Box Lunch Talk: Stories in Cloth: Using Genealogy to Stitch Together the Past Presented by Amy Hunt
2026-08-18 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

One Vast Hospital - Downtown Frederick Walking Tour
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, 2026-09-05 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-09-06 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.

Interpreting South Mountain
2026-08-23 10:00 | 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.

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.

We've Come This Far By Faith
2026-08-30 15:00 | Hood College Coffman Chapel, 521 Coffman Chapel Drive, Frederick, MD, 21701
Attendees will join Master of Ceremonies Jacquie Gales Webb – a Peabody Award-winning producer, performer, and host of the number one Sunday Morning Gospel music program on 96.3 WHUR radio station – alongside local choirs including the Frederick County Mass Choir, All Saints Ringers Handbell Choir, and Hope Christian Fellowship Church’s Christian Liturgical Dance Team. This sacred program is designed to stir the soul, uplift the spirit, and illuminate the Heritage Center’s mission and the light of its forthcoming grand opening.
“We’ve Come This Far by Faith” promises an afternoon filled with song, prayer, praise, and deep reflection – honoring the courageous steps of our ancestors, remembering the enduring contributions of Frederick’s African American community, and rising together in faith toward a future of unity, love, and divine purpose.
“We are raising the roof of our very own Heritage Center this October. As we eagerly await its grand opening, let us gather in faith and raise a joyful noise together,” says Dr. Olivia White, President of AARCH Society. “Bring your family and friends—let us stand as one community, bound in spirit and hope.”

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.

How 'Bout Them Owls?
2026-08-31 10:00 | Gathland State Park, 900 Arnoldtown Rd, Jefferson, MD, 21755
There are 8 species of owls in Maryland. Can you tell them apart? Learn about the amazing adaptations owls have developed to hunt and survive. Meet at gazebo #2 in Greenbrier Park day-use area, 10AM.

A Farmer, a Physician, and a General: Henry Rohrbach, Nathan Mayer, and Isaac P. Rodman – John Schildt
2026-08-31 19:00 | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 209 W Main Street, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782, United States
The Antietam Institute will wrap up their Summer Lecture Series on August 31, with esteemed local historian John Schildt presenting “A Farmer, a Physician, and a General: Henry Rohrbach, Nathan Mayer, and Isaac P. Rodman.” Although not on the battlefield proper, the Henry Rohrbach farm sat just east of the Lower Bridge and would serve as a staging area for the Federal forces, a headquarters, and a hospital on September 17, 1862. A farmer, Henry Rohrbach; a surgeon, Dr. Nathan Mayer; and a soldier, General Isaac P. Rodman, would share the trauma of war at the house and barn of the Rohrbach farmstead.
Reverend John Schildt graduated from Shepherd College, Wesley Theological Seminary and has studied at Western Maryland College, Gettysburg Seminary and West Virginia University. John’s first book, September Echoes, published in 1960, was the first on Antietam since Francis Palfrey in 1887. This led to an appointment to the Maryland Centennial Committee. He wrote the account of the battle for the Official Centennial Program and was the guest speaker for the 125h anniversary. John has been a lecturer and guide for several Civil War organizations, Round Tables, and many other groups. John led his first tour of Antietam in 1958. Since then, 2,000 additional tours have followed. John has written over thirty-five books relating the various aspects of the Maryland Campaign of 1862 and local history. This list includes Drums along the Antietam, Roads to Antietam, Four Days in October, Islands of Mercy, and Roads to Gettysburg. He and his wife and daughter live in Sharpsburg.
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, 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.

Free Admission for the Month of September - Heritage Frederick
2026-09-01 10:00 - 2026-09-27 16:00 | Heritage Frederick, 24 E Church ST, Frederick, Maryland, 21701
Heritage Frederick is so excited to announce that due to a generous contribution from The Frederick County US Semiquincentennial Commission, they will be offering FREE ADMISSION all September long!! Come dive into Frederick’s diverse history as told through their 2026 exhibits. With galleries showcasing Frederick in the Revolution, the County’s goldfish industry, a look at All Saints St, and more, there is something for everyone. Visit Thursday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.

Troops through Time (Living History Event)
2026-09-05 10:00 | Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
Join in celebrating America’s 250th with a weekend of living history. Reenactors from 1775 through WWII and beyond will be on site to demonstrate the life of a soldier in some of our most notable struggles to preserve freedom. Camps open to public from 10-4. Events include living history demonstrations, Civil War Field Music performances and Civil War Artillery demonstrations. Guest Speakers will give talks on a variety of military topics throughout the day.

