Heart of the Civil War

One Vast Hospital - Downtown Frederick Walking Tour
2026-04-18 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-19 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-04-25 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-26 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-05-02 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-05-03 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-05-09 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-05-10 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) and 2 more dates | 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.

A Heart Touched By Fire: Union Nurse Cornelia Hancock’s Civil War
2026-04-18 14:00 | National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 21701, United States
In 1863, Cornelia Hancock, a 23-year-old Quaker girl, wrote “After my only brother and every other male relative and friend that we possessed had gone to War, I deliberately came to the conclusion that I, too, would go and serve my country.” Two days after the great Battle of Gettysburg she was the first woman to reach the Union Army of the Potomac’s 2nd Corps Hospital. Hancock served as a nurse for the remainder of the war. Well known during the war, she is little remembered today. Author Carolyn Ivanoff will tell Hancock’s story through her own words and annotated letters. This program highlights the events and tragedies of Civil War from a woman’s point of view.
Carolyn Ivanoff is a retired high school administrator and independent historian. She has won several awards for her historical work and presentations. Previous to her new book on Cornelia Hancock, Ivanoff authored “We Fought at Gettysburg,” which features first-hand accounts by the survivors of the 17th Connecticut Infantry and their experiences on the greatest battlefield of the Civil War.

Members Only: Learning to Look
2026-04-18 14:00 | The Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD, 21158, United States
You can get your hands on one-of-a-kind objects at the Union Mills Homestead’s very first Members Only program!
Learning to look is a unique workshop where the Union Mills Homestead’s Executive Director will personally walk you through how to handle and examine original pieces from their collections. Unlock exceptional stories of the people who lived at the Homestead in centuries past and take home new skills with a suggested donation of $10.
Reserve your spot by emailing at: info@unionmills.org
You can become a member today through the Union Mills Homestead’s website: https://unionmills.org/membership/

Junior Ranger Day
2026-04-19 10:00 | Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
Join National Park Service rangers and living history volunteers for Junior Ranger Day! Guests will be encouraged to do participate in the Monocacy National Battlefield Junior Ranger program, earning their Junior Ranger badge if they complete at least five activities. In addition, guests are invited to “enlist” with Monocacy National Battlefield living history volunteers who will be teaching both infantry and artillery drills to anyone who would like to take part. How did soldiers move and fight on Monocacy National Battlefield? How long did it take to load a cannon? You will find out with this fun, hands on activity.

Revolutionary Times in Burkittsville
2026-04-19 14:00 | Zion Lutheran Church, 107 West Main Street, Middletown, MD, 21769
The historic village of Burkittsville was founded on a crossroads that has linked it to the broader story of the United States for over 250 years. As our country marks its Semiquincentennial anniversary in 2026, South Mountain Heritage Society (SMHS) is opening a special exhibition exploring the role Burkittsville and the surrounding communities of the lower Middletown Valley have played throughout the 18th and 19th centuries in our nation’s founding.
Jody Brumage is an active Frederick County public historian and current Archivist and Museum Manager for Heritage Frederick and President, Historian and Curator of SMHS. Jody will provide an overview of the SMHS exhibit and share some of the unique stories and artifacts of Revolutionary times in the Burkittsville area.

Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Sons of the American Revolution Speaker Series
2026-04-19 15:00 | C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E Patrick Street, Frederick, MD, 21701
Presented by Dr. John George
Of all the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, only one was Roman Catholic, and among the wealthiest men in colonial America. He was Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Frederick County’s own Signer.
This presentation describes Carroll’s Irish roots, the early Maryland settlement, his European education, and his many reasons for supporting Maryland’s independence from British rule. Carroll’s legacy includes contributions to the Bill of Rights, transportation, agriculture, and commerce. Also Included are the interesting roles of his descendants.
Location: C. Burr Artz Library, Programming Room

Carroll 250: Patriots Buried in Carroll County Cemeteries
2026-04-20 18:30 | Exploration Commons, Westminster Branch of Carroll County Public Library, 50 East Main Street, Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
Presenters: James Engler and John Laycock, members of the Westminster Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution
Description: There are an estimated 60 Revolutionary War patriots buried in Carroll County across several cemeteries. Many of these are known, but many more are likely lost to history. It is important to remember our patriot ancestors. This talk will provide an overview of family cemeteries, church cemeteries, and town cemeteries located in the county and discuss patriots buried there.
Registration is required for this event. Please register at the link.

