the crucial role native pollinators and native plants play in our ecosystem. Make a flapping paper Lepidoptera (moth or butterfly). Meet in gazebo #2 in Greenbrier day-use area. 5PM

MD Natural Resources Police Day
2026-08-22 10:00 | National Road Museum, 214 N. Main Street, Boonsboro, MD, 21713
The Maryland Natural Resources Police has protected wildlife and our natural environment for over 150 years, including along the National Road! Come see objects and badges from this agency’s rich history, presented by the MDNRP Museum, and learn more about the men and women who keep our forests and waterways safe. Children can design and color their own paper badge or insignia to take home.

Music on the Millrace: Hayden Shaw and This Side of Pleasant
2026-08-23 15:00 | The Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD, 21158, United States
Music on the Millrace offers a relaxed, inviting opportunity for members and friends to come out to enjoy the authentic beauty of the site, separate from our other major events.
This is a great time to enjoy an afternoon on the beautiful grounds of the Union Mills Homestead. Admission to the event is only $10. Under 12 are free! Food, beer and wine will be available to purchase. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on. No outside alcohol may be brought into the event. Because we have to inspect any containers to ensure there is no alcohol, please refrain from bringing backpacks or coolers, although you are welcome to bring your own snacks.
Hayden Shaw and This Side of Pleasant
Hailing from right down the road, Hayden Shaw and his band This Side of Pleasant (as in Pleasant Valley) is thrilled to be back for another great day of Bluegrass! Hayden Shaw & This Side of Pleasant is a high-energy Bluegrass group comprised of some of Hayden’s best friends in Bluegrass. Last March they broke the attendance record for a Wehrly’s Auction House “Pickin’ and Biddin’” show. Hayden pulls from a wide array of influences and music genres to bring a fun and exciting bluegrass show that you won’t want to miss!

“Make me a Map” The Creation of the Artillery Atlas of Antietam – Aaron Holley & Jim Rosebrock
2026-08-24 19:00 | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 209 W Main Street, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782, United States
Captain Albert Monroe who commanded a Federal battery at Antietam believed that “the value of the light artillery in the army as a factor in the suppression of the Rebellion, has never been accorded that credit to which it is entitled.” James Rosebrock and Aaron Holley have partnered to set the record straight by creating a visual record of the employment of artillery in the Maryland Campaign. The Artillery Atlas of Antietam explores the contribution of the artillery in the Maryland Campaign and presents new insights through the lens of topography, geography, and the words of those who made history. Join the Antietam Institute on August 24, to meet authors, Aaron Holley and James Rosebrock during their talk, “Make me a Map”: The Creation of the Artillery Atlas of Antietam.
Aaron Holley is a native West Virginian and lifelong Civil War enthusiast. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry in 2013 followed by a Master of Science in Forestry with an emphasis in forest biometrics in 2015, both from West Virginia University. Upon graduation, Aaron entered the field of forest conservation consulting, working in forest ecosystems both domestically and internationally. His education and work experience introduced him to the concept of modern mapping and geospatial analysis, which led him to extensively map the Antietam battlefield beginning in 2019. The result of this mapping process was published both as a wall map and as a GPS-enabled digital map. In 2024, Aaron was invited to become a member of the board of directors for the Antietam Institute, where he assists with all things cartography. He has produced maps for several publications related to Antietam, including An Ornament to His Country, Roads to Antietam, The Artillery of Antietam and The Antietam Journal and is a co-author of the upcoming The Artillery Atlas of Antietam. Aaron lives in Fisher, Hardy County, West Virginia with his wife, daughter, and son.
Born in Buffalo New York, Jim received his undergraduate history degree in Russian history from Niagara University in 1976. He was commissioned in the US Army that year and held command and staff positions for nine years from 1976 to 1985 in the United States and Germany. His final assignment on active duty was with the 82nd Airborne Division, where he deployed to Grenada in 1983 with the division staff as part of Operation Urgent Fury. He graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University in 2002 where he was awarded a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy. As an Army Reserve officer, Jim’s final assignment was as an instructor for the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He retired in 2004 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Jim worked at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for 30 years, serving as Chief of the Security and Emergency Programs Division and subsequently as the Department of Justice’s liaison to FEMA during major disasters. He has served as a National Park Service volunteer since 2007 and is a certified battlefield guide at Antietam National Battlefield. He led the guide service from 2011-2018 and is a co-founder of the Antietam Institute, where he currently serves as the Institute’s president. Jim completed his first book The Artillery of Antietam in 2023 and is currently working on an artillery atlas of the Maryland Campaign, scheduled for release in 2026. He lives with his family in Jefferson, Maryland.
Come join leading historians and scholars as they discuss intriguing topics about their latest works and research on the Maryland Campaign and the Civil War during the Antietam Institute’s Civil War Summer Lecture Series. See the complete 2026 schedule.
These indoor programs are held in McKinley Hall at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. The church is located at 209W Main Street with a small parking area off the alley. More parking is available on Main and Hall Streets. These lectures are free and open to the public. Each week, the Antietam Institute holds a drawing in which the proceeds support the Save Historic Antietam Foundation. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates and changes to the schedule.