Tolson's Chapel Open House
2026-09-05 10:00 | Tolson’s Chapel, 111 E. High St., Sharpsburg, MD, 21782
Open House 1oam – 2pm.
Tolson’s Chapel is open the first Saturday of every month between April and October. Onsite docent(s) will explain the historical significance of Tolson’s Chapel from its inception in 1866 as the spiritual and educational center of a vibrant and newly freed community of African American families in Sharpsburg, MD.

"Ancestors at Antietam" - William Campbell, 34th NY and Bennett Livingston, 13th NJ
2026-09-05 14:00 | Antietam Institute Education Center, 101 W Main Street, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782
Join the Antietam Institute on September 5 as Institute member Cindy Cohrs-Brandt explores the battlefield experiences of two Union regiments at Antietam: the veteran 34th New York and the newly raised 13th New Jersey. Shaped by prior combat in the Peninsular Campaign, the 34th New York entered the battle as seasoned soldiers, while the 13th New Jersey faced its first engagement only weeks after mustering in. Each regiment confronted its own distinct challenges on the field at Antietam. Cindy’s ancestor presentation is called, Discovering my Antietam roots: William Campbell, 34th New York and Bennett Livingston, 13th New Jersey.
A native of New Jersey, Cindy’s interest in the Civil War began in childhood when she walked Pickett’s Charge with her father. That experience left a lasting impression and sparked a fascination that grew into a lifelong passion for Civil War history.
Cindy holds a BA in American History from Drew University, a Master’s in Library Science from Emory University, and a Master’s in Teaching from Montclair State University. After working as a corporate librarian, she now serves as a school librarian, where she enjoys sharing her love of history and research with her students.
Through her interest in genealogy, Cindy discovered two Civil War ancestors—one from each side of her family—deepening her personal connection to the conflict. Antietam is her favorite battlefield, where both ancestors fought in close proximity, and visiting all the battlefields where they served remains a lifelong goal.

An Evening with Brady Crytzer
2026-09-09 19:00 | National Road Museum, 214 N. Main Street, Boonsboro, MD, 21713
Join the National Road Museum on the evening of Wednesday, September 9, as they welcome award-winning author and historian Brady Crytzer to discuss his new book, “The National Road – George Washington and America’s First Highway West.”

Liberty in Context: American Voices
2026-09-10 15:30 | Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD, 21702
American Voices is a community reading event recognizing the stories, ideas, and experiences that have shaped our nation over the past 250 years. Through speeches, letters, poems, songs, and historical documents, participants will bring America’s history to life by sharing the words of those who helped define our past and inspire our future.
Thursday September 10 at 3:30pm
JBK Theater, free event, advance registration is recommended. Please register here.

Demystifying Linseed Oil Paint
2026-09-12 09:00 | Saylor House in Kiwanis Park, 371 Dynasty Dr, Hagerstown, MD, 21740
Join the Washington County Historical Trust at the historic Saylor House for a one-day, hands-on training in surface preparation and the proper application of linseed oil paint. Participants work directly with the material to understand substrate readiness, thin-coat application techniques, and finishing methods, gaining practical confidence in using linseed oil paint from first coat through final finish. On September 26, you are invited to an optional day to practice your newly acquired skills as part of the Saylor House restoration.

164th Commemoration of the Battle of South Mountain / Crampton's Gap
2026-09-12 10:00 | Shafer Farm, 1606 Gapland Rd., Jefferson, MD, 21755
The Burkittsville Preservation Association is proud to host two days of living history, education and fun at the Shafer Farm outside of Burkittsville, Maryland! This event will commemorate the 164th anniversary of the Battle of South Mountain, specifically the fighting at Crampton’s Gap.
Beginning at 10am, the living history camps will be open to the public at Shafer Farm on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 2026. Shafer Farm was a major camp for the United States VI Corps prior to the fighting at Crampton’s Gap. Living history reenactors will portray camp life on campaign, the struggles of the civilian population and give firing demonstrations periodically throughout the day.
There will also be guest speakers on site in the Shafer Barn discussing the fighting at South Mountain and the men who took part in that battle.
Saturday: Camps open at 10am, close at 5pm
Lectures are at 12 and 2pm with potential firing demonstrations at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
Sunday: Camps open at 10am, close at 2pm
Lecture at 12pm with firing demonstrations at 11am and 1pm.