Box Lunch Talk: Memories of Oakland Mills Before the Building of Liberty Reservoir Presented by The Liberty Reservoir History Group
2026-04-21 12:00 | Historical Society of Carroll County – Shriver-Weybright Auditorium, 210 East Main Street, Westminster, MD, 21157
The town of Oakland Mills existed in the Southeast corner of Carroll County prior to its demolition by Baltimore City to facilitate the damming of the North Branch of the Patapsco River. This talk features two speakers, one who lived in the town prior to the reservoir and the other whose mother was born and raised in Oakland Mills while her father grew up on a farm on Ridge Road. They are cousins and will share personal and family memories of the town, events surrounding the closing of the mill, destruction of the town and with it….a way of life.
The Liberty Reservoir History Group is an informal gathering of individuals who meet monthly to capture the history of the land and life stories of the people impacted by the building of Liberty Reservoir which was completed in 1953.
Elaine McLaughlin and Wallie Meeks are members who shared their childhood memories at previous group meetings and now have a chance to share them with you!
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.
Questions? Please contact Laura Bankard, Outreach & Events Director at lbankard@hsccmd.org or 410.848.6494 ext. 200.

Park Day 2026!
2026-04-25 10:00 | Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
One of Monocacy National Battlefield’s biggest volunteer opportunities of the year! Park Day brings in volunteers from all over Frederick County and beyond to assist Monocacy National Battlefield on a variety of projects. These include, but are not limited to:
* Weeding
* Planting
* Litter patrol on the trails
* Invasive species removal
Forms and gloves will be provided, please dress appropriate for the weather and be prepared to get dirty!

Indie Bookstore Day at Curious Iguana!
2026-04-25 10:00 | Curious Iguana, 12 N. Market Street, Frederick, MD, 21701
Save the Date: Saturday, April 25 is Indie Bookstore Day! Curious Iguana is excited for warmer weather and celebrating independent bookstores everywhere, so come out to show some readerly love! In store at Curious Iguana, search the shelves for the hidden Golden Ticket from Libro.fm to win 12 audiobook credits! While you’re there, be sure to grab your Bookstore Crawl Passport. Also, the first 30 customers who spend $50 or more will receive a FREE, exclusive Indie Bookstore Day tote bag! We will also have a select number of these totes available for purchase individually. See you there!

History Distilled: Alcohol & The Civil War Era
2026-04-30 18:30 | Pathfinder Farm Distillery Tasting Room and Cocktail Bar, 14 S. Main Street, Boonsboro, MD, 21713
Join us at Pathfinder Farm Distillery Tasting Room for a night of local spirits and history!

Pathfinder is thrilled to host “History Distilled,” an open-house storytelling event. Grab a signature Pathfinder cocktail and settle in as three captivating historians explore the fascinating and often rugged connection between alcohol and the American Civil War era.

Meet Our Speakers:

Travis Shaw, Director of Education at the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area With over two decades of experience in archaeology and historic preservation, Travis is a dedicated public historian who has shared his expertise through numerous articles and historical films.
Emily Huebner, Director of Operations and Programs for Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area. A specialist in Maryland history, Emily previously worked with the Maryland State Archives on the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland project and has a deep background in researching the state’s complex past.
Mallory Huard, Assistant Professor of History at Hood College A scholar of 19th-century U.S. history, Mallory specializes in the intersections of commerce and society and currently teaches courses on the American Civil War and environmental history.

This is an open-house style event. No stuffy lectures here—just great stories, good company, and excellent whiskey. Come out, support your local distillery, and learn something new about the high-proof history of our region.

Flower & Plant Market
2026-05-01 11:00 | The Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD, 21158, United States
Join the Union Mills Homestead when they open the 2026 season with their 56th Annual Flower & Plant Market! Come see beautiful selections of your favorite regionally grown: Native Plants Hanging Baskets Annuals/Perennials Vegetable Plants and Herbs Shrubs and Trees Heirloom Vegetables Browse the Tannery and wagons for the perfect additions to your garden. Visit the Gardener’s Corner for gently used books, pots, containers, and other garden-related bargains. Browse the booths of craft and garden-related vendors.
Schedule: Friday Early-Bird Selections — have the first pick of the unique selection of quality plants! Kountry Kafe Catering will feature a light luncheon menu. Craft vendors will join for the afternoon. Saturday and Sunday Tannery and wagons full of locally grown flowers, shrubs, vegetables and herbs. Garden-related vendors. Kountry Kafe Catering will feature your lunch menu favorites. Historic House and Mill tours from noon – 4 pm (last combination tour starts at 3). Saturday only – children’s activity table provided by the Littlestown Garden Club.