Revolutionary Maryland: Freedom of the Press Then and Now
2026-08-25 09:00 - 2026-09-14 16:30 | The MOSAIC Center at Frederick Community College, 7932 Opposumtown Pike (Student Center H102), Frederick, MD, 21702
The Revolutionary Maryland: Freedom of the Press Then and Now traveling exhibition, which opened at the Arundel Center on Tuesday, January 13, and the Museum of Eastern Shore Culture on Saturday, January 17, explores the evolution of one of our most important American freedoms from its earliest incarnation in the Maryland Colony to its role in contemporary society. The multi-panel exhibit highlights archaeological investigations undertaken at the 18th century Jonas and Anne Catherine Green printshop, the importance of inclusive journalism outlets like Afro Charities, and the persistence of local new sources like those supported by the Tiny News Collective. Public programming in host communities will include companion exhibits, lecture panel presentations, and other opportunities to highlight local stories.
The free exhibition will be on display in Frederick Community College’s MOSAIC Center from 8/25 to 9/14 from 9AM -4:30 Monday through Friday.

Full Moon Sunset Hike
2026-08-28 19:30 | Washington Monument State Park, 6620 Zittlestown Rd, Middletown, MD, 21769
Meet at the base of the Washington Monument trail and walk up to the monument in time to watch the sun set over the Great Appalachian Valley. Appreciate the “Sturgeon Moon” before hiking back down. Flashlights or head lamps are suggested. Meet at Washington Monument State Park Museum. 7:30PM Space limited, registration required: SMRA.Interpreter@maryland.gov

Battle-Tempered: The Physical and Psychological Consequences of War
2026-08-29 08:30 | Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
Join the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and partner organizations for a unique one-day conference.
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Monocacy National Battlefield
“Character, Warrior Identity, and Moral Leadership: Union Colonel Charles Gilpin at Monocacy and in Peace”
Stephen A. Goldman, MD
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Visitor Center and Museum
10:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Caravan Battlefield Tour
Led by NPS Ranger and Public Historian Matt Borders
Noon
Lunch on your own in Frederick, Maryland
National Museum of Civil War Medicine self-tour
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
C. Burr Artz Public Library Frederick, Maryland
“‘Where We Were Fairly Treated’: Marylanders at the Gettysburg Seminary Hospital”
Codie Eash
Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
“Clara Barton, the Missing Soldiers Office, and What War Leaves in Its Wake”
Madeleine Thompson
Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Combat Veterans’ Experience Panel
REGISTRATION IS FREE AND REQUIRED! Please register at the link: https://68664.blackbaudhosting.com/68664/Battle-Tempered

The Battle of Henry House Hill at 1st Bull Run
2026-08-29 10:00 | Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 S. Center Street, Westminster, MD, 21157
Aug. 29th, Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM and Aug. 30th, Sunday 10 AM-3 PM
Battle reenactments will be Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 P.M.
The Battle of Henry House Hill at 1st Bull Run
The battle scenario will depict one of the climatic engagements of the 1st Battle of Bull Run/Manassas in 1861 where Stonewall Jackson earned his famous nickname by standing like a “stone wall.” The battle will feature the color and confusion of early Civil war units as both sides learn how to be soldiers while under fire for the first time.
Throughout the day Reenactors in full costume will demonstrate infantry drilling, artillery firing and camp life. Please note that the Camp will close at 2 PM on Sunday. Food is available for purchase at the event.
Admission: $10 per family, $5 per adult, $4 per senior (60 & over) FREE Parking.

Newcomer House Porch Program: International Play Music on the Porch Day
2026-08-29 10:30 | Newcomer House, 8422 Shepherdstown Pike, Keedysville, Maryland, 21756
Celebrate International Play Music on the Porch Day on Saturday, August 29 at the historic Newcomer House on the Antietam National Battlefield! The popular Hancock Civil War String Band will perform from 10:30 a.m. to approximately 11:45 a.m. with songs and stories of the Civil War that take visitors on a musical tour of the terrible conflict. The band has created a narrative that tells the story of the Civil War, slavery, Lincoln, Clara Barton, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and the conduct and the effects of the war. With a letter from Clara Barton or an entry from a soldier’s diary, the band will show how these Civil War songs still have meaning today. After a brief lunch break, all musicians in the audience will be invited to join an informal jam with the Hancock Civil War String Band. So bring your instrument and join in the fun! This program is FREE and open to the public.

Storytime in the Park
2026-08-31 09:00 | Gathland State Park, 900 Arnoldtown Rd, Jefferson, MD, 21755
Join the South Mountain Recreation Area for an all-ages, all-abilities story time at rotating parks! Ages 6 months and up, must be accompanied by a caregiver. Enjoy a nature-themed book and activity. Meet under the War Correspondents Arch.