Inside the Farms of Monocacy
2026-05-02 09:00 | Best Farm (Tour Stop #1), Urbana Pike, Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick, MD, 21742, United States
The Battle of Monocacy was fought amongst the farms, fields, and forests along the Monocacy River on July 9, 1864. Each of the farms, and the people who lived on them, were impacted by the battle.
On May 2nd, 2026, join Monocacy National Battlefield Rangers and volunteers as they explore two of these farms. Guests should meet at Best Farm, tour stop #1 on Monocacy National Battlefield at 9am on May 2, 2026. At tour stop #1 you’ll look at the long legacy of the Best Farm. Located on the north end of the battlefield landscape, the Best Farm has a legacy far beyond the Civil War.
After Best Farm, guests will be encouraged to join the ranger staff at tour stop #2, the Worthington Farm. Guests should meet at Worthington Farm by 11am for the tour of Worthington Farm. This farm has a deep importance to the history of the campaign and the establishment of Monocacy National Battlefield itself. Space is limited at both farms, so please contact Monocacy National Battlefield via email, mono_mail@nps.gov or by calling 301-662-3515 to make your reservation.

"Ancestors at Antietam" - Virginia Mumma Hildebrand: The 70 Year Journey of the Antietam Remembered Manuscript
2026-05-02 14:00 | Antietam Institute Education Center, 101 W Main Street, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782
Virginia Mumma Hildebrand (1901–1982) grew up in Sharpsburg, Maryland. Virginia’s grandfather was Samuel Mumma Jr. (1838–1925), and her grandmother was Frances Reichard Mumma (1844–1883). Virginia’s great-grandfather was Samuel Mumma Sr. (1800–1876), and great-grandmother was Elizabeth Miller Mumma (1816–1886), owners of the Mumma farm in the middle of the battlefield.
The September 17, 1862, Battle of Antietam destroyed Samuel and Elizabeth Mumma’s family of ten’s home, barn, outbuildings, crops, and all of their personal property, save a few personal items and the clothes they were wearing when they evacuated.
Over her lifetime, Virginia Mumma Hildebrand listened to stories from family members and residents of Sharpsburg who were present during the battle. In her youth, she attended reunions held on the battlefield by past combatants from the North and South and listened to and recorded their stories. Many of these veterans convalesced from horrible wounds and illnesses in local homes and field hospitals for months and formed lifelong friendships with residents. Between 1956 and 1960, Virginia developed a draft manuscript for a new book called “Antietam Remembered” with plans to release it in time for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam held August 31 through September 17, 1962. Unfortunately, after five years’ work and bringing the manuscript to near completion, she took ill, and a series of circumstances left the work unpublished.
Despite her best efforts, her manuscript was never formally published as a finished work. One bound copy of the 1959 draft resides in the Western Maryland Room of the Washington County Free Library in Hagerstown, Maryland. In 2024, Virginia’s grandson Michael Hildebrand took on the task of updating and completing Antietam Remembered.
Mr. Michael Hildebrand had a fifty-one-year career in hazardous materials emergency planning and response. During his career, he held professional positions with the National Transportation Safety Board, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the American Petroleum Institute. He was a successful consultant for 27 years, completing more than 700 emergency planning and response projects throughout the United States and internationally. Michael is an experienced technical writer and has worked on 18 different textbook projects. He is the co-author of six textbooks currently in print on emergency response, including Hazardous Materials: Managing the Incident, 5th edition (2024), now in its 37th year of continuous print. Michael grew up in Hagerstown, Maryland, and spent many days visiting Sharpsburg, the Antietam Battlefield, and hunting relics on the Mumma family farm. He is a self-described Civil War history buff. These monthly “Ancestors at Antietam” talks are free and open to the public – anyone may attend – and you do not need to register. The talks will be held at the Institute’s Education Center at 101W Main Street, Sharpsburg, beginning at 2 pm.

Catoctin Furnace Outdoor Theater Festival
2026-05-14 19:00 - 2026-05-17 19:00 | Catoctin Furnace, 12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, Maryland, 21788
On May 14-17, join the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society for theater under the stars at four nightly performances of Iron Will, a tale of American colonists and enslaved African Americans who are both fighting for their freedom. Walk through the quaint village of Catoctin Furnace as the play unfolds. Combine it with a trip to the Maryland Iron Festival during the day on Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17. Tickets are $25 in advance at catoctinfurnace.org/theater/

The Maryland Iron Festival
2026-05-16 10:00 - 2026-05-17 10:00 | Catoctin Furnace, 12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, Maryland, 21788
The Maryland Iron Festival Celebrates 250! May 16-17
It’s the 250th birthday of our country and of Catoctin Furnace, home of the Maryland Iron Festival, and they’re pulling out all the stops. Join for a patriotic weekend of family fun, tours of the village, food trucks, live music, a beer and wine garden, a makers’ market, kids’ activities, an antique car show, and the exciting 2,800-degree molten iron pour at 1 pm on Saturday. You can purchase molds to carve in advance and take home your own cast iron tile. For the full schedule and information about parking and shuttle service, go to catoctinfurnace.org/mif/. A celebration like this only happens once every 250 years!

Mount Airy Civil War Living History Experience
2026-05-16 12:00 | Mount Airy MD Museum, 1 N. Main Street, Mount Airy, MD, 21771
Join the Historical Society of Mount Airy at the Mount Airy Museum on Saturday May 16, noon-4pm, to experience The Living History Battalion as they will portray Company G of the 3rd Maryland Potomac Home Brigade. This company was stationed in Mt. Airy from 1863 to 1864. In July 1864, they were sent to Frederick and participated in the Battle of Monocacy. Besides guarding the railroad at Mt. Airy, Company G also sent patrols through Carroll and Frederick Counties capturing and guarding confederate and political prisoners, as well as protecting the polls during elections. Throughout the day, there will be displays on Company G activities and lessons on the “life of a soldier.” Bring the family for a fun learning experience where the kids can march and drill with members of the Company! The Mount Airy Museum is located inside the historic Train Station at 1 N. Main Street, Mount Airy, MD.

Monocacy's Lost Battalions
2026-05-16 14:00 | National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 21701, United States
At the Battle of Monocacy, fought July 9, 1864, Union troops launched a desperate attempt to delay a Confederate advance on Washington, D.C. Throughout the battle, the Federal commanders, Maj. Gen. Lew Wallace and Brig. Gen. James Ricketts, waited for additional reinforcements that never came. Where was the rest of Rickett’s command? Nearly a thousand of his men failed to reach the battlefield on July 9. Park Ranger Matt Borders will unravel the fascinating story of what happened to them, and where they were found.

The History of the Middletown Volunteer Fire Company
2026-05-17 14:00 | Middletown Volunteer Fire Company Activity Building, 1 Fireman's Lane, Middletown, MD, 21769
Please join the Middletown Valley Historical Society on Sunday, May 17, at 2 pm, at the Middletown Volunteer Fire Company (MVFC) Activities Building, 1 Fireman’s Lane, Middletown, when Brian Beaulieu, Executive Board Member of the MVFC, will present the History of the Middletown Volunteer Fire Company.
Brian will describe the Fire Company’s progression from 1803 until today.
Fire service in the area dates back to at least 1803, although the department was not officially founded until January 26, 1894. Records indicate that a major fire in 1892 at the old tannery made clear the need for organized fire protection in Middletown.
After Brian’s talk, around 3:30 pm, guests and children are invited to visit the Middletown Volunteer Fire Station where he will showcase some of the Company’s special fire equipment from the past and present. Refreshments served at both locations.

Box Lunch Talk: A Tribute to Carroll County’s Hometown Heroes Presented by Steve Bowersox
2026-05-19 12:00 | Historical Society of Carroll County – Shriver-Weybright Auditorium, 210 East Main Street, Westminster, MD, 21157
Remembering the reason for Memorial Day by paying Tribute to several of Carroll’s war casualties. Steve will speak about five soldiers from various conflicts and tell their stories.
Steve is a member of the Board of Trustees at the Historical Society of Carroll County. He is a lifetime resident of Westminster and is retired from the Carroll County Public School system. He loves history in general and is particularly fond of Westminster History.
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.
Questions? Please contact Laura Bankard, Outreach & Events Director at lbankard@hsccmd.org or 410.848.6494 ext. 200.

Boonsboro Historical Society "Show and Tell"
2026-05-19 18:00 | Boonsboro Free Library, 401 Potomac Street, Boonsboro, MD, 21713
The Boonsboro Historical Society invites community members to present artifacts or family heirlooms related to the history of Boonsboro and Washington County on Tuesday, May 19th 6pm-8pm at the Boonsboro Free Library.
In the interest of time, individual presentations will be limited to ensure all guests may participate. We ask you bring only one item and it be reasonably sized. Please be advised that firearms are not permitted on the premises. We look forward to an evening of local history and shared stories.
